SSEKMS

SSEKMS is a term that commonly refers to Server-Side Encryption with a Key Management Service (SSE-KMS). It describes a method of protecting data at rest by using a dedicated key management system to control encryption keys. The approach is widely used in cloud environments and in on‑premises solutions that integrate with a KMS.

In practice, data is encrypted with a data encryption key. That data key is then encrypted with a master key stored in the Key Management Service. The KMS handles key generation, storage, rotation, and access policies. When data is read, the KMS provides or unwraps the data key, allowing the service to decrypt the data. This envelope encryption model grants strong separation between data keys and master keys, enabling centralized control over who can decrypt data and when.

Key features typically associated with SSE-KMS include the use of customer-managed keys and provider-managed keys, policy-based access control, key rotation, and detailed audit logging. Many providers offer additional options such as multi-region key replication, key aliases, and integration with other security services. SSE-KMS is commonly used with storage services, databases, and backups to protect data at rest while supporting compliance requirements.

Considerations for implementing SSEKMS include potential latency and cost, dependency on the availability of the KMS, and the need for careful key lifecycle and access policy management. If SSEKMS refers to a specific product or project, please provide additional context for a precise description.