Re: [External] [SECURITY] Data at Rest Encryption Databases

[Jon Young <jon () NETWORK-PLUMBERS COM>]

Matt,
Put me in the skeptic camp of most approaches to database encryption.  I
suggest reviewing what you really get from any considered options for
actual improved security versus theater.  There are some cases where I
agree meaningful attack vectors are disrupted, but I think far too often,
the methods of db encryption are theater.  See
https://blog.cryptographyengineering.com/2019/02/11/attack-of-the-week-searchable-encryption-and-the-ever-expanding-leakage-function/
for a great description of some of the challenges around useful database
encryption.  I'm not saying to do nothing, and I think you've asked exactly
the right questions to this list.  I'm hoping to learn something new from
the responses with so many smart and experienced people in the (virtual)
room.

All that said, sometimes doing something earns a check on a key checklist
and helps with mitigating some of the reputational damage or in support of
cyber security insurance requirements important even if the mitigation
measures had no impact on the technical nature of the attack.

Thanks,
Jon Young
 Vantage Technology Consulting Group

On Wed, Nov 11, 2020 at 10:36 AM Oscar D. Knight <knightod () appstate edu>
wrote:

> Hello Matt,
>
> Please know that I'm not a db administrator.  And I know that there are
> MANY different opinions on this matter.   The following is MY OPINION.  I
> speak for me and not my employer on this issue.
>
> We have been unencrypted and encrypted - in different ways...
> If you are an Oracle shop and use their encryption product then it WILL
> impact your db operations, things like backup and replication, etc.  This
> will be true for other products that encrypt at the column or table level.
> Any respectable DBA should push back with how this type of encryption will
> impact the business operations.  This would be an example of a DBA doing
> their job.
>
> When we implemented at the db level with oracle's product, yes our DBAs
> pushed back.  We did it anyway.   Oracle's product is good, that's not the
> problem.
>
> The problem is typically around what you are trying to achieve.   What
> risks are you attempting to mitigate?  I contend that most db compromises
> are via the application, i.e. db authentication was not compromised.  The
> application was the conduit to the data.   One should NEVER do something
> just because it SEEMS LIKE A GOOD IDEA or IT'S A BEST PRACTICE.  There
> should be some identification of the risks and their likelihood, then
> perform an analysis (might include identification of) of the mitigation
> methods.
>
> If you want what I like to call TRUE data at rest encryption then look for
> a storage solution that transparently encrypts the storage.  If a drive is
> stolen or improperly disposed of and 'stolen' then the data is encrypted.
>
> I believe that database encryption at the database level is not cost (not
> just $) effective.  And it surely does not magically make everything
> "good".   I believe it's better to identify the risks around the database
> and work to mitigate those risks.   The first risk is the one that exists
> in all models - the application level!
>
> Please know that I'm not being critical of database encryption.  It is a
> valid method of data protection.  I personally believe there are other
> methods that offer more for the cost in dollars, people time and complexity.
>
> More directly to your issue, if you have a chance to ask the assessor what
> risks the recommendation is intended to mitigate then you can then look at
> other methods to mitigate that risk.  If the assessor did not say anything
> about your applications that integrate with your db then well...
>
> Hope this helps,
> Oscar
> --
> NOTE: ASU ITS will NEVER ask you for your password in an email!
> Oscar D. Knight                                        knightod at
> appstate dot edu
> ITS, Office of Information Security                           Voice:
> 828-262-6946
> Appalachian State University, Boone, NC 28608         FAX: 828-262-2236
>
> On Wed, Nov 11, 2020 at 9:42 AM Mattehew Prescott <matt.prescott () acu edu>
> wrote:
>
> > Does anybody do data at rest encryption on your databases, specifically
> > Banner, Titanium, or SQL Server?
> > How hard was it to implement?
> > Did your DBAs push back?
> > What tools did you use?
> > This was an item that came up in one of our self-assessments.
> >
> > Thanks,
> > Matt Prescott, Security Analyst
> > Information Technology
> > (o) 325-674-2882
> > Abilene Christian University
> > [image: Abilene Christian University]
> >
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