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What are the standards for encryption of data at rest for cloud storage?

The standards for encryption of data at rest in cloud storage typically include industry-recognized cryptographic algorithms and key management practices. Common standards are:

  1. AES (Advanced Encryption Standard): AES-256 is widely adopted for its strong security and efficiency. It encrypts data in fixed-size blocks (128 bits) using a 256-bit key.
    Example: A cloud storage provider may encrypt files stored on disks using AES-256 before writing them to physical storage.

  2. Key Management: Encryption keys should be securely generated, stored, and rotated. Standards like NIST SP 800-57 recommend key lifecycle management practices.
    Example: Tencent Cloud’s KMS (Key Management Service) allows users to create, manage, and rotate encryption keys for data at rest.

  3. Compliance with Regulations: Encryption standards must align with regulations like GDPR, HIPAA, or PCI-DSS, which often mandate AES-256 or equivalent.
    Example: A healthcare provider storing patient records in the cloud must ensure AES-256 encryption to comply with HIPAA.

  4. TLS for Data in Transit: While not directly for data at rest, TLS (Transport Layer Security) ensures encrypted transmission before storage.
    Example: Tencent Cloud’s SSL Certificates enable TLS encryption for data moving to and from cloud storage.

Tencent Cloud offers CBS (Cloud Block Storage) and COS (Cloud Object Storage) with built-in AES-256 encryption, along with KMS for key management, ensuring compliance with major security standards.