Hybrid Encryption Model for Data Security in Cloud Environment

摘要

This paper proposes a 3-tier RSA-Blowfish-DES hybrid model to protect users' data both in transit and at rest in the cloud. This is because existing encryption algorithms cannot sufficiently protect users' data individually due to the hostile nature of cloud environment. The hybrid model was designed, developed and its performance evaluated against a 2-tier RSA-Blowfish hybrid model. The evaluation was based on the security strength, time efficiency and the data size after encryption and decryption. The results obtained shows that both hybrid models were effective in assuring data security in the cloud compared to individual algorithms. Moreover, the 2-tier model has a better time efficiency than the 3-tier model while the data size was observed to slightly increase after encryption but remained same as the original after decryption. Also, the 3-tier RSA-DES-Blowfish model was found to have a better security strength. Consequently, the 3-tier model could be more preferable in ensuring the confidentiality and integrity of cloud users' data which in turn will either reduce or eliminate existing skepticism that hinders widespread cloud adoption by individuals and organizations.