7 Best Practices for Encrypting Data Storage Solutions

When data is more valuable than ever, data protection has become one of the most important responsibilities for individuals and businesses alike. Whether it’s your personal data or confidential business information, you would want to ensure it is secure against cyberattacks and unauthorized viewing. This is where encryption steps in.

Encryption is similar to placing your data in a locked box that can only be opened by you with a key. However, deploying encryption in data storage solutions requires planning and best practices to be effective. 

Today I will take you through 8 best practices that can assist you in securing your data and keeping it safe. These easy-to-follow and simple tips will assist you in ensuring your data is encrypted securely and stays protected. 

Let’s get started!

1. Use the Strong Encryption Algorithm

Algorithms for encryption differ. There are different strengths of them. Some algorithms are stronger and others are not so strong. To ensure the security of your data in storage, it’s essential to use strong and widely recognized encryption algorithms, especially when setting up a data storage solution. To protect the data, there are strong as well as universally known encryption algorithms to be employed, like AES-256 (Advanced Encryption Standard). 

The data encryption market has expanded rapidly in recent years. It will grow from $18.08 billion in 2024 to $20.72 billion in 2025 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 14.6%.

AES-256 is one of the strongest encryptions now accessible and embraced by governments, business organizations, and security experts everywhere globally.

• Choose only the highest-rated algorithm there is to shield your data.
• Avoid outdated encryption methods like DES (Data Encryption Standard).
• Remember that stronger encryption ensures better security.

Using powerful encryption techniques, you can ensure that your information is properly secured against cyber threats.

2. Keep Encryption Key Secure

Encryption is no more secure than the encryption key. Your key is what you use to unlock and open your encrypted information. If someone gets a hold of your key, they can open your data. It is important, therefore, to keep encryption keys safe.

Keeping Encryption Keys Secure

• Store keys securely using hardware security modules (HSMs).
• Always keep encryption keys off the same system as the data being encrypted.
• Make sure that encryption keys are accessible only to authorized staff

3. Encrypt Data in Rest and in Transit

When you send information over the internet or even between computers, it becomes vulnerable to hackers. That’s why encrypting information in transit comes into the picture. 

Encryption sees to it that any sensitive data gets encrypted into a language that only registered people can comprehend so that at transmission, it’s not possible to hack and retrieve unauthorized information. 

You can encrypt it through safe connections like HTTPS, where the information is encrypted between your computer and websites.

• Safe Communication with VPNs

Another good method is employing Virtual Private Networks (VPNs). VPNs form secure, encrypted tunnels between your computers and the internet, where it’s challenging for hackers to tap into data that’s traveling through. 

• Encrypting Emails and Messages

Lastly, encrypting emails and messages with sensitive information guarantees they remain secure from unauthorized eyes. These are the necessary steps to safeguard your data when it’s on the move.

4. Implement Full Disk Encryption

Full disk encryption (FDE) encrypts all contents on your hard drive, including system files, applications, and personal data. This ensures that your information is safe even if your laptop, phone, or computer is lost or stolen. 

Even if someone gets physical access to your device, they won’t be able to access the data without the decryption key.

• Apply FDE to laptops, tablets, and mobile devices to safeguard sensitive information.
• Ensure all devices containing sensitive data are encrypted, not merely storage devices
• Full disk encryption is an excellent method of protecting your information on all your devices.

5. Encrypts Backups Regularly 

Backing up your files is necessary to protect your data, but your backup files must also be encrypted. In the absence of encryption, whoever gets unauthorized access to your backup storage can pilfer your precious data. Encryption encrypts the data, rendering it incomprehensible to others in the absence of the correct decryption key.

How to Secure Backups

In cloud backups, make sure the service you are working with offers proper encryption to keep your data secure. If external hard drives for backups are something you want to work with, then make sure those are also encrypted, with an extra security layer. 

Also, make sure to update and scan the encryption options on a regular basis to ensure they remain secure. Encrypting your backups keeps your files safely away from likely theft or loss.

6. Regularly Update and Maintain Encryption Software

Encryption technology evolves over time to stay ahead of hackers. This means that you should update your encryption software on a regular basis to ensure that you have the most up-to-date protection methods. Failure to update your software leaves your data vulnerable to security threats.

• Turn on automatic updates for encryption software whenever you can.
• Check periodically for software updates and install them.
• Eliminate outdated encryption tools and substitute with newer versions

7. Implement Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

Multi-factor authentication (MFA) provides an additional layer of protection to your encryption. It makes you present more than one method of identifying yourself before you can access encrypted information. 

For example, you might be asked to enter a password and have your fingerprint read or a one-time passcode texted to your phone.

• Implement MFA for all sensitive data access points.
• Mix something you have (phone or security token) with something you know (password).
• Deploy MFA for those online accounts that hold sensitive data.

Final Thoughts

Data is precious. It is no longer a matter of choice to guard it with encryption. It is mandatory.  With these best practices, you can be sure that your data is safe and secure.

Good encryption starts with taking the right approach and protecting keys. It’s not just about encrypting your data storage solution, but also about consistently protecting data, using strong passwords, updating software regularly, and encrypting backups

Practice these habits today to secure your data. Security is not technology. Security is making intelligent decisions daily. Be safe and be encrypted.

Also read: Why Tape Storage Remains a Trusted Backup Solution