Encryption method that protects individual files rather than entire drives. Works by applying cryptographic algorithms to specific documents based on how sensitive they are. IT departments can encrypt customer records while leaving system files alone – much more flexible than encrypting whole disks.
Main Differences
File level encryption vs disk level encryption:
File-Level lets you pick what gets encrypted. Say you’re running a medical practice – you’d encrypt patient files but leave appointment scheduling software unprotected. Gives you surgical control over security without slowing down routine operations.
Disk-Level encrypts everything automatically. Government contractors often go this route because they can’t risk leaving anything exposed. Trade-off is that it impacts system performance and makes troubleshooting harder.
Technical Breakdown
Process starts with identifying which files contain sensitive data. Software applies algorithms like AES-256 to scramble the content. Each file gets its own encryption key – lose the key, lose access to that specific file.
Core Elements:
- Key Storage - Secure vaults that hold decryption keys separate from encrypted files. Banks use hardware modules because they're tamper-resistant. Lose control of your keys and all that encryption becomes worthless.
- Access Rules - Controls who can decrypt which files based on job roles. Accounting staff might access financial records but not HR documents. Uses certificate-based authentication in most enterprise setups.
- Activity Logging - Tracks every attempt to open encrypted files. Compliance teams need these audit trails when regulators come knocking. Shows who accessed what and when.
Practical Uses
- Meeting Regulations - Healthcare organizations encrypt patient files for HIPAA compliance. Law firms protect client communications under privilege rules. Retailers secure credit card data to meet PCI standards.
- Protecting Mobile Data - Sales reps carry encrypted customer lists on laptops. Files stay protected even if the device gets stolen from a car or hotel room.
- Cloud Storage Security - Encrypted files uploaded to Dropbox or OneDrive remain unreadable even if the cloud provider suffers a breach. Keys stay on-premises while data lives in the cloud.
