How to Secure S3 Objects with Amazon S3 Encryption

What is Data Encryption?

Data encryption is a set of techniques used to ensure that stored data can only be viewed by authorised parties. Basic security measures include things like password protection. However, data encryption goes a step further. Data encryption uses algorithms to convert your stored data into coded data that can only be deciphered by a user with the correct password. This ensures that no unauthorised third parties can get to your data.

Encryption takes a number of different forms. The most basic of these is ‘at rest’ encryption. This simply means that stored data is encrypted so that only users with the correct password can view it. A more advanced form of encryption is end to end encryption. This refers to systems such as VPNs, where a package of data is encrypted at its source, put in transit, and then rendered readable. Within the Amazon S3 definition, encryption of data plays a major role.

Amazon S3 Encryption Types

The Amazon S3 client makes use of two main encryption types, which we’re going to look at below. In addition, Amazon Elastic Block Store encryption is available, but the following two options are the main ones provided by default with S3:

SSE Data Encryption

SSE, or server side encryption, is the basic encryption method provided by S3. It ensures that all at-rest files are safely encrypted. There are two different options, which are mostly similar except for provision of the encryption code. The SSE-S3 option lets S3 choose an encryption code for you, which it uses to encrypt your files. The SSE-C option lets you choose your own code for encryption. In this case, S3 does not save your code, so you are responsible for keeping it secure.

S3 Client-Side Data Encryption

Client-side data encryption means that you as a user will be doing the encryption. Once you’ve used your own systems for encryption, the encrypted data is directly uploaded to AWS. You can then choose where you want your encryption keys stored. If you choose server-side, the keys will be uploaded to AWS, which will use its own management and storage systems to keep them secure. If you choose client-side, you’re responsible for storing your own keys. This is potentially more secure than storing them on AWS, though it means more work for you.

How to Configure AWS S3 Encryption?

Most AWS S3 encryption is done at the bucket level. This allows you to set encryption on a number of objects in a single bucket. You can also encrypt at an object level, which involves setting encryption for individual objects. However, generally speaking, you’re more likely to encrypt at bucket level. Encryption is done via the AWS console. Below, we’ll explain exactly how you go about encrypting at bucket level.

How to Encrypt an Amazon S3 Bucket

Encrypting an Amazon S3 bucket is easy. First of all, log in to the AWS console, and navigate to the bucket you want to encrypt. Click on the properties tab, next to the overview tab. From here, you can select the ‘default encryption’ option. You can now choose what kind of encryption you want to set on the bucket, such as server side or client side. Select your preference, and hit save. If you hit the change option, you’ll be able to check whether or not your encryption has been put in place on the bucket.

Solution for providing additional S3 encryption

To mask the encrypted files on your local machine, you will need to lock the encrypted directory by using the “Lock” context menu. You will be able to unravel these files later by using the “Unlock” option from the same context menu.

When the encryption is no longer needed, and you would like to decipher the directory, simply select the “Decrypt” option from the context menu, enter the password and confirm your actions.

Amazon S3 is a fantastic tool for data storage. And like most cloud drive storage systems available today, it does offer a certain level of security through encryption. However, anyone who wants the highest levels of guaranteed security should make use of CloudMounter. CloudMounter has been designed to provide you with solid encryption for a whole range of different storage types. As with all versatile security tools, it’s ideal for just about any user. And thanks to a range of easy to use features, it can do a lot more than just encryption. Check it out today.