Data Encryption for Secure Hybrid Cloud Storage
Using encryption to keep hybrid cloud storage safe
Modern businesses use hybrid cloud environments, which combine on-premises NAS systems with public cloud services to give them more options and room to grow. This model makes things easier to get to and more reliable, but it also makes security harder. To keep private information safe as it moves between local infrastructure and the cloud, it is important to encrypt it and design secure storage.
A good encryption plan keeps data safe when it’s not being used, when it’s being sent, and when it’s being synced between systems.
Why encryption is important in hybrid cloud models
Data often crosses more than one trust boundary in hybrid environments. Users or applications can access files that start on a NAS, sync to the cloud, and then be accessed from anywhere. If encryption isn’t done right, each transition makes the data more vulnerable.
Encryption makes it less likely that someone will get into your account, steal your credentials, or hack your cloud account. Even if someone gets their hands on data or intercepts it, encrypted content stays unreadable without the right keys.
Encryption also helps businesses meet compliance and governance requirements when they handle customer data, financial records, or regulated information.
Encryption when it’s not being used and when it’s being sent
The first step to safe hybrid cloud storage is to encrypt data that is not being used. Strong encryption should be used on on-premises NAS volumes to keep disks safe from being stolen or accessed without permission. This keeps data safe even if the drives are taken out of the system.
Encryption while in transit is just as important. When data is sent between NAS and cloud services, it must be protected by secure communication protocols. Sensitive information can be exposed through network interception or misconfigured routing if it is not encrypted during transfer.
When you put both layers together, you get a basic level of security that keeps data safe no matter where it is.
Moving data securely and syncing it with the cloud
Cloud synchronization tools make it easy to share files and access them from anywhere, but you need to set them up correctly. Not all sync methods use encryption in the same way, and some only use controls from the cloud provider.
Before data leaves the NAS, organizations should make sure it is encrypted, not just when it gets to the cloud. Client-side encryption gives you more control because the organization owns the encryption keys instead of the cloud provider.
To stop silent corruption or malicious changes to synchronized data, you should also turn on versioning and integrity checks.
Managing keys and controlling access
The strength of encryption depends on how well it manages its keys. Companies need to say who can get to encryption keys, how keys are kept, and how they are changed or taken away.
Keys should be kept safe from encrypted data, and the best way to do this is to use secure credential storage or hardware-backed methods. Access to encrypted volumes and synchronized folders must follow the least-privilege principle, which means that users should only be able to see the data they need to do their jobs.
Strong authentication, such as multi-factor controls for administrative access, lowers risk even more.
Finding a balance between security and speed
Encryption’s effect on performance is a common worry. Newer NAS platforms and cloud services are made to handle encryption well, but if they aren’t set up correctly, they can still cause problems.
Selective encryption strategies help keep security and performance in check. You can fully encrypt very sensitive datasets, but you can use different levels of protection for less important data. Keeping an eye on how well the system works helps make sure that encryption doesn’t get in the way of business.
Synology Encryption and Combining Cloud Services
Synology has built-in encryption and secure cloud integration features that work well in hybrid environments. DiskStation Manager lets you use encrypted shared folders, handle keys securely, and move data securely for tasks like synchronization and replication.
Synology Cloud Sync lets organizations keep their encryption policies in line with their own security standards while still being able to sync with public cloud platforms. When set up correctly, Synology systems, along with snapshot technology and access controls, make a safe base for hybrid storage architectures.
Making a safe hybrid storage architecture
Encryption should be part of a bigger plan for safe storage that also includes backups, monitoring, and planning for recovery. It is also important that encrypted data can be recovered, which means that encryption keys and backup plans must work together.
Testing recovery scenarios makes sure that encrypted backups can be restored quickly and without problems during important events. As environments change, documentation and regular reviews help keep things the same.
About the company Epis Technology
Epis Technology helps companies create and set up safe hybrid cloud storage spaces that use both NAS and cloud platforms. The company offers Synology consulting and support, enterprise storage architecture, backups for Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace, and fully managed backups for PCs. Epis Technology helps businesses set up encryption strategies, safe cloud synchronization, and strong storage systems that keep data safe while allowing for growth and business continuity.