Cloud computing, like we know, is a virtual computing infrastructure where a user can store data and run applications. Following this, we also know that a lot of companies have been using the cloud for data storage, collaboration efficiency, accessing automated updates, business continuity, scalability, etc… With so much happening so soon, a majority of companies faced unique privacy and security challenges that caught them off-guard. This led to the introduction of Cloud Cryptography, a foolproof solution for cloud security.

What is Cloud Cryptography?
Cloud Cryptography is a method of securing cloud data with the use of encryption. The fun fact here is that cryptography in the cloud secures critical data that goes way beyond your corporate IT environment where data is not under your control (data in transit, data at rest, processing of data, data lineage, data provenance, data remanence, etc). And since we don’t have the luxury of having physical control over the storage of information on the cloud, the use of cloud cryptography has become all the more important.

The entire idea behind the introduction of cloud cryptography was authentication. This is why, when data is stored cryptographically, only the people with the cryptographic key are allowed to access the server with ease and safety. There are different types of cryptographic keys available for cloud security:
• Symmetric-key – Uses one key for encryption and decryption.
• Asymmetric-key – Uses different keys for encryption and decryption.
• Hashing – Uses blockchain security (unique security codes for each block) and different keys for encryption and decryption.

Advantages of Cloud Cryptography
Having realized the importance of cloud cryptography is not enough. So, here are some of its advantages:

Enhanced Data Security
When data is being transported from one system to another, the data is at risk. Cloud Cryptography here, prevents the information from being vulnerable. By encryption in cloud computing, sensitive data stays protected without delaying information exchange.

Privacy and Authentication
Once the data is secured, it is kept private for clients using cloud cryptography. This ensures a reduction in the chances of fraud by unauthorized users. So, if an unauthorized user tries to access your private data, you will receive notifications. The only people who can gain access to your data are the ones who have cryptographic keys. Using cryptographic techniques such as MAC and digital signatures protects your data against spoofing and forgeries.

Data Integrity
The cryptographic hash functions play a vital role in assuring users about their data integrity. It maintains and assures data accuracy and consistency over its entire life-cycle by keeping in mind its design, implementation, and usage of any system that stores, processes, or retrieves data. Companies also deploy techniques like data cleansing to improve quality, and that’s a good start.

Trust Builder
Agree or don’t but if you have a private and secure mechanism of data, it becomes easy for your clients to trust you. This promotes goodwill which can help your organization grow in the long run. Even when not required to encrypt data due to privacy regulations, some companies still choose to do so in order to show their clients that they take privacy seriously and it most certainly works.

Accessible Across Multiple Devices
One of the most amazing advantages of modern encryption technology is that you can apply it to all or most of the tech devices that you use. This allows you to use data on your phone, your tab, your laptop, your computer, or any other device that you want.

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