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How is data encryption used in cloud computing?

Created on 2025-07-04 14:25:46
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Data encryption in cloud computing is used to protect data by converting it into an unreadable format during storage, transmission, or processing. This ensures that even if unauthorized parties access the data, they cannot decipher it without the encryption keys. Encryption is applied at multiple layers, including data at rest (stored data), data in transit (data moving between systems), and data in use (data being processed).

Types of Encryption in Cloud Computing:

  1. Data at Rest Encryption: Protects stored data on cloud servers. For example, files stored in a cloud storage bucket are encrypted using AES-256 (Advanced Encryption Standard).

    • Example: A company stores sensitive customer records in a cloud object storage service. The data is encrypted before being written to the disk, ensuring protection even if the physical storage is compromised.

  2. Data in Transit Encryption: Secures data moving between users, applications, or cloud services. TLS (Transport Layer Security) is commonly used for this purpose.

    • Example: When a user accesses a web application hosted on the cloud, the communication between the user's browser and the cloud server is encrypted using HTTPS (HTTP over TLS).

  3. Data in Use Encryption: Protects data while it is being processed in memory. This is more complex and often requires specialized technologies like homomorphic encryption (still emerging).

    • Example: A cloud-based analytics platform processes encrypted financial data without decrypting it, ensuring privacy during computation.

Cloud Provider Solutions:
Cloud platforms offer managed encryption services to simplify implementation. For instance, Tencent Cloud provides KMS (Key Management Service) to create and manage encryption keys, and COS (Cloud Object Storage) automatically encrypts data at rest. Additionally, Tencent Cloud supports SSL/TLS certificates for securing data in transit.

Use Case Example:
A healthcare provider stores patient records in Tencent Cloud’s COS with server-side encryption enabled. The data is encrypted using keys managed via KMS, and access logs are monitored to ensure compliance with regulations like HIPAA. When doctors access records via a web portal, the connection is secured with TLS, ensuring end-to-end protection.