Cloud encryption is one of the most effective technologies for protecting data against breaches. However, organizations that migrate their data to the cloud face an encryption dilemma as cloud service providers (CSPs), by default, retain access to their customers’ encryption keys and, by extension, their data.
Entrusting a third-party CSP with data control creates potential weaknesses in data security. Fortunately, implementing BYOK—that is, Bring Your Own Key—can help protect the cryptographic keys used to encrypt cloud-stored data.
What Is BYOK?
Bring Your Own Key (BYOK), or Bring Your Own Encryption (BYOE), is a data protection model that allows cloud service customers to use their own encryption key management software and fully control their encryption keys.
BYOK allows customers to use their own key management software to store keys outside the cloud, providing more control over encryption key management.
How Does BYOK Work?
The fundamental idea behind BYOK is to separate the lock, i.e. the CSP-provided encryption, from the key (the locally stored encryption keys). This is accomplished by using a third party to produce keys known as key encryption keys (KEKs) that are then used to encrypt the CSP-generated data encryption keys (DEKs).
The above process is known as key wrapping; it involves “wrapping” the DEK using the KEK to ensure only the cloud service customer can decrypt the DEK and access the data stored in the CSP.
When choosing a third party for KEK generation and key wrapping, you’re able to opt for an on-premiseshardware security module (HSM)or a software-based key management system (KMS).
Why Is BYOK Important?
Data holds immense value for everyone, underscoring the importance of implementing BYOK to protect it. Here are the top reasons to implement BYOK.
Improves Data Security
BYOK provides an added layer of protection for sensitive data by separating the encrypted information from the associated key. With BYOK, organizations can store encrypted keys outside the cloud using their encryption key management software. This ensures only they can access their data, enhancing data security.
Enhances Compliance
Businesses in various sectors must comply with industry-specific regulations for encryption key management.
For instance, highly regulated industries, including healthcare and finance, require adherence to strict data security standards. BYOK enables organizations to meet these requirements by managing their encryption keys internally.
It isn’t easy to guarantee customers’ data privacy when someone else has access to their encryption keys. Securing data ensures compliance with regulatory requirements and industry standards and so protects an organization’s reputation.
BYOK provides visibility into how data is accessed and deleted. This way, it plays a crucial role in complying with regulations likethe GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation), especially regarding the right to have personal data erased.
Increases Flexibility and Data Control
BYOK allows organizations to store and manage encryption keys on-premise or in the cloud based on individual needs.
In addition, it enables them to use their data as they see fit, be it internal sharing, cloud data analytics, or sharing it outside the organization, all while maintaining robust security. Historically, cloud-stored data was encrypted with keys owned by CSPs, leaving companies with reduced control over their data.
BYOK encryption also provides increased key management control, allowing you to revoke access for your end-users or the CSP whenever necessary.
Centralizes Key Management
Managing numerous encryption keys across different platforms like data centers, cloud providers, and multi-cloud setups can be daunting. Implementing BYOK encryption streamlines this process by centralizing key management through a single platform, ensuring efficiency in key-related activities, including key creation, rotation, and archiving.
Potentially Saves Money
BYOK provides the option to manage encryption keys in-house. By controlling them, organizations can avoid paying third-party vendors for key management services. This eliminates potentially recurring subscription fees and licensing costs.
Moreover, BYOK encryption aims to make data unreadable to malicious actors, including hackers and those impersonating cloud admins. This can indirectly save costs from potentiallysensitive information disclosure, aiming to prevent compliance fines and lost business.
Which CSPs Support BYOK?
Major CSPs like Google Cloud Platform (GCP), Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, and variousSoftware as a Service (SaaS)vendors already offer BYOK support.
Despite BYOK providing enhanced control, it introduces additional key management tasks, especially in multi-cloud setups. Each CSP, including GCP, AWS, and Azure, has its unique encryption and KMS, making it essential for cloud admins to familiarize themselves with the terminologies and distinctive features of each vendor they work with.
GCP, Azure, and AWSsecure data at restand in transit by encrypting it. The CSPs achieve this using their respective key management services: Cloud KMS for GCP, Azure Key Vault for Azure, and AWS KMS for AWS.
Key Considerations for BYOK Implementation
BYOK offers greater control over data and keys but also demands increased responsibility. Implementing BYOK is challenging, as control, including maintaining the security of encryption keys, shifts to the data owner.
While BYOK reduces data loss risk, particularly for data in motion, its safety relies on the organization’s ability to protect keys.
Losing encryption keys can lead to irreversible data loss. To mitigate this risk, consider backing up keys after creation and rotation, don’t delete keys unnecessarily, and have comprehensive key lifecycle management.
Establishing a management strategy that includes key rotation policies, storage, revocation procedures, and access controls will also help. Enlisting the expertise of a reputable vendor can accelerate the implementation of this strategy, underscoring the need to assess the CSP’s support and proficiency in BYOK implementation.
It’s important to note that not all BYOK solutions seamlessly integrate with CSPs. Investing time in thorough research during the early stages is vital to ensure you find the ideal solution before engaging with vendors.
Don’t overlook the costs associated with BYOK either. These include key management and support expenses. BYOK implementation may not be straightforward, so organizations might need to invest in extra staff and HSMs, resulting in additional expenses.
Many companies prefer a multi-cloud approach to optimize performance and reduce costs. Whenever possible, avoid reliance on any single cloud provider to prevent vendor-locking and fully capitalize on the benefits of cloud adoption.
BYOK Enhances Cloud Data Security
Storing data in the cloud offers multiple benefits, but many rightly worry about potential storage security risks. Once data is in the cloud, they lose direct control over it.
BYOK aims to address the fundamental concern that CSPs or SaaS vendors may not provide the desired level of data protection, yet they can decrypt your data at their discretion. It enables organizations to control their own encryption keys and cloud data instead of CSPs, enhancing cloud data security.
