Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP) Practice Exam

What type of encryption allows data processing in the cloud without decryption?

1. Encryption Key

2. Encryption

3. Homomorphic Encryption

4. Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)

The correct answer is: Homomorphic Encryption

Homomorphic encryption is a specific type of encryption that enables computations to be performed on ciphertexts, which means that data can be processed without needing to decrypt it first. This characteristic is particularly beneficial in cloud computing environments where sensitive data needs to be analyzed or manipulated without exposing it to the cloud service provider or any unauthorized actors. With traditional encryption methods, once data is encrypted, it must be decrypted to be used, which can introduce security risks and privacy concerns. In contrast, homomorphic encryption maintains confidentiality by allowing operations to be carried out on the encrypted data, yielding an encrypted result that, once decrypted, matches the result of operations performed on the plaintext data. This capability is significant because it allows organizations to leverage cloud computing resources for data analysis without compromising the security and privacy of their sensitive information. Thus, homomorphic encryption offers a balance between data utility and security in cloud environments, making it a powerful tool for industries handling personal data, financial records, and other confidential information.