Data encryption

What is data encryption

Data encryption is the process of transforming information (plaintext) into an encrypted form (ciphertext) using mathematical algorithms and keys. The main goal of encryption is to ensure the confidentiality of data during storage and transmission, so that even if intercepted or accessed without authorization, the information remains unreadable to attackers. Encryption is a fundamental element of information protection and is used in all modern information systems: from smartphones to corporate servers and cloud platforms. Without encryption, it is impossible to imagine secure data transmission on the Internet, e-commerce, online banking, secure document management, medical information systems and government services. Encryption is used in VPN connections, the TLS/SSL protocol (website protection), disk encryption (Full Disk Encryption), databases, email, messengers (end-to-end encryption) and file storage. In Russia, encryption is regulated by Federal Law No. 149-FZ "On Information, Information Technologies and Information Protection" and the requirements of the FSB of Russia for the use of cryptographic information protection tools (CIPF).

Types of encryption

There are three main types of encryption, each with its own features, advantages and areas of application. Symmetric encryption — uses one key to encrypt and decrypt data. Both parties (sender and recipient) must have the same key, which must be securely transferred. Symmetric encryption is characterized by high speed, which makes it ideal for encrypting large amounts of data. Main algorithms: AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) with a key length of 128, 192 or 256 bits, GOST 28147-89 "Magma" (Russian standard with a 256-bit key), GOST R 34.12-2015 "Kuznechik" (modern Russian block cipher), ChaCha20 (popular in mobile applications). Asymmetric encryption — uses a pair of keys: a public key for encryption and a private key for decryption. The public key can be freely distributed, while the private key must be kept secret. Asymmetric encryption is slower than symmetric encryption, so it is used to encrypt small amounts of data: key exchange, electronic signature creation, authentication. Main algorithms: RSA (Rivest-Shamir-Adleman), ECDSA (Elliptic Curve Digital Signature Algorithm), GOST R 34.10-2012 (Russian electronic signature standard based on elliptic curves). Hybrid encryption — a combination of symmetric and asymmetric encryption that uses the advantages of both methods. In hybrid encryption, a session key (a randomly generated symmetric encryption key) is encrypted with an asymmetric algorithm, and the data itself is encrypted with a symmetric algorithm using this session key. This approach is used in the TLS/SSL, PGP, S/MIME protocols and many others. The Russian Federation has national encryption standards approved by the FSB of Russia: GOST R 34.11-2012 ("Stribog") for hashing, GOST R 34.10-2012 for electronic signatures, GOST 28147-89 ("Magma") and GOST R 34.12-2015 ("Kuznechik") for block encryption. These algorithms are mandatory for use in government information systems and when protecting CII facilities.

Encryption key management

The security of any cryptographic algorithm directly depends on the reliability of key management. The key lifecycle includes several stages: generation — creating a cryptographically strong key using certified random number generators; distribution — secure transfer of the key between parties (using asymmetric encryption or protected channels); storage — protecting keys from unauthorized access using hardware security modules (HSM), tokens (JaCarta, Rutoken) or smart cards; use — applying the key to encrypt or decrypt data; rotation — periodic key change to minimize the risks of compromise (recommended at least once a year); destruction — secure deletion of keys after their validity period expires. For large organizations, it is recommended to use key management systems (KMS — Key Management Service) that automate the key lifecycle, provide centralized storage, access control and audit. In government systems, key management must be carried out using certified CIPF tools.

Application of encryption in the corporate environment

The application of encryption in the corporate environment covers all levels of information protection. Encryption of data transmission channels — the use of VPN protocols (IPsec, OpenVPN, WireGuard) and firewalls with encryption support to protect data when transmitted over open networks (Internet). Disk encryption (FDE — Full Disk Encryption) — the use of BitLocker (Windows), FileVault (macOS), LUKS (Linux) or Russian solutions (CryptoPro EFS, ViPNet Disk) to encrypt all data on the hard drive, which protects information in case of physical theft of the device. Database encryption — protecting data at the level of tables, columns or the entire database using built-in DBMS mechanisms (Oracle TDE, MS SQL TDE, PostgreSQL pgcrypto) or external solutions. Email encryption — using S/MIME, PGP/GPG protocols to encrypt the contents of emails and attachments. File and folder encryption — selective encryption of individual files or folders using EFS (Encrypting File System) or third-party solutions. Cloud storage encryption — using client-side encryption (before uploading to the cloud) or server-side encryption provided by the cloud provider.

Russian standards and legislation

The Russian Federation has national encryption standards mandatory for use in government information systems and CII facilities. GOST 28147-89 "Magma" — a classic Russian block cipher with a block size of 64 bits and a 256-bit key, used to protect information in systems requiring compatibility with legacy solutions. GOST R 34.12-2015 "Kuznechik" — a modern block cipher with a 128-bit block size and a 256-bit key, recommended for new developments. GOST R 34.10-2012 — an algorithm for creating and verifying electronic signatures based on elliptic curves, used for qualified electronic signatures. GOST R 34.11-2012 "Stribog" — a hashing algorithm used to verify data integrity and in electronic signatures. All CIPF tools implementing these algorithms must be certified by the FSB of Russia and have the appropriate certificate. For commercial organizations that do not work with state secrets, the use of international algorithms (AES, RSA) is allowed, but when working with personal data, it is recommended to use certified CIPF tools. Products of the Fintech company, such as SINTEZM-T, implement Russian cryptographic algorithms, ensuring compliance with regulator requirements.