Final answer:
Azure Storage automatically encrypts data at rest using Storage Service Encryption with 256-bit AES encryption for all blobs, files, tables, and queue messages, regardless of the storage tier or deployment model, without the need for user intervention.
Step-by-step explanation:
In Azure Storage, data is automatically encrypted at rest by the service. This process is known as Storage Service Encryption (SSE), which uses 256-bit AES encryption, one of the strongest block ciphers available. By default, Azure storage automatically encrypts data before persisting it to the cloud and decrypts it before retrieval, all without additional charges or needing any configuration from the user.
The scenarios in which this automatic encryption occurs include:
- When you upload a blob, file, table, or queue message to Azure Storage.
- When storage data is updated, SSE automatically handles re-encryption.
- When you create a new storage account, all data written to it thereafter will be encrypted by default.
Encryption is an essential part of the security model in Azure to ensure that your data is protected at rest and this holds true for all deployment models including public, private, and hybrid cloud scenarios. All tiers of Azure Storage including Cool, Hot, and Archive are encrypted, and the keys managed by Microsoft or the customer using Azure Key Vault. It's also important to note that Azure Storage encryption is similar to BitLocker encryption on Windows for local drives.