10 Steps to Implement Robust Data Encryption in Your Database

Data breaches are a constant threat that can lead to financial loss, reputational damage, and legal repercussions. 

Fortunately, data encryption acts as a powerful shield, safeguarding your sensitive database. It includes smart data protection capabilities that protect your data from potential attacks. 

You can implement robust data encryption methods in your database to improve the security posture of your business.

In this post, you’ll learn ten steps to implement better data encryption.

Step 1: Data Classification

You must properly classify your data before initiating the encryption process. Not all data necessitates the same level of protection. Identify data that falls under classifications such as personally identifiable information (PII), financial information, intellectual property, and healthcare records. This classification empowers you to determine the appropriate data protection options for your chosen database.

Step 2: The Encryption Algorithm Problem

The foundation of the security posture of your data is the encryption algorithm you choose. It determines how your information gets jumbled and then rearranged. Here’s a breakdown of the two primary encryption algorithm categories to consider:

• Symmetric Encryption: With this technique, encryption and decryption are accomplished using a single, shared secret key. It has benefits in terms of simplicity and speed, but careful administration and safe key distribution are required. AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) and 3DES (3DES) are popular options.

• Asymmetric Encryption: For encryption and decryption, this method uses a key pair: a public key. Although more computationally demanding, it offers improved security. Cryptography with an elliptic curve (ECC) and RSA are popular choices.

Step 3: Key Management

Encryption keys function as the core element of your overall security framework. They possess the power to both unlock and safeguard your sensitive information. Here’s how to ensure their unwavering protection:

• Use a strong key creation mechanism to generate unpredictable and random keys. Don’t use passwords or personal information that can be guessed easily.
• Store your encryption keys separately from your data on a different server. Think about using Hardware Security Modules (HSMs) to store keys securely.

Step 4: Granular Access Control

An established access control plan is required before access to encrypted data can be granted. Apply the least privilege principle, which states that users should only be allowed access to the information necessary for their particular responsibilities. 

You can use different functions, such as user authentication and authorization, to carefully limit unwanted access attempts.

Step 5: Encryption Throughout the Data Lifecycle

Data security is more than just safeguarding the data that is at rest in your data server. Data security during transmission, or “data in transit,” is equally important. Here’s a two-pronged approach:

• Encrypt Data at Rest: Encrypt the files when storing files on your servers. This guarantees that an attacker cannot interpret the data, even if they get to access your storage.
• Encrypt Data in Transit: Use protocols like Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) and Transport Layer Security (TLS) to encrypt data that is transferred between your database and apps or other systems.

Step 6: Backup and Recovery 

Even with the strongest encryption procedures in place, unanticipated things can happen. Make regular backups of your encrypted files. Remember that the backups themselves must be encrypted to protect the confidentiality of your data. 

Create a clear disaster recovery plan as well. This plan must include instructions on how to restore your encrypted data in case of an attack or outage.

Step 7: Testing and Monitoring

Do not wait for an attack to happen before examining your encryption settings. Perform routine penetration tests to find weaknesses in your encryption deployment. Keep an eye out for any strange trends or uncertain access attempts in your database activities, since they may indicate a possible security risk.

Step 8: User Education

Everyone has a shared responsibility for data security. Inform your staff members about the value of data encryption and the appropriate ways to handle confidential data. This involves educating users about phishing attempts and the social engineering techniques used by online fraudsters.

Step 9: Legal Compliance Considerations

Depending on your industry and region, several laws control data security and privacy. Specific encryption requirements and data breach reporting procedures may be mandated by this legislation. 

Learn about relevant laws, such as:

• The California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) in the US
• The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in the EU
• Industry-specific laws such as HIPAA for healthcare data. 

It helps you ensure that your encryption procedures adhere to these requirements. It can help you avoid legal consequences in the case of a breach, along with displaying your dedication to data safety.

Step 10: Implement Continuous Improvement 

Your encryption solutions must also always evolve in line with the state of cybersecurity. Keep up with new vulnerabilities and threats. Review and improve your encryption procedures regularly to provide the best possible data security. 

Adopt an approach of constant improvement and look for ways to proactively improve your database’s defenses against changing attackers.

Taking the Next Step

You can take charge of your data security with the help of data encryption. You can establish trust with your stakeholders and a strong defense against cyberattacks by implementing the guidelines in this guide. 

However, it is highly recommended that you contact a certified security specialist if you need any additional help or have particular queries about your database encryption journey. They can offer specialized counsel and solutions to meet your particular needs in terms of data security.

Bottom Line

Putting strong database encryption on your servers protects the most valuable assets in your company and its sensitive data. You can start the process of creating a robust barrier around your database by implementing these ten steps. Keep in mind that a complete data security strategy involves more than just data encryption. Combine it with user guidance, access controls, and frequent security audits to create a strong wall around your important data.