Safeguarding consumer information has become paramount. With the rise of government data security regulations and the increasing incidence and severity of cybercrime, businesses are scrambling to improve their cyber defenses.  An essential part of a comprehensive information security program is data encryption.  However, the effectiveness of data encryption hinges on a factor often overlooked – encryption keys.

Understanding Encryption Keys

At the heart of data encryption lies encryption keys – alphanumeric codes or sequences of characters that, when combined with an algorithm, transform plain text into a scrambled cipher text. The beauty of encryption is that even if this cipher text falls into the wrong hands, the data remains protected. The catch? The keys are the gatekeepers to this encrypted realm.

Protect the Keys, Protect the Data

Imagine locking your door but leaving the key under the doormat – a futile exercise. Similarly, encrypting data without safeguarding the associated keys renders the entire process meaningless. The level of protection encryption provides is only as strong as the measures taken to secure the keys. Lose the keys, and you lose your data.

The Hunt for the Keys: A Cybercriminal’s Strategy

Cybercriminals seeking sensitive data are savvy – they know where to look.  When it comes to encryption, finding and exploiting the keys is their primary objective. It’s not just about breaking through the encryption; it’s about finding the keys that unlock the treasure trove of sensitive information.

The Three Pillars of Key Protection

Effectively protecting encryption keys requires a strategic approach encompassing three key aspects: lifecycle management, storage and backup, and access management.

• Lifecycle Management: This involves the entire lifespan of encryption keys – from generation and distribution to use, replacement, expiration, archival, and ultimately, destruction. Each phase demands meticulous attention to ensure the keys’ integrity.
• Storage & Backup: Secure backup, testing, and recovery procedures are crucial. Losing keys due to hardware failure, natural disasters, or other unforeseen events can be catastrophic. Regularly testing backups ensures they can be relied upon when needed.
• Access Management: Granting access to keys should be an ongoing and highly controlled process, allowing only authenticated and authorized users to encrypt and decrypt data. Unauthorized access to keys can compromise the entire encryption framework.

Encryption: More Than Just Flipping a Switch

Dealerships must recognize that effective use of data encryption as part of a comprehensive information security program is more than simply activating some data encryption functionality.  Flipping a switch and hoping that you’re data is protected is a mistake that can result in a regulatory fine, lost data, and a damaged reputation.