An in depth look at database encryption software and a review of the best tools, how they differ, how well they perform and why we need database encryption.
What is database encryption?
Database encryption is the process of transforming data – that has been stored in a database, and in plain text format – into a ciphertext with the help of a suitable algorithm known as a “key”. This way, the only option available to decipher and use the data will be with the help of this encryption key.
Only have time for a quick glance at the tools? Here is our summary list of the best database encryption tools:
- IBM Guardium for File and Database Encryption EDITOR’S CHOICE Provides full visibility while encrypting and decrypting structured or unstructured data with good levels of automation and scalability. Installs on Windows, Linux, Unix, or cloud platforms.
- Vormetric Transparent Encryption Hardware-accelerated encryption solution using data-at-rest encryption with centralized key management, privileged user access control, and more.
- McAfee Complete Data Protection—Advanced Endpoint encryption solution for data-at-rest and data-in-motion with access control, and user-behavior monitoring.
- DbDefence for Microsoft SQL With data masking techniques for database tables provides extra protection, bespoke SQL database encryption.
- BitLocker The ‘go-to’ encryption solution for Microsoft Windows-based systems designed to provide powerful encryption to whole volumes.
Why do we need database encryption?
The term “encryption” represents the conversion of data into a secure format that can only be read using a decryption key. The whole purpose is to ensure that only authorized persons or applications can access and work with the data. In a world that has become all too familiar with breaches and hacks, data owners have come to seek ways to keep their data secure. The software industry heeded this call and came up with solutions where their clients’ data is encrypted in three major ways:
- Full-drive encryption – encryption of drives as a whole and where everything that is stored on them is ciphered. Major operating systems like Linux and Windows Server come with features that allow for full-disk encryption that can then only be accessed using a password. This password needs to be entered at boot time so that even the operating system itself can gain access to data on it. Any application that then runs on the server doesn’t require access to the password as the operating system handles its access transparently.
- Partial system encryption – file-system-only encryption that ciphers a specific folder or data file which can then be accessed by only using a password. This method is similar to the previous encryption method as here too, once the operating system confirms the right password, any applications that need to work with the data will do so transparently. The drawback here is that human error could result in sensitive data being stored in unencrypted file storage spaces or systems.
- Database encryption – data security that converts data stored in databases into undecipherable garbage that makes no sense without a password. Here the password need only be inserted when the database is being accessed and not when the whole system starts up. In this case, should there be unauthorized access to the disk – even if it were physically removed – the culprits wouldn’t be able to access the data that is in the encrypted databases.
Since we have mentioned “transparency” a couple of times in the encryption types above, it becomes necessary to look into the definition of the concept in detail:
What is Transparent Database Encryption (TDE)?
Transparent Data encryption (TDE) is an encryption technology that is used by the larger database software companies like Microsoft, IBM, and Oracle. They have made this technology a part of the data security feature for a number of their database solutions.
TDE is database-level encryption that works to cipher data at rest – meaning when the data is not being accessed, changed or in motion over a network – by encoding the structure of the database and not the data itself. This way, even if a disk is stolen, the database on it can’t be accessed without the original encryption certificate and master key.
TDE doesn’t require any application changes in code or otherwise when authorized users access the data, hence the “transparent” in the name. Programmers or any applications don’t need to create macros or update complex configurations to use the data. Once they are authorized, the operating system does the decryption and opens up the database for access to data in it.
This also means authorized users and applications don’t need to create auxiliary tables, triggers, or views to decrypt data that is encrypted using TDE.
The best database encryption tools
What should you look for in a database encryption tool?
We reviewed the market for database encryption solutions and analyzed tools based on the following criteria:
- Compatibility with a long list of DBMSs
- Automated, closed-loop encryption and decryption
- Use of a strong encryption cipher
- Integration with access rights management (ARM) systems
- Implementation of Transparent Database Encryption (TDE)
- A free trial or a money-back guarantee for a risk-free assessment period
- Value for money from a comprehensive encryption system at a fair price
With these selection criteria in mind, we derived a list of cost-effective database encryption systems that don’t slow down data access processes.
Ok, so… here is the list of our 5 choices for the best encryption tools and software solutions to use with your data:
1. IBM Guardium for File and Database Encryption
IBM Guardium Data Encryption is the answer to businesses that are looking for a database encryption solution that comes from a globally-established technology brand.
Key Features
- Uses TDE
- Fast processing
- Also operates file encryption
- GDPR compliant
- Operates on Windows, macOS, and Linux systems
With this tool, TDE is implemented with encryption and decryption taking place above data file systems and storage volumes or drives. This way data access is transparent to users, applications, databases, operating systems, and storage management systems.
IBM Guardium is used to encrypt both structured and unstructured data sources and can also be scaled to continue covering a business’s security needs even as it continues to grow.
Pros:
- Highly customizable encryption options that support multiple algorithms
- Supports both structured and unstructured data
- Cross compatible with Linux, Windows, and MacOS
- Features built-in compliance management tools
Cons:
- The platform comes many different options that take time to discover and learn
Finally, IBM Guardium for File and Database Encryption enforces policy-dictated encryptions. It offers centralized encryption key management capability which allows businesses to secure their data while also ensuring they stay GDPR compliant. The policies, meanwhile, are easily defined using a user-friendly management server and can then be rolled out and implemented across a number of operating systems (Windows, Linux, and Unix).