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Showing posts from April, 2024

Aadhaar Data Vault and Regulatory Compliance: Ensuring Secure Storage and Usage

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  The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) is responsible for issuing unique identification numbers known as Aadhaar to all residents of India. This 12-digit unique number is provided after verifying enrollees' demographic and biometric data. Given the importance and sensitivity of the information involved, UIDAI must protect individuals’ identity information and authentication records to ensure compliance with the regulatory framework.  In response to this, UIDAI introduced Aadhaar Data Vault , a secure storage system for handling an individual’s Aadhaar data. This article will explore the benefits, objectives, and working of Aadhaar Data Vault, including its approaches, reference keys, and critical points to consider.  What Is an Aadhaar Data Vault ?   An Aadhaar Data Vault is a digitally secure system designed to store and share an individual’s Aadhaar data with authorized entities. The Aadhaar Data Vault operates under strict regulatory guidelines to...

The Role of Bring Your Own Key (BYOK) in Cloud Security

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  Security has been the focus of cloud computing since its beginnings. Companies have been hesitant to move important apps and sensitive data to the cloud because they are afraid of giving up control to outside parties. Although cloud service providers have put strong security measures in place, such as anti-malware defenses and privacy safeguards, worries still exist, especially regarding data ownership and access.  Cloud computing has revolutionized the way businesses operate, offering unparalleled flexibility, scalability, and efficiency. However, alongside these benefits come concerns about data security. Entrusting sensitive information to third-party cloud service providers raises questions about who has access to the data and how it is protected. While encryption is a standard security measure, the ownership and management of encryption keys remain a point of contention. Bring Your Own Key (BYOK) addresses this issue by allowing users to retain control over their encry...

Cryptographic Key Management for Multi-Cloud Computing

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  In an era where data is king, encrypting sensitive information has become a non-negotiable practice for organizations aiming to comply with various regulatory mandates and safeguard their reputation. The utilization of encryption not only fortifies resilience against data breaches but also protects against the potential fallout of such incidents. However, the efficacy of encryption is contingent on the implementation of robust key management procedures.  A pivotal best practice in key management involves the use of Hardware Security Modules (HSMs) to generate and safeguard secret keys and certificates within a secure, physical boundary. This ensures that key material remains impervious to attacks, as it is never exposed in the clear in application or server memory. Nevertheless, while HSMs are a crucial building block, a comprehensive encryption strategy necessitates more.  The design and implementation of strong key management practices, aligned with regulatory req...