Best practices for cryptography
Posted: Thu Jan 23, 2025 6:47 am
To ensure data protection, it is essential to use cryptographic algorithms that are recognized for their robustness and that are updated to withstand advances in attack techniques. Here are some key recommendations:
Symmetric algorithms: Use algorithms such as AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) with a key length of at least 256 bits. AES is widely accepted and considered secure.
Asymmetric algorithms: RSA and ECC (Elliptic Curve Cryptography) are standards for asymmetric cryptography. For RSA, it is recommended to use keys of at least 2048 bits. ECC offers the same security with shorter keys and is more efficient.
Hashing : To ensure data integrity, use secure hash functions like SHA-256 or SHA-3. Avoid outdated algorithms like MD5 or SHA-1, which are no longer considered secure.
Digital signatures: Implements algorithms such as hotel email list ECDSA (Elliptic Curve Digital Signature Algorithm) or RSA for digital signatures , ensuring the authenticity and integrity of the data.
Implementation of secure protocols for data transmission
Data transmission should be done over secure channels to prevent interception and unauthorized access. Some best practices include:
TLS (Transport Layer Security): Uses the latest version of TLS (currently TLS 1.3) to establish secure communication channels. TLS provides encryption, authentication, and data integrity during transmission.
VPN (Virtual Private Network) : Implements virtual private networks to secure connections between networks and protect data in transit.
IPsec (Internet Protocol Security): Uses IPsec to encrypt and authenticate traffic at the network level, protecting data transmitted over public or unsecured networks.
SSH (Secure Shell): Uses SSH for secure remote administration and file transfers by providing an encrypted tunnel between the client and the server.
Encryption of data at rest and in transit
For complete protection, it is crucial to encrypt data both when it is stored (at rest) and when it is being transferred (in transit).
Data at rest:
Databases: Encrypt databases using built-in encryption mechanisms such as TDE (Transparent Data Encryption).
Disk storage: Uses disk or volume level encryption, using technologies such as BitLocker (Windows) or LUKS (Linux).
Backups: Make sure all backups are encrypted to prevent unauthorized access in case of loss or theft.
Data in transit:
APIs and web services: Protect APIs and web services using HTTPS, which uses TLS to encrypt communications.
Email: Implement end-to-end encryption for sensitive emails, using technologies such as PGP (Pretty Good Privacy) or S/MIME (Secure/Multipurpose Internet Mail Extensions).
File Transfer: Use secure protocols like FTPS or SFTP instead of FTP, ensuring files are transferred over encrypted channels.
Adopting these best practices helps you protect data against a wide range of threats and ensures that information remains secure and accessible only to authorized parties.
Symmetric algorithms: Use algorithms such as AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) with a key length of at least 256 bits. AES is widely accepted and considered secure.
Asymmetric algorithms: RSA and ECC (Elliptic Curve Cryptography) are standards for asymmetric cryptography. For RSA, it is recommended to use keys of at least 2048 bits. ECC offers the same security with shorter keys and is more efficient.
Hashing : To ensure data integrity, use secure hash functions like SHA-256 or SHA-3. Avoid outdated algorithms like MD5 or SHA-1, which are no longer considered secure.
Digital signatures: Implements algorithms such as hotel email list ECDSA (Elliptic Curve Digital Signature Algorithm) or RSA for digital signatures , ensuring the authenticity and integrity of the data.
Implementation of secure protocols for data transmission
Data transmission should be done over secure channels to prevent interception and unauthorized access. Some best practices include:
TLS (Transport Layer Security): Uses the latest version of TLS (currently TLS 1.3) to establish secure communication channels. TLS provides encryption, authentication, and data integrity during transmission.
VPN (Virtual Private Network) : Implements virtual private networks to secure connections between networks and protect data in transit.
IPsec (Internet Protocol Security): Uses IPsec to encrypt and authenticate traffic at the network level, protecting data transmitted over public or unsecured networks.
SSH (Secure Shell): Uses SSH for secure remote administration and file transfers by providing an encrypted tunnel between the client and the server.
Encryption of data at rest and in transit
For complete protection, it is crucial to encrypt data both when it is stored (at rest) and when it is being transferred (in transit).
Data at rest:
Databases: Encrypt databases using built-in encryption mechanisms such as TDE (Transparent Data Encryption).
Disk storage: Uses disk or volume level encryption, using technologies such as BitLocker (Windows) or LUKS (Linux).
Backups: Make sure all backups are encrypted to prevent unauthorized access in case of loss or theft.
Data in transit:
APIs and web services: Protect APIs and web services using HTTPS, which uses TLS to encrypt communications.
Email: Implement end-to-end encryption for sensitive emails, using technologies such as PGP (Pretty Good Privacy) or S/MIME (Secure/Multipurpose Internet Mail Extensions).
File Transfer: Use secure protocols like FTPS or SFTP instead of FTP, ensuring files are transferred over encrypted channels.
Adopting these best practices helps you protect data against a wide range of threats and ensures that information remains secure and accessible only to authorized parties.