When a company operates on a digital content management system, data security comes into play. Headless CMS does not have data security layers like a traditional CMS because with a traditional CMS, secured transactions occur within the same environment, whereas, with headless, secured transactions are via API transmission between the content storage and the content delivery application. Therefore, a headless CMS is missing some of the more secure layers that a traditional system would take on. Ultimately, however, without data security, this information is vulnerable to anyone from private information to customer history to sensitive information. 

Where secure storage of content in a Headless CMS is concerned, encryption is a necessary security measure. Encryption renders data unintelligible to prying eyes without a decryption key, meaning any content either stored or in transit becomes invisible from human detection, hacks, interception, and potential breaches. In addition, encryption is an enterprise-level standard; it bolsters security efforts in addition to compliance with GDPR, CCPA, and more.

How Data Encryption Works in Headless CMS Content Storage

With a Headless CMS, encryption means that your data is converted into ciphertext from plaintext so it cannot be read without authorization. The Headless CMS employs cryptographic applications to make data in use and data at rest convertible. For businesses seeking a Strapi CMS alternative, other Headless CMS platforms provide similar encryption benefits while offering additional customization and security features. Therefore, only those applications or individuals with decryption keys will be able to access and read the data.

Data at rest is information that exists within databases, files, or clouds. Therefore, if such information is encrypted, it cannot be accessed or read by those who do not have authorization should they breach the infrastructure underlying the storage system. In addition, encryption is needed for data in transit.

Data in transit is API calls, content delivery, and user interaction which can easily be breached unless protective measures are in place traveling to and from the Headless CMS and front-end applications. Therefore, the Headless CMS uses strong encryption to avoid weaknesses from malicious intent or unintentional exposure. Thus, data at rest is AES-256 encrypted and data in transit is encrypted via TLS.

Enhancing API Security with End-to-End Encryption

Encryption: Because a Headless CMS needs to make API calls constantly to serve up content to websites, applications, etc., frequent API calls and data shared between the Headless CMS and its front-end sources are thus vulnerable to hacking. Encryption safeguards all data in transit and at rest so that a person’s information is protected from the second it’s created to the second it’s used.

For instance, TLS encryption means that every API call and response is encrypted, so no nefarious third-party agents can listen in on the exchange. In addition, with encryption of API keys and access tokens, additional safeguards take place, so no one can take control of the API exchanges. Encryption relative to API security means that the content stays not just as it is but also up to code. Access to stored content and the ability to change it is only allowed for those intended to be seeing and changing such things.

Preventing Unauthorized Access with Encrypted User Credentials

Authentication and access control are paramount so unauthorized users will never be able to see anything saved in a Headless CMS. For one, user credentials need to be hashed so log-in information or API access tokens are never visible. The minute authentication is stored within a database in plaintext, it becomes vulnerable. When an access username and password or token is visible, and the same password or token is not hashed within a separate entity, it’s relatively easy to reverse back to plaintext.

Therefore, hashing is important. For instance, bcrypt, PBKDF2, and Argon2 take user plaintext passwords and create non-reversible cryptographic hashes. The same is true with access tokens that are saved as undecipherable strings. Therefore, when a hacker breaches someone’s database of saved authorized users, all they have is a bunch of nonsensical letters, numbers, and strings, none of which can be reversed back into proper usable accounts.
In addition, session tokens are encrypted and API keys serve as access points through which Headless CMS content repositories cannot be breached by unauthorized users. With encryption key rotation and multi-factor authentication for access, only those who are vetted properly can interact with what remains confidential.

Ensuring Compliance with Data Protection Regulations

As data privacy regulations penetrate the business world, companies must understand that their Headless CMS will be compliant with regulatory standards GDPR, CCPA, HIPAA at a minimum. These regulations require compliance with twenty-first-century security efforts which, among other mandates, require encryption of all data transmitted or stored. Therefore, encryption not only keeps the enterprise compliant, but it also protects personally identifiable information (PII), financial information, or medical records. 

Throughout compliance, a company may face legal consequences for noncompliance, but it can also unwittingly destroy its client’s information through unethical practices leading to identity theft, lost reputation, and decreased income through data breaches. For example, GDPR compliance stipulations require specific processing methods encryption, for example, prevents any unauthorized processing and leaking of personal information. Thus, a Headless CMS that automatically encrypts any customer data not actively being used fulfills this requirement and helps keep sensitive data from being breached.

Strengthening Backup and Disaster Recovery with Encrypted Storage

Backup and disaster recovery features facilitate business continuity in the event of data loss and system failures. A Headless CMS must have integrated, encrypted backup solutions to ensure that private content is protected in the event of a platform failure or cyber attack.

Encrypted backups ensure that any data saved will not be retrievable by anyone unauthorized to see it in the event that the backup storage location is hacked. In addition, key management with respect to the encryption keys ensures that only those with certain keys or authorized personnel can complete restorations and access backup directories. Encryption in the disaster recovery process means that a company can experience a disaster and still have privacy over its information (and no corruption) while simultaneously having those user-friendly tools for recovery when disaster strikes.

Protecting Digital Assets and Media Files with Encryption

Along with the literature, a Headless CMS often contains media assets like images, videos, and Word documents. These media assets can be sensitive in-house materials, branding materials, and other projects, as well as client documents that are password protected all needing protection.

AES encryption of these media assets allows for no duplication, distribution, or editing by any unauthorized personnel. In addition, when images are AES encrypted with other access controls placed upon them, only certain users and systems can view and adjust the saved media.
In addition, watermarking and other DRM features help further safeguard against unauthorized use or viewing. Between just the encryption and the headless CMS, there are many safeguards for one’s digital assets.

Implementing Secure Key Management for Encrypted Content

Encryption key management entails more than just the software and systems used to create or destroy keys. Without HSMs, cloud KMS, or enterprise key vaults, key rotation means nothing. Keys need to be destroyed with the same reliability as they’re created.

Raiding a treasure chest is easier than defeating a pirate. Old keys left in the system after use become just as insider knowledge for would-be hackers as access to extensive security secrets.
Proper key management enables the organization to enhance encryption security and prevent unwanted third parties from decrypting all the Headless CMS data at once.

Conclusion

Data encryption is a fundamental security feature for any stored data within a Headless CMS. Data encryption at rest and in transit, secure APIs, and authentication requirements will not only protect against unauthorized access and ensure compliance with government data security regulations, but also safeguard important digital assets. Given the emerging cyber threats daily, encryption should be standardized in an organization’s daily operating procedures for any company concerned with the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of its data. A secure Headless CMS cloud or on-prem offers the encryption capabilities necessary to ensure a company can create and implement digital experiences without the worry that its content will be at risk.