Associate Data Practitioner

Distinguish Between Encryption in Transit and at Rest

Protecting data in the cloud depends on encryption, which scrambles information so only authorized users can read it. There are two main types: encryption in transit and encryption at rest. Encryption in transit means data is secured when it is moving between systems. Encryption at rest means data is secured when it is stored on disks or other media. Understanding the difference helps keep your data safe in Google Cloud.

Encryption in transit protects data as it travels across networks, like when you send a file or query a database. It uses protocols such as Transport Layer Security (TLS) to prevent eavesdropping and tampering. TLS wraps your data in a secure tunnel so that attackers cannot read or modify it. For example, when you upload documents to Cloud Storage or interact with a BigQuery dataset, TLS ensures packets stay confidential. This layer means data is safe while moving between clients and servers.

Encryption at rest secures data stored on physical media, such as hard drives or solid-state drives. It uses algorithms like Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) to make stored data unreadable without the correct key. If someone gains access to the storage hardware, they still cannot read the encrypted files. For instance, data in Cloud SQL or files in Cloud Storage remain protected even if disks are stolen. This measure keeps your information safe when it is not actively in use.

In Google Cloud, all customer data is encrypted by default at both layers, giving you strong protection out of the box. You can also take extra control by managing your own keys with Cloud Key Management Service (KMS). Common GCP services that support encryption include:

• Cloud Storage for object data.
• BigQuery for data warehousing.
• Cloud SQL for relational databases. Using these tools, you can choose between Google-managed keys or your own keys to meet compliance and business needs.

Together, encryption in transit and encryption at rest form a comprehensive security model that protects your data at every step. This dual approach helps meet important compliance standards and reduces the risk of data breaches. By using both TLS protocols and AES encryption, you cover scenarios where data is moving and when it is stored. Implementing these measures is a key part of a strong security strategy in Google Cloud. Remember, protecting data in all states is essential for keeping information confidential and intact.

Conclusion

Protecting data in Google Cloud means using both encryption in transit and encryption at rest. The first layer uses protocols like TLS to keep data safe during transfer, while the second uses AES to guard stored data. Google Cloud encrypts data by default and offers tools like Cloud KMS for extra control. Together, these layers form a strong defense that helps maintain confidentiality, integrity, and compliance. By understanding and applying both types of encryption, you ensure your information stays secure in the cloud.