Using CMEK with Google Apigee
In this blog, we will learn how to use Customer Managed Encryption Key (CMEK) with Google Apigee
Customer Managed Encryption Key (CMEK) in Google Apigee Hybrid
Introduction
Customer Managed Encryption Keys (CMEK) provide enterprises with greater control over their encryption mechanisms by allowing them to use their own cryptographic keys stored in Google Cloud Key Management Service (KMS). This is particularly useful in API management platforms like Google Apigee Hybrid, where security, compliance, and data sovereignty are top priorities.
The flowchart illustrates how CMEK works in Apigee Hybrid in a simple, linear process. The encryption and decryption of data occur seamlessly between Apigee Hybrid and Cloud KMS, ensuring that sensitive API data is protected using customer-owned keys.
Description
- API Client → A user or system sends a request to an API hosted in Apigee Hybrid.
- Apigee Hybrid → The request is received and processed. If encryption or decryption is needed, Apigee Hybrid interacts with Google Cloud KMS.
- Google Cloud KMS → Cloud KMS verifies IAM permissions before allowing the encryption or decryption operation using the customer-managed key.
- Secure Storage → The encrypted data is stored securely in Google Cloud Storage, BigQuery, or other Google Cloud services.
- Apigee Hybrid → When an authorized request is made, the encrypted data is retrieved and decrypted using Google Cloud KMS.
- API Client → The decrypted response is sent back to the requesting client.
Uses of CMEK in Apigee Hybrid
- Data Security & Compliance – Helps meet compliance requirements like HIPAA, GDPR, PCI DSS, and FedRAMP by keeping encryption keys under customer control.
- Enhanced Data Privacy – Since customers manage their own encryption keys, even Google cannot access the raw data without permission.
- Key Revocation & Rotation – Enterprises can rotate, revoke, or disable keys anytime, adding another layer of security.
- Hybrid & Multi-Cloud Flexibility – Useful for organizations running Apigee Hybrid across on-premises and multi-cloud environments while maintaining control over encryption keys.
Conclusion
CMEK in Google Apigee Hybrid empowers businesses to maintain full control over their API data encryption, ensuring regulatory compliance, enhanced security, and data privacy. By integrating Cloud KMS with Apigee Hybrid, organizations achieve secure API management while preventing unauthorized access, even from cloud providers.
