What is Application Layer Encryption?

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What is Application Layer Encryption?

The need for application layer encryption or application level encryption has increased because businesses increasingly rely on digital solutions and cloud-based services; as a result, the potential points of vulnerability have multiplied. 

Application Layer Encryption refers to encrypting data at the application layer of the networking stack, which is the topmost layer of the OSI model. This means that encryption is applied to specific types of network traffic, such as HTTP traffic, and is done by the application itself rather than the underlying infrastructure, like the network or transport layer. Encrypting data at this layer makes the security measures closer to the data being protected, maintaining confidentiality. 

Encrypting data at the application layer protects information throughout its lifecycle—during storage, processing, and transmission. This granular level of security protects data against interception or unauthorized access at different stages.  

Let's understand the most common examples of application layer encryption, i.e., HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure), which encrypts the data transmitted between a web server and a web browser.

HTTPS uses the SSL/TLS (Secure Sockets Layer/Transport Layer Security) protocol to encrypt the data, providing a secure communication channel over an otherwise vulnerable internet. This form of encryption protects data from eavesdropping and ensures that the data remains unchanged during transit, maintaining data integrity.

SSL/TLS certificates are issued by certificate authorities (CAs), who verify the website owner's identity before issuing the certificate, adding a layer of trust for users accessing the site. 

Unlike other methods that might protect data only in transit or at rest, application layer encryption offers end-to-end security. 

End-to-End Encryption is a method of encrypting data as it is transmitted between two specific endpoints, such as messaging apps, email, and voice and video calls.

This form of encryption ensures that only the communicating users can read the messages, as the data is encrypted on the sender's device and only decrypted on the recipient's device. This method is widely used in secure messaging applications like WhatsApp and Signal. 

Other application layer encryption or application-level encryption types include  

  1. PGP: Secures emails and files using symmetric and public-key cryptography. 
  1. S/MIME (Secure/Multipurpose Internet Mail Extensions): Encrypts and signs MIME data, typically for email security. 
  1. XML Encryption: Encrypts either entire XML documents or specific elements. 
  1. JSON Web Encryption (JWE): Encrypts JSON data structures for secure web app communication. 
  1. Disk Encryption Software: Encrypts data on disk, used by applications (e.g., BitLocker, VeraCrypt). 
  1. Database Encryption: Encrypts databases, tables, or fields (e.g., TDE with SQL Server). 
  1. Secure File Transfer Protocols: Encrypts data during file transfers (e.g., SFTP, FTPS). 

Application-layer encryption protects data until it reaches the destination app, encrypting fields within the app to prevent unauthorized access and minimize attack vectors. It also ensures data integrity during transmission and verifies the authenticity of the communicating parties.  

Even if attackers access infrastructure, the data remains encrypted, making information extraction difficult. It helps to comply with regulatory requirements and standards, such as GDPR and HIPAA, which mandate stringent data protection measures.  

Learn more about:

Runtime Encryption® Platform

Encryption as a service

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