Introduction
Data encryption is no longer optional. Between compliance frameworks like HIPAA, SOC 2, and ISO 27001 — and growing ransomware threats — encryption underpins trust in the cloud.
For SMBs using AWS, KMS (Key Management Service) provides a scalable, centralized way to manage encryption keys and audit data access.
But understanding how KMS integrates with other AWS services, and how to verify compliance, can be daunting. That's where Securitain's Data Security module comes in.
The Role of AWS KMS
AWS KMS allows you to create and control cryptographic keys used to encrypt data in:
S3 Buckets
Object-level encryption for data storage
EBS Volumes
Block-level encryption for compute instances
RDS and DynamoDB
Database encryption at rest
Secrets Manager & Lambda
Application-level secrets protection
Every encryption event is logged to CloudTrail, ensuring traceability — a key audit requirement for HIPAA and NIST 800-53.
KMS Best Practices for SMBs
Use Customer-Managed Keys (CMKs)
Instead of AWS-managed defaults, use CMKs for full control over key policies and rotation schedules.
Enable Key Rotation
Configure automatic key rotation every 12 months to maintain cryptographic hygiene.
Restrict KMS Policies
Apply IAM conditions and principals to limit who can use, manage, or view encryption keys.
Monitor CloudTrail Logs
Continuously track key usage patterns and detect unauthorized access attempts.
The Compliance Angle
Encryption controls map directly to:
- HIPAA §164.312(a)(2)(iv) - Encryption and Decryption
- NIST 800-53 SC-13 (Cryptographic Protection)
- SOC 2 CC6.1 (Logical Access Security)
Securitain's Compliance module auto-detects encryption configurations across AWS and highlights any unencrypted storage.
How Securitain Helps
Visual Key Inventory
Across all AWS accounts and regions
Automated Checks
For unencrypted S3 or EBS resources
Evidence-Ready Reports
Mapped to compliance frameworks
Real-time Alerts
When encryption policies are violated
Conclusion
Encryption is your last line of defense — and AWS KMS makes it achievable at scale.
Use Securitain to audit, monitor, and prove encryption compliance today.
Start Your Security Audit
