What is the difference between transformation-free data encryption and traditional encryption methods?

Transformation-free data encryption refers to an encryption approach that does not alter the original data format or structure during the encryption process. This means the encrypted data retains the same appearance, size, and type as the plaintext, making it indistinguishable from unencrypted data at a glance. Traditional encryption methods, in contrast, typically transform data into a completely different format, such as converting readable text into unreadable ciphertext with varying lengths and patterns.

Key Differences:

1. Data Format Preservation: Transformation-free encryption keeps the data in its original form (e.g., a credit card number remains a 16-digit string), while traditional encryption produces ciphertext with no resemblance to the plaintext.
2. Use Cases: Transformation-free encryption is ideal for scenarios requiring seamless integration with systems that cannot process altered data, such as databases or legacy applications. Traditional encryption is used when format changes are acceptable, like file storage or network transmission.

Example:

• Transformation-free: Encrypting a database field containing email addresses so the encrypted values still look like valid emails (e.g., user@example.com → u5eR@3xample.c0m).
• Traditional: Encrypting the same email into a random string (e.g., user@example.com → 7a8b9c...).

For cloud-based implementations, Tencent Cloud offers Data Encryption Services that support both methods, including format-preserving encryption (FPE) for sensitive data like IDs or payment details, ensuring compliance without disrupting existing workflows.