Custom Encryption Solution on Cloud
Implementation of custom encryption architecture in the absence of a native Azure solution
1-3 months
Multi-location delivery
5 average from offshore
Client Brief
The client, a prominent organization in the North American utility domain, approached Sujosu Technology with a critical requirement: encrypting specific database columns containing Personally Identifiable Information (PII) of contractors. The solution needed to comply with stringent industry regulations and ensure the data remained secure while hosted on Microsoft Azure Cloud.
Key Features
Enhanced Security: The custom solution ensured the contractor's PII data was encrypted end-to-end, significantly reducing the risk of breaches.
Operational Efficiency: The symmetric key encryption model provided high-speed encryption and decryption, ensuring smooth database operations.
Cost-Effective: The in-house development of the solution saved the client from costly third-party implementations while utilizing Azure’s existing infrastructure.
This case study highlights Sujosu Technology's ability to tackle complex and unique challenges with innovative solutions. By developing a custom encryption architecture, the team delivered a secure, efficient, and compliant solution tailored to the client’s requirements. The project showcases Sujosu Technology’s expertise in solving real-world problems where standard solutions fall short, reaffirming its position as a trusted partner for application modernization and cloud-based innovations.
Challenges
During an initial assessment, Sujosu Technology's team identified the following challenges:
Lack of Native Solutions: After conducting extensive research, it was determined that no readily available solution within Microsoft Azure could fulfill the specific requirement for column-level encryption of PII data.
Regulatory Compliance: The encryption method had to align with industry security standards and regulatory requirements without compromising data usability.
Performance Considerations: While ensuring data security was paramount, maintaining acceptable database performance for end-users was equally critical.
Despite multiple discussions with the Microsoft Azure team and in-depth exploration of Azure’s encryption capabilities, no satisfactory solution emerged to meet the client’s unique needs.
Our Solution
Faced with the absence of a native Azure solution, the team at Sujosu Technology decided to develop a custom encryption architecture. This process included:
Phase 1: Asymmetric Key Encryption
Design: The team initially implemented an asymmetric key column-level encryption architecture.
Testing: Encryption and decryption of PII data worked flawlessly, demonstrating the solution’s robustness in protecting sensitive information.
Challenge: During testing, significant performance degradation was observed. The computational overhead of using asymmetric encryption for frequent read/write operations rendered it unsuitable for production deployment.
Phase 2: Symmetric Key Encryption
Design: Based on the learnings from Phase 1, the team pivoted to a symmetric key column-level encryption architecture.
Testing: This solution offered the perfect balance of strong encryption and minimal performance impact. The symmetric encryption mechanism was highly efficient for database operations, ensuring seamless integration with the existing system.
Outcome: The solution was rigorously tested and validated, proving to be secure, efficient, and compliant with regulatory requirements.
The symmetric key encryption solution was deployed in the production environmentwith zero disruption to the client’s operations. Comprehensive testing post-deployment confirmed:
Data Security: PII data was fully encrypted and secure.
Performance: Database performance metrics met the client’s expectations, with no significant latency.
Regulatory Compliance: The solution adhered to all applicable industry standards, ensuring continued compliance.