What are the best practices for implementing database storage encryption?

Best Practices for Implementing Database Storage Encryption

1. Encrypt Data at Rest
   Use strong encryption algorithms (e.g., AES-256) to encrypt database files stored on disk. This ensures data remains protected even if physical storage is compromised.
   Example: Configure database systems like MySQL or PostgreSQL to use built-in encryption features or rely on OS-level encryption (e.g., LUKS for Linux).
   Tencent Cloud Service: Use Tencent Cloud TDSQL with built-in encryption for data at rest, or leverage Cloud Block Storage (CBS) with encryption enabled.

2. Encrypt Data in Transit
   Secure data moving between clients and the database using TLS/SSL. This prevents interception during transmission.
   Example: Enforce SSL connections for PostgreSQL by configuring sslmode=require in connection strings.

3. Key Management
   Store encryption keys separately from the database using a dedicated key management service (KMS). Rotate keys periodically.
   Example: Use AWS KMS (or Tencent Cloud Key Management Service (KMS)) to manage and rotate encryption keys securely.

4. Access Control
   Restrict access to encrypted data and keys using role-based access control (RBAC). Only authorized users or services should have decryption privileges.
   Example: Implement database roles in PostgreSQL to limit who can query sensitive encrypted tables.

5. Performance Considerations
   Encrypting data can impact performance. Use hardware acceleration (e.g., Intel AES-NI) or optimized encryption libraries to minimize overhead.
   Example: Test encryption performance with tools like pgbench for PostgreSQL before production deployment.

6. Backup Encryption
   Ensure database backups are encrypted to prevent unauthorized access to stored copies.
   Example: Use Tencent Cloud CBS Snapshots with encryption enabled for automated backup protection.

7. Compliance and Auditing
   Follow industry standards (e.g., GDPR, HIPAA) and log encryption-related activities for auditing.
   Example: Enable audit logs in Tencent Cloud Database Audit (DBAudit) to track access to encrypted data.

Tencent Cloud Service Recommendations:

• Tencent Cloud TDSQL: Managed database with encryption support.
• Cloud Block Storage (CBS): Encrypted storage volumes.
• Key Management Service (KMS): Secure key lifecycle management.
• Database Audit (DBAudit): Compliance and access monitoring.