At its core, cloud encryption is about converting data into an unbreakable code to prevent unauthorised access. This process, often seen as a virtual lock and key mechanism, ensures that digital information stored in remote servers remains secure—completely inaccessible to unauthorised users.

Cloud encryption platforms operate by transmitting data securely. As data is sent to (and retrieved from) cloud applications and storage, and as it is shared with authorised users in various locales, it undergoes encryption. This ensures that the data remains unreadable during its journey, safeguarding it from potential threats. Beyond just transit, data also enjoys a layer of security when it is stored.

These encryption tools ensure that files—when in transit and when saved to remote storage devices—may only be viewed by those who are allowed to access them. This results in an additional layer of protection, contributing to the overall cloud data-security ecosystem.

Cloud encryption can be broken down into two phases:

• Encryption
  Before data is transferred to the cloud, it is converted using a specific algorithm into an encrypted form. This transformation relies on an encryption key, a string of bits that dictates the output of the encryption process. The strength of the encryption typically depends on the key length; longer keys generally provide stronger encryption.
• Decryption
  When authorised access is needed, the encrypted data is converted back to its original form using a decryption key, which may or may not be the same as the encryption key, depending on the encryption method used.

Encryption scenarios

For data sent and received in the cloud, there are two scenarios that require encryption:

• At-rest encryption
  This scenario focuses on encrypting the data that is stored on the cloud servers. So, even if someone were to physically access the server or its drives, they would not be able to read the data without the decryption key. At-rest encryption protects cloud data from active threats as well as from the possibility of data becoming vulnerable after a hard drive has been improperly decommissioned.
• In-transit encryption
  In-transit encryption ensures that data being transferred to and from the cloud is protected—typically using protocols like SSL/TLS. This type of encryption is important because data that is not adequately protected may become vulnerable to interception during transit.

Many cloud services automatically encrypt data at rest and in transit. However, for heightened security, organisations can implement additional encryption layers using third-party tools or services.

Encryption algorithms

At the heart of these processes are the encryption algorithms. These algorithms are sets of instructions that dictate how data is coded to ensure its illegibility for illegitimate users. There are two primary encryption algorithms for cloud-based data:

• Symmetric Encryption
  This method uses a singular key for both the encryption and decryption processes, and is a popular choice for bulk data encryption, primarily due to its simplicity and faster implementation. However, while symmetric encryption has its merits, it presents a security concern: If an unauthorised individual gains access to the encryption key, they can readily decode the data. The same key, acting as both lock and key, can be a potential vulnerability if not managed carefully.
• Asymmetric Encryption
  Asymmetric encryption operates using two distinct keys: a public key and a private authentication token. The advantages of this method lie in its dual-key approach; while the keys are intrinsically linked, they are not identical. To decrypt data, a user would need both the shareable public key and their unique private token. This two-key system inherently offers an additional layer of security. Even if someone were to gain access to the public key, without the corresponding private token, the encrypted data would remain impenetrable.

Whether it is protecting proprietary data, intellectual property, or sensitive customer information, cloud encryption is an essential aspect of modern digital security. Encrypting data in the cloud not only helps keep businesses and their patrons safe from those intending to steal or corrupt that data, but it also ensures that organisations align with regulatory standards—protecting them from the steep fines associated with noncompliance in terms of data privacy laws.

Some of the greatest benefits of cloud encryption include:

Enhanced Security

Obviously, the primary advantage of cloud encryption is its ability to offer end-to-end protection of sensitive data. Whether this data is in transit or stored and at rest, and whether it is on a device or being shared between users, encryption ensures it remains shielded from unauthorised access.

Regulatory compliance

As previously stated, cloud encryption helps companies adhere to important data-protection guidelines. With a growing emphasis on data privacy, regulations like FIPS (Federal Information Processing Standards) and HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996) have been created to ensure that businesses are taking the necessary steps to keep user data out of malicious hands. Employing cloud encryption makes it easier to comply with established laws.

Data integrity

While it is possible for encrypted data to be manipulated by malicious entities, such attempts are simple for authorised users to detect. This means that, beyond just protection, encryption provides a way for users to vouch for the integrity of the data.

Mitigated risk

Encryption can be an organisation's safety net. In certain situations, if data exposed during breach is encrypted, the organisation might not be obligated to disclose the breach. This can dramatically reduce potential repercussions, including reputational damage and legal complications.

Improved trust

Cloud encryption is about trust—trust that the data itself will be safe in and moving through the cloud, as well as the trust that customers show when allowing organisations to capture and analyse their personal data. Effectively employing encryption strengthens stakeholder trust in an organisation, brand or product, sending a clear message about the organisation's commitment to safeguard data privacy.

While cloud encryption is an undeniably potent tool in the cybersecurity arsenal, it does come with its own set of challenges. Understanding these obstacles—and the accompanying solutions—can empower organisations to get the most out of their encryption strategies while minimising risks.

