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Also known as: File Encryption
Applying cryptography at the file level to protect confidentiality and access control for data at rest.
DESCRIPTION
File encryption protects individual files using symmetric or asymmetric keys, decrypting only for authorized users or processes. It supports granular access and selective sharing compared to full disk encryption. Systems like EFS or PGP enable user-level encryption, while enterprises manage keys via KMS or HSM. Strong key management, secure metadata handling, and backup of recovery keys are essential. It complements disk and database encryption in defense-in-depth.
ALTERNATIVE DEFINITIONS
NIST
File-level encryption protects individual files by encrypting their contents and decrypting them for authorized use, providing confidentiality for data at rest.
Focuses on per-file confidentiality and authorized decryption.
Microsoft Learn
Encrypting File System (EFS) is a feature of Windows that allows users to encrypt individual files and folders.
Platform-specific example of file-level encryption on Windows.
IETF
OpenPGP provides message encryption and signing, which can be used to encrypt files for storage or exchange.
Standards perspective using OpenPGP for files at rest or in transit.
RELATED TERMS
Rijndael Asymmetric Encryption Pretty Good Privacy EFS BitLocker Key Management Data at Rest Hardware Security Module
COMPETING TERMS
KNOWLEDGE AREAS
Data Security Data Privacy & Compliance Data Management
TARGET AUDIENCE
Security Architect Cybersecurity Engineer Data Privacy Officer Chief Information Security Officer Application Administrator
EXTERNAL SOURCES
- Wikipedia - Disk encryption#File-level encryption
- NIST - Guidance on storage encryption
- Microsoft - Windows EFS documentation
- IETF - OpenPGP message format
TOP QUESTIONS
Why use Encrypting Files instead of only Full Disk Encryption?
File encryption provides granular control and selective sharing. It protects sensitive files even when moved off the disk.
Category: Relevancy
What are common algorithms for Encrypting Files?
AES for symmetric encryption and RSA or ECC to wrap keys. Use authenticated modes like AES-GCM.
Category: Requirements
How are keys managed for Encrypting Files?
Use a KMS or HSM for key storage and rotation. Implement recovery keys and access controls.
Category: Management
What is a common mistake with Encrypting Files?
Storing encryption keys alongside the files. This defeats confidentiality. Separate key material securely.
Category: Mistakes
Does Encrypting Files impact performance?
There is overhead, but modern CPUs with AES acceleration minimize impact. Tune chunk sizes and caching.
Category: Risks
How does Encrypting Files support compliance?
It reduces exposure in breaches and meets requirements for data at rest. Document policies and audits.
Category: Requirements
Can Encrypting Files be automated in pipelines?
Yes, via CLI tools, libraries, or storage service features. Integrate with CI/CD and artifact policies.
Category: Example
What is the biggest misunderstanding about Encrypting Files?
That encryption alone solves access control. Identity, authorization, and logging remain essential.
Category: Misunderstanding
When to prefer Encrypting Files over database encryption?
When handling discrete artifacts, exports, or shared documents. Database encryption secures structured data in situ.
Category: Opinion