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Writer's picturedarenklum

The Data Sharding myth, and the True Power of Secured2 Data Shredding!



"While competitors tout data-sharding as Secured2's solution, let's set the record straight. Secured2's data shredding isn't just different; it's revolutionary! Say goodbye to vulnerable shard chunks, and hello to quantum-secure data shredding protection. Don't settle for sharding when you can shred with Secured2 and be guaranteed safe!"


When we embarked on the journey to create Secured2, our aim was crystal clear: to develop a groundbreaking approach to data and network security that is impervious to breaches. We didn't want to offer 'me too' solutions based on traditional math-based encryption methods (a huge part of the problems we face), nor did we want to repackage old ideas and flood the market with them like everyone else. Our goal was to innovate and build something truly revolutionary, capable of effectively addressing the substantial challenges posed by securing data in transit and at rest, including innovative authentication methods.


The cybersecurity industry doesn't often see genuine innovation. While some might argue that AI represents a major security innovation, its presence predates current trends, and it's crucial to recognize that AI alone doesn't guarantee or create security. While undeniably valuable, AI must be integrated into existing security frameworks to have any value at all for cybersecurity. While it's possible that as AI progresses to emulate human intelligence more closely, this dynamic may change, for now, AI should be viewed as a tool to aid security applications rather than a standalone security solution. In fact, the main thing I see AI doing in the short term is accelerating the breaking of encryption—a topic deserving of its own discussion.


So, getting back on topic, what exactly is data-sharding, and what risks does it entail? And how does Secured2 differentiate itself from this very old database acceleration technology?


Unpacking the Illusion: Data-Sharding's Insecurity Exposed

Today I see a lot of solutions trying to at least with marketing sound like Secured2 but they use a very, very old technology that has evolved over time called data-sharding. Data sharding dates back to the early 60s, when databases became too slow and had to be broken into chunks to make them faster. Today data-sharding is being promoted as a solution to enhance data security (when it makes security worse), it has been touted by some as a revolutionary approach to decentralize data and even used in the blockchain. Sounds like a breakthrough doesn't it? However, recent analyses and expert opinions reveal a starkly different reality: data-sharding not only fails to protect data or enhance security but exacerbates the vulnerability of data!


Data-sharding involves breaking databases into smaller segments, called chunks, to enhance query speed. Originally intended to expedite searching through large databases, this method enables focusing on manageable portions of data instead of the entire dataset. These chunks are interconnected and distributed across various locations, servers, or storage containers. Advocates argue that this strategy reduces the risk of a single point of failure, bolstering resilience against cyber threats. Reality is it actually makes you less secure because the more shards there are, the larger the potential threat vector becomes.


Essentially, if an attacker gains access to one shard, they can reconstruct the entire dataset, rendering the system vulnerable. As well, dispersing sharded data chunks does not inherently enhance security; instead, it increases the attack surface. Each isolated shard presents an opportunity for malicious actors to exploit, from brute force attacks to sophisticated infiltration methods. Therefore, the more shard locations, the broader the threat landscape, posing greater risks as a breach on one node compromises the entire sharded structure due to their interconnected nature.


As well, the process of reassembling sharded chunked data, essential for accessing and utilizing information, poses significant security challenges. Malicious entities adept at intercepting and manipulating sharded chunks could potentially reconstruct sensitive information, compromising confidentiality and integrity.


Critics also highlight the operational complexities associated with managing and securing dispersed data shards. The decentralized nature of data-sharding necessitates robust coordination and oversight, often requiring additional resources and infrastructure investments. Inadequate governance and oversight could lead to fragmentation errors or inconsistencies, further undermining data security protocols.


Furthermore, data-sharding's purported benefits in terms of scalability and performance optimization do come at the expense of security. The trade-off between efficiency and security becomes increasingly apparent as organizations prioritize speed and accessibility over stringent security measures.


While data sharding involves dividing databases into smaller pieces and dispersing them across multiple locations or servers, Secured2's data shredding takes a different route. We shred data at the binary, file-level, transforming each file into tiny segments of binary pieces. These pieces undergo a proprietary process that randomizes, blocks out, and secures each small segment of an individual file. We utilize advanced quantum-secure data protection, along with standards-based post-quantum encryption chosen by our customers, and employ fragmentation techniques to irreversibly shred data into microscopic, indistinguishable particles. These particles can only be restored once an authorized party authenticates, ensuring fast, reliable, and redundant data restoration.


Traditional data sharding, while aiming to distribute data for resilience against cyber threats, often introduces vulnerabilities due to the chunked nature of the data. Each shard represents a potential point of exploitation for adversaries, increasing the attack surface and compromising overall security.


In contrast, Secured2's data shredding renders the shredded data practically indecipherable and impervious to reconstruction, even if individual particles are intercepted by malicious actors. The only way to restore a file is through a process broken up into several highly secure steps, each autonomous and bound by unique attributes. This prevents outside intrusion through packet sniffing, or even breaking the encryption of delivered packets over the Internet. By transforming data into minuscule, randomized binary fragments (particles) lacking any recognizable structure or content, Secured2 ensures unparalleled security and confidentiality.


Also, Secured2's approach transcends conventional encryption techniques by leveraging its patented process, which dynamically alters file-level data at the binary level. This dynamic data protection modality ushers in a physical-approach to data security and either can replace math-based encryption all together or greatly enhance it. So Secured2 can fit inside today's existing security standards from AES, post-quantum algorithms and even transport layer security (TLS).


Another critical distinction lies in the ease of data reassembly. While traditional data sharding requires meticulous coordination and management to reconstruct chunked data, Secured2's shredded data can be effortlessly reassembled using its proprietary technology. This seamless reassembly process ensures that authorized users can access and utilize the original data without compromising security or integrity, while also accessing protected data quickly once verified.


Lastly, Secured2's data shredding technology offers unparalleled scalability and performance without sacrificing security. Unlike traditional sharding, which may prioritize efficiency over robust security measures, Secured2's solution seamlessly integrates both aspects, providing organizations with a comprehensive data protection strategy coupled with unrivaled compression built into the process. This not only secures data but also reduces the size of your data footprint by up to 80%, depending on the data type.

In summary, Secured2's data shredding approach represents a paradigm shift in data security, offering a superior alternative to traditional data sharding methodologies. By combining advanced encryption, fragmentation, and dynamic key management techniques, Secured2 ensures uncompromising security and confidentiality, empowering organizations to effectively safeguard their most sensitive data assets.


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