Cloud encryption challenges and solutions include:

• Challenge: While cloud providers invest heavily in the security of their infrastructure, they do not generally take responsibility for the safety of user data. The responsibility falls to the data owners to safeguard their data and assets as they interact in the cloud.
• Solution: Organisations should invest in user training and awareness programs. By understanding the shared responsibility model associated with public clouds, users can take proactive measures to ensure the security of their cloud-based data and assets.


• Challenge: Adding encryption can be viewed as an extra cost, as it necessitates purchasing encryption tools and possibly upgrading existing infrastructure.
• Solution: Decision-makers should approach encryption as a long-term investment in security. The potential costs resulting from data breaches or non-compliance often far outweigh the initial expenditure on encryption tools and infrastructure upgrades.


• Challenge: Introducing encryption can add steps to the data transmission process, potentially leading to increased latency.
• Solution: Organisations can explore efficient encryption algorithms and tools that minimise latency. Additionally, proper infrastructure tuning and optimisations can counteract the performance impacts of cloud encryption.


• Challenge: If the access key to encrypted data is lost or destroyed, the data becomes virtually irretrievable—even for the data owners.
• Solution: Adopt a comprehensive key management strategy. Regularly back up encryption keys and store them in multiple secure locations, both on-site and off-site, ensuring that vital data can always be accessed by those who are authorised to do so.


• Challenge: In cases where users can choose their encryption key, there is an increased risk of dedicated adversaries cracking the encryption.
• Solution: Opt for multi-factor authentication and multi-key encryption systems. This ensures that accessing sensitive content requires multiple levels of verification, significantly raising the barrier for potential attackers.

Implementing best practices for cloud encryption can greatly enhance an organisation's digital security posture, ensuring the protection of sensitive data against potential breaches even when that data is located off-site. Here are several key strategies worth considering:

• Map out security requirements
  Before even initiating the process of data migration to the cloud, it is imperative for security teams to clearly define their requirements. By meticulously mapping out these prerequisites, organisations can identify cloud providers that seamlessly align with the enterprise's security framework, ensuring a powerful first line of defence.
• Decide on encryption protocols
  The nuances of data vary widely, and so should the encryption approach. It is crucial to pinpoint which data segments require encryption by understanding their inherent classification and any external regulatory requirements. Additionally, identify the critical moments when this data needs encryption the most—be it while in transit, when stationary or at rest or even when actively in use. It is also important to determine early on who should have custodianship over the keys themselves.
• Focus on security for data in transit
  As data travels beyond the confines of the internal network, the risk multiplies. Hence, leveraging reliable encryption measures becomes a must. Adopting secure protocols ensures data remains shielded as it journeys through various third-party domains. For those seeking added layers of protection, integrating tools like Virtual Private Networks (VPN) or IP security (IPsec) may be beneficial. Alternatively, the use of Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB) tools offers a unified approach to control, ensuring user access to cloud resources is in strict alignment with established security protocols.
• Back-up and encrypt on site
  Before relocating any sensitive information to the cloud, it may be best to encrypt this data on-site. Furthermore, ensuring a backup exists fortifies the defence mechanism, shielding the data even if the cloud account or provider gets compromised.
• Adopt comprehensive key management
  Keys play a leading role in cloud encryption. As such, proper management of the encryption keys throughout their life cycles is crucial. Start by logging the encryption keys into a key registry. Store the keys in a different database than the encrypted data and make and keep backups regularly. Regular audits coupled with multi factor authentication (especially for primary and recovery keys) add another layer of defence. Although some cloud vendors may offer key management, consider the fact that many data-privacy regulations require internal oversight of keys, and failing to account for that may leave a business noncompliant.

The cloud has become an integral part of the modern digital world, and cloud encryption plays a pivotal role in allowing organisations to store and retrieve data securely from off-site servers. This helps ensure compliance while safeguarding valuable intellectual property and consumer data. However, navigating the labyrinth of encryption can be daunting, fraught with challenges—from key management intricacies to potential latency issues and the looming threat of lost access to vital data. ServiceNow Cloud Encryption is changing all of that.

Built on the award-winning Now Platform® Cloud Encryption is a powerful solution for organisations seeking to fortify their data protection strategies. With industry-leading AES 256-bit encryption complemented by FIPS 140-2 Level 3 validated hardware security modules (HSM), Cloud Encryption offers an unmatched level of security. At the same time, the platform's intuitive interface makes key lifecycle management easy, offering automation capabilities such as effortless key rotation. This means less manual intervention and more focused, secure operations. With features like 'Bring Your Own Key' options and key access auditability, ServiceNow promises both flexibility and compliance to meet today's stringent regulatory requirements.

For organisations prioritising data protection in the cloud, ServiceNow Cloud Encryption emerges as an essential tool, marrying security with simplicity. Interested in learning more about how ServiceNow Cloud Encryption can enhance your organisation's security measures? Contact ServiceNow today!