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Cloud Disk Encryption: Benefits & How To

G5 Cyber Security

TL;DR

Using full disk encryption in the cloud protects your data if a device is lost or stolen, and helps meet security regulations. It’s usually easier to set up than managing your own encryption servers, and often cheaper too. This guide explains the benefits and how to get started.

What is Full Disk Encryption?

Full disk encryption (FDE) scrambles everything on a hard drive or solid-state drive so it’s unreadable without a password or key. This includes the operating system, applications, and all your files. It’s like locking your data in a safe.

Why Use Cloud Based Full Disk Encryption?

  1. Enhanced Security: If a laptop or cloud server is lost or stolen, FDE prevents unauthorised access to your data.
  2. Compliance: Many regulations (like GDPR and HIPAA) require strong data protection measures like encryption. Cloud providers often offer compliant solutions.
  3. Simplified Management: Cloud providers handle the complex tasks of key management, backups, and updates. You don’t need a dedicated IT team to run an encryption server.
  4. Cost Savings: Avoid the expense of buying, maintaining, and securing your own hardware and software for encryption.
  5. Remote Wipe Capabilities: Some solutions allow you to remotely wipe data from lost devices, adding another layer of protection.

How to Implement Cloud Based Full Disk Encryption

The exact steps depend on the cloud provider you use. Here’s a general guide:

  1. Choose a Provider: Major providers like AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud offer FDE options. Consider their security features, compliance certifications, and pricing.
  2. Enable Encryption at Rest: Most cloud storage services automatically encrypt data at rest (when it’s not being used). This is a good first step but isn’t full disk encryption. Look for specific FDE options.
  3. Virtual Machine/Instance Encryption: If you use virtual machines, enable encryption when creating the instance. This usually involves selecting an option during setup.
    • AWS EBS Encryption: When launching an EC2 instance, choose an encrypted EBS volume. You can also encrypt existing volumes.
    aws ec2 create-volume --availability-zone us-west-2a --size 10 --encrypted
  4. Azure Disk Encryption: Use Azure Key Vault to manage encryption keys and enable disk encryption on your VMs.
  5. Google Cloud Persistent Disk Encryption: Enable encryption when creating a persistent disk for your Compute Engine instances.
  6. Operating System Level Encryption: For more control, you can install FDE software directly on the operating system of your cloud virtual machines.
    • BitLocker (Windows): Built-in encryption tool. Enable it through Control Panel > BitLocker Drive Encryption.
    • FileVault 2 (macOS): Apple’s built-in encryption. Enable it in System Preferences > Security & Privacy > FileVault.
    • LUKS/dm-crypt (Linux): A common open-source solution. Requires more technical expertise to set up. 
      sudo cryptsetup luksFormat /dev/sda1
  7. Key Management: Securely store and manage your encryption keys. Cloud providers offer key management services (KMS) for this purpose. Never lose your recovery key!
  8. Regular Backups: Ensure you have regular backups of your encrypted data in case of accidental deletion or corruption.
  9. Test Your Recovery Process: Regularly test restoring from a backup to ensure the process works correctly and that you can access your data when needed.

Important Considerations

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