Why 95% of encryption happens on the client side and how it strengthens data security.

Why 95% matters: client-side encryption in a CyberArk world

If you’ve ever sent a file or message and hoped only the intended recipient could read it, you’ve felt the power of encryption. Here’s a plain truth that often gets overlooked: a huge majority of encryption happens on the client side. In fact, about 95% of encryption processes occur near where you’re using the data—on your device, before it ever leaves your hands. Let that sink in for a moment. It changes how we think about security.

Let me explain why this statistic is more than a trivia fact. When you encrypt on the client side, you’re putting your data into a locked box before it travels across the internet. The key—think of it as the lock—stays with you, not in the cloud. That means even if a bad actor sneaks onto the network, your information stays unreadable as it zips toward its destination. It’s a simple idea, but it reshapes how we design, deploy, and trust security in everyday work and life.

Why you should care about client-side encryption

• Control stays with you. The moment you encrypt data on your device, you decide who can decrypt it. If the data never leaves your device in an unencrypted form, you’ve already cut a lot of risk at the source.

• It protects data in transit and in storage. Even in transit, encrypted data is less ripe for interception. If the data lands in a server or cloud service, it’s still protected because the client-side encryption keeps the readable version out of reach.

• It supports compliance and trust. Many regulations and industry standards expect strong protection for sensitive information. Client-side encryption helps demonstrate a solid, user-centered approach to data security, which in turn builds trust with customers and partners.

In the CyberArk Sentry context, this approach pairs nicely with strong identity, access, and secrets management. CyberArk focuses on who or what has permission to do something with data and systems. Add client-side encryption, and you’re layering protection so priceless data stays shielded from the moment it’s created or requested, even before it reaches vaults, servers, or privileged sessions. It’s not a replacement for good access controls, but a potent amplifier.

A quick tour of what client-side encryption looks like in practice

Think about everyday activities you do with sensitive information. You might draft a confidential report on your laptop, attach it to an email, or upload it to a collaboration tool. If the client side handles encryption, the readable content never leaves your device as plain text. The encryption is done by your application or a library you trust, using robust algorithms like AES-256. The keys stay on your device or in a secure module, and decryption happens only when the rightful user or app asks for it.

Some tools and patterns you’ll encounter include:

• End-to-end encryption in messaging apps: the data is encrypted on your device and decrypted only on the recipient’s device.

• Local encryption for files before upload: you encrypt files with a strong key, then send the encrypted versions to the cloud.

• Web Crypto APIs in browsers: modern browsers offer built-in capabilities to encrypt data in the client before it’s sent to servers.

What does this mean for practical security planning