Crypto-shredding is a data destruction technique that consists in destroying the keys that allow the data to be decrypted, thus making the data undecipherable.
Difficulty of data destruction
Data destruction is a major issue in data protection regulations such as the GDPR in the context of exercising an individual's right to erasure.
When a company exercises a person's right to erasure, it must search all databases, all object or flat storage, all logs (and their backups) to find all occurrences of a piece of data, and delete them.
Anyone who has ever been confronted with such a request will know that this is not easy:
- it is difficult, if not impossible, to delete data contained in a backup (not to mention the backups that are silently made by the hosting companies);
- the same data is often replicated in different forms in the infrastructure;
- deletion in a relational database can trigger a cascade of involuntary deletions;
- and so on.
Benefits
Crypto-shredding changes the approach to the problem: instead of searching / cataloguing all versions of a piece of data across the entire infrastructure, the problem is centralized on one encryption key for all versions of a piece of data.
When a piece of data is first collected, it is encrypted with a centrally managed individual key. The encrypted data is stored, backed up, replicated normally, decrypted each time it is used, and as soon as a new version is produced, it is encrypted with the same key.
When you want to delete the piece of data, you don't need to start an archaeological dig, you just have to destroy the encryption key, which is managed centrally.
How it works
If the encryption key used to decrypt a piece of data is destroyed and there is no copy of it, this prevents anyone from decrypting the piece of data. This is called crypto-shredding a piece of data.
The original data could then only be reconstructed by "breaking" the encryption, which with modern and robust algorithms is considered impossible. If "breaking" the cipher were possible on a given algorithm, then the algorithm used would be judged as vulnerable and would have to be abandoned.
Thus, crypto-shredding a piece of data is equivalent, in terms of risk of data breach, to deleting the data.
Limitations
Three limitations exist with crypto-shredding:
- if the encryption is poorly implemented (e.g., using vulnerable algorithms) crypto-shredding of a data would not be equivalent to deleting it;
- since crypto-shredding does not delete the encrypted data, the encrypted data would still take up disk space;
- keys have to be managed for each data and decryption operations have to be performed at each use, which requires a well organized key management, and secure deletion of the keys in paramount to crypto-shredding.
The Seald-SDK allows to perform fine-grained crypto-shredding on encrypted data, don't hesitate to contact our teams to know more about it!
FAQs
Crypto-shredding is a data destruction technique that consists in destroying the keys that allow the data to be decrypted, thus making the data undecipherable.
How does crypto shredding work? ›
Crypto-shredding is the practice of 'deleting' data by deliberately deleting or overwriting the encryption keys. This requires that the data have been encrypted. Data may be considered to exist in three states: data at rest, data in transit and data in use.
What is cryptographic key destruction method? ›
an eraser device, separate from the storage device, and enabled to couple to the external interface; and. wherein the eraser device is further enabled to destroy at least the part of the cryptographic key stored in the non-volatile memory, the destroying via at least partial erasure of the non-volatile memory.
What is shredding in data? ›
What is Data Shredding? Data shredding is the complete demolition of secure data stored on a device's hard drive, typically via the mechanical shredding of the hard drive itself. It's usually performed when a device is nearing the end of its lifespan or office technology is being upgraded.
What is crypto cut shredding? ›
Crypto Cut Shredding
Crypto cut shredders are usually used by Government or Military installations where the data is extremely sensitive. These shredders are Din Level 5 or 6 machines that will shred a single piece of paper into between 1500 and 3000 tiny dust like particles.
How does IRS track crypto wallets? ›
The IRS uses several strategies to track crypto transactions for tax compliance: Third-Party Reporting: Exchanges report user transactions. Blockchain Analysis: Collaboration with firms to analyze transactions on the public ledger. John Doe Summons: Collect data on users from exchanges.
How does shredding work? ›
“Shredding” is the processing of dropping body fat to extremely low levels, usually within a time period of around 8-12 weeks. It's a process that is often utilised by bodybuilders, but regular gym goers can go through 'shredding' phases in preparation for holidays or other big events.
Which cryptographic method is unbreakable? ›
There is only one known unbreakable cryptographic system, the one-time pad, which is not generally possible to use because of the difficulties involved in exchanging one-time pads without their being compromised. So any encryption algorithm can be compared to the perfect algorithm, the one-time pad.
Can data be recovered after shredding? ›
Now you know that files deleting with a file shredder can't be recovered. Shredding a great way to protect your privacy and make sure no one gets hold of your deleted sensitive documents.
How do you shred data? ›
Someone might use data recovery software to see your “deleted” files. Use a file shredder to permanently destroy them. Choose from three algorithms to shred your data, including the DOD (Department of Defense) 5220.22-M algorithm algorithm and the ultra-secure Gutmann algorithm.
(a) For paper records containing information that is confidential or exempt from disclosure, appropriate destruction methods include burning in an industrial incineration facility, pulping, pulverizing, shredding, or macerating.
What type of shredder is most secure? ›
If you handle bank statements, social security numbers, and any other similarly personal data, you need a shredder with a P-4 rating or above. If you're looking for a high level of security, a P-5 Micro Cut shredder is an excellent choice.
What is the difference between shredding and cutting? ›
Bulking means intentionally eating more calories than you burn, with the goal of putting on mass, particularly muscle mass. Cutting (also known as shredding) is intentionally eating fewer calories than you burn in order to lose mass, particularly fat.
What is the difference between scan and shred? ›
shredding: What does it mean? Simply put, document scanning involves scanning all physical documents and converting them into digital copies to store them securely through reliable cloud storage. On the other hand, document shredding is when the documents that are no longer useful are destroyed.
How do people dump crypto? ›
Pump and dump is a scheme where a group of traders collaborate to buy a particular cryptocurrency in large quantities, creating artificial demand which drives up the price. Once the price has been pumped, the group will quickly sell off their holdings at the inflated price, leaving other investors with losses.
Do you lose money burning crypto? ›
Also known as burning tokens, this is irreversible and typically achieved by sending the coins to a public wallet address where they cannot be retrieved or spent. Once coins are sent to this 'burn address', they are effectively rendered unusable, thus reducing the total supply of the cryptocurrency.
How does withdrawing crypto work? ›
A: To transfer Bitcoin to a bank account, sell your Bitcoin on a crypto exchange for fiat currency. Link your bank account to the exchange, complete identity verification, and then withdraw the fiat cash to your bank account.
How does losing money in crypto work? ›
While losing money is never the goal, cryptocurrency losses can offset an unlimited amount of capital gains from cryptocurrency, stocks, and other assets as well as $3,000 of other income (such as income from your job) for the year.
