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Encrypt your Kubernetes Backups using Server Side Encryption

As Kubernetes adoption grows rapidly in enterprises, protecting cluster data is critical. Backups ensure business continuity in case of failures, accidental deletions, or security breaches. For over 2 years, users have depended on the integrated backup/restore capability in the Rafay Platform to dramatically simplify Kubernetes backup and restore operations. When the backups artifacts are stored in public cloud environments, organizations may have a concern with security. One of the most effective ways to secure these backups is by using Server-Side Encryption (SSE). SSE encrypts data at rest within cloud storage services, protecting it from unauthorized access while minimizing operational overhead.

In this blog, I describe the value of SSE encryption for Kubernetes backups and how it enhances security and compliance. I will also describe how administrators can configure and use SSE for backups in the Rafay Platform.

Encryption

Info

Learn about the integrated Backup/Restore capabilities in the Rafay Platform.

Background

Kubernetes backups typically store critical data such as

  • Persistent Volume (PV) data – Application state, databases, and logs.
  • Cluster metadata – Configuration files, secrets, ConfigMaps, and role-based access control (RBAC) policies.
  • Application manifests – Kubernetes objects defining service deployments.

Without encryption, these backups can theoretically become potential attack vectors. Data leakage, insider threats, and regulatory non-compliance are common risks. Encrypting these backups ensures that even if someone gains access to the storage, they cannot use the data without access to the decryption keys.

What is Server-Side Encryption (SSE)?

Server-Side Encryption (SSE) refers to encryption managed by the cloud provider. When enabled and configured, data uploaded to cloud storage is automatically encrypted before being written to disk and decrypted upon retrieval. There are two enterprise grade ways to configure and use SSE with cloud storage.

1. SSE-KMS (Key Management Service)

This approach allows administrators to control encryption keys via a KMS service e.g. AWS's KMS. In the example below, you can see the admin is using AWS's s3 for backups and has to specify details when they configure the "backup location" in the Rafay Platform.

  • Enable Server Side Encryption
  • Select the "SSE-KMS" option
  • Provide the KMS Key ID and specify the encryption algorithm

KMS Option in AWS

2. SSE-C (Customer-Provided Keys)

This approach allows administrators to supply their own encryption keys, and the cloud provider does not store them. In the example below, you can see the admin is using Azure's Blob Storage for backups and has to specify details when they configure the "backup location" in the Rafay Platform.

  • Enable Server Side Encryption
  • Select the "SSE-C" option

SSE-C Option in Azure

How does SSE help with Securing Kubernetes Backups?

Here are some reasons why users should seriously consider enabling SSE for their Kubernetes backups.

1. Seamless Integration with Cloud Storage

Kubernetes backups are primarily archived in object storage (e.g., AWS S3, Google Cloud Storage, or Azure Blob). SSE ensures that every backup stored in these services is encrypted by default, without requiring complex key management.

2. Automated Encryption Without Performance Overhead

Unlike client-side encryption (which requires additional processing), SSE is handled directly by the cloud provider. This eliminates the need for managing encryption at the application level, ensuring minimal performance impact.

3. Compliance with Security Regulations

Industries such as finance, healthcare, and government enforce strict data protection laws (e.g., GDPR, HIPAA, PCI-DSS). SSE helps organizations comply with these standards by providing encrypted data storage with audit capabilities.

4. Protection Against Unauthorized Access

Even if a backup storage bucket is misconfigured or compromised, encrypted data remains unreadable without the necessary decryption keys. This is critical in mitigating insider threats and accidental exposure.

5. Simplified Key Management

When using SSE-KMS, enterprises can integrate encryption keys with existing security policies. This ensures controlled access, key rotation, and logging of key usage events.

Conclusion

Server-Side Encryption (SSE) provides a robust, automated, and compliance-friendly approach to securing Kubernetes backups. By leveraging cloud-native encryption mechanisms, organizations can reduce operational overhead while strengthening data security. Whether using AWS, Google Cloud, Azure or MinIO, enabling SSE ensures that Kubernetes backups remain protected against unauthorized access and data breaches. For enterprises prioritizing security and compliance, enabling SSE encryption should be a standard best practice.

Try It Out

Sign up here for a free trial and try it out yourself. Get Started includes a number of hands-on exercises that will help you get familiar with capabilities of Rafay's Kubernetes Management Platform.