Searchable Encryption has long been a mystery. An oxymoron. An unattainable dream of cybersecurity professionals everywhere. Organizations know they must encrypt their most valuable, sensitive data to prevent data theft and breaches. They also understand that organizational data exists to be used. To be searched, viewed, and modified to keep businesses running. Unfortunately, our Network and Data Security Engineers were taught for decades that you just can't search or edit data while in an encrypted state. The best they could do was to wrap that plaintext, unencrypted data within a cocoon of complex hardware, software, policies, controls, and governance. And how has that worked to date? Just look at the T-Mobile breach, the United Healthcare breach, Uber, Verizon, Kaiser Foundation Health Plan, Bank of America, Prudential… and the list goes on. All the data that was stolen in those breaches remained unencrypted to support day-to-day operations. It's safe to conclude that the way we're securing that data just isn't working. It's critical that we evolve our thought and approach. It's time to encrypt all data at rest, in transit, and also IN USE. So, how do we effectively encrypt data that needs to be used? The Encryption Challenge As stated, it's well established that most data is not being encrypted. Just look at the well documented, ongoing growth rate of cybercrime activity. In short, all data breaches and data ransom cases have one glaring common thread— every target…Read More
References
Back to Main