What is an Encrypted Vault and how does it work?

In the digital world, safeguarding sensitive data is more important than ever. From passwords and keys to API tokens, keeping this information secure can be the difference between a safe system and a critical vulnerability. In this new article on Cosmikal’s blog, we explain what an Encrypted Vault is, how it works, and why it is essential for implementing a robust cybersecurity policy.

What is an Encrypted Vault?

An Encrypted Vault is a technological solution designed to store and protect sensitive information (known as secrets) in a highly secure environment. These secrets include credentials such as passwords, SSH keys, digital certificates, API tokens, and any critical data that requires protection.

Its architecture is designed to ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information, meeting the highest cybersecurity standards.

How does an Encrypted Vault work?

An Encrypted Vault operates using multiple layers of protection designed to mitigate risks associated with unauthorized access, data loss, and malicious attacks. 

Additionally, Vaults are often integrated with existing security architectures, such as identity and access management tools, and adopt security principles like least privilege to limit the scope of permissions.

Here are its key technical features:

1. Advanced Encryption:

• It uses state-of-the-art encryption algorithms, such as AES-256, to protect data both at rest and in transit.
• Each record or asset is individually encrypted with unique keys, reducing the likelihood of compromising the entire content in the event of a breach.

2. Key Management:

• It implements Key Management Systems (KMS) that distribute, rotate, and destroy keys according to specific policies.
• It includes support for Hardware Security Modules (HSM), which store and process keys outside the operational environment to prevent exposure.

3. Granular Access Control:

• It uses multifactor authentication (MFA) mechanisms and protocols such as LDAP, SAML, or Kerberos to validate users.
• It assigns permissions at the user, group, or role level, with real-time auditing capabilities to detect anomalous access.

4. Audit Logging:

• It logs all events in immutable logs, such as access attempts, data modifications, and transfers.
• The logs are integrated with SIEMs for incident analysis and correlation.

5. Isolated Deployment:

• It can be deployed in on-premises infrastructures, public/private clouds, or hybrid environments.
• It uses containers or virtualized environments to strengthen its isolation.

Advantages of an Encrypted Vault

An Encrypted Vault is a key tool in cybersecurity, designed to securely protect and manage credentials and other sensitive data in corporate environments. Its implementation provides numerous technical advantages that significantly strengthen information protection strategies.

Credential Protection

One of the primary functions of an Encrypted Vault is the secure storage of critical credentials, such as passwords for essential systems. These tools eliminate the risks associated with plaintext storage by employing advanced encryption to protect data. This approach ensures that credentials cannot be intercepted or exploited in the event of unauthorized access.

Mitigation of Internal and External Attacks

The Encrypted Vault serves as a barrier against both unauthorized internal access and external threats, such as ransomware attacks. Its architecture is designed to minimize the risk of sensitive data exfiltration by implementing robust access control mechanisms and detailed activity tracking. This ensures that access to assets is only possible for authorized personnel and under controlled conditions.

Regulatory Compliance

In a regulated environment, where standards like GDPR, ISO 27001, NIS2, or SOC 2 mandate the protection of sensitive data, Encrypted Vaults become indispensable allies. Their ability to securely manage credentials not only simplifies regulatory compliance but also reduces the risk of penalties resulting from failures in protecting critical information.

Resilience Against Security Breaches

Even in extreme situations, such as a security breach, the data stored in an Encrypted Vault remains inaccessible to attackers without the associated decryption keys. This is due to the use of advanced encryption standards like AES-256, widely recognized for its robustness against brute-force attacks. This approach not only minimizes the impact of breaches but also protects the integrity and confidentiality of the data.

Integration with Security Ecosystems

An Encrypted Vault does not operate in isolation; it easily integrates with other cybersecurity solutions, such as Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) systems, Privileged Access Management (PAM) tools, and detection and response platforms. This interoperability enhances the ability to monitor, analyze, and respond to potential incidents, optimizing the organization’s security ecosystem.

These features position Encrypted Vaults as essential components in the protection of digital assets, especially in organizations that prioritize cybersecurity and regulatory compliance.

The Encrypted Vault in Endurance  

The Vault integrated in Endurance is a key component that transforms this solution into a comprehensive and highly reliable cybersecurity tool. Designed to manage and protect critical credentials, this Vault enhances Endurance’s capabilities by ensuring the security of access to both digital and physical assets. Its integration with the Endurance ecosystem of tools sets a protection standard that meets the demands of the most complex and regulated infrastructures. 

Session and Credential Encryption 

Endurance’s Vault ensures that credentials are never transmitted in plaintext or stored locally. Each piece of data managed is encrypted using advanced standards such as AES-256, minimizing the risks of exposure and attacks arising from transit interceptions. This approach protects not only the data but also the system’s integrity against common vulnerabilities.

Secure Access through the Connection Broker 

The integration of the Vault with the Connection Broker and the Shielded remote desktop provides a closed and secure environment where external interactions are strictly limited to events like keyboard, mouse, video, and audio. This means that credentials never leave the protected environment, making access invulnerable even against advanced exfiltration attempts.

Automatic Credential Rotation 

One of the standout features is automatic credential rotation. After each use, passwords or keys are automatically replaced, drastically reducing the exposure window and eliminating risks associated with the use of static credentials. This approach also facilitates compliance with strict regulations that require advanced access management practices.

HSM Compatibility for Physical Security

Endurance enhances the security of the Vault through compatibility with Hardware Security Modules (HSM). These devices manage and protect the Vault’s keys, providing an additional layer of invulnerability even against physical attacks. This integration ensures that the keys remain protected from unauthorized access, guaranteeing an unparalleled level of security.. 

Centralized Monitoring and Traceability 

Monitoring is another key pillar. Every interaction with the Vault is logged, providing complete traceability that is invaluable for audits and forensic analysis. This not only facilitates compliance with regulations like NIS2 or ISO 27001, but also provides crucial insights to continuously strengthen security policies.. 

Protection of Physical and Digital Assets 

In addition, it extends its protection beyond digital assets. Critical physical elements, such as telecommunications antennas or digitally controlled industrial valves, also have their access managed through credentials encrypted in the Vault. This ensures that even non-digital assets (OT) are covered by the same level of protection as digital assets (IT).

An Integrated Solution 

The integration of the Encrypted Vault with the other Endurance tools transforms this solution into a comprehensive cybersecurity system. From credential protection to access management and advanced monitoring, Endurance redefines security standards in hybrid and distributed environments. Its ability to protect both digital and physical assets positions it as the most complete and secure solution for companies that operate critical infrastructures or manage highly complex environments.

This positions Endurance as a leading solution in enterprise cybersecurity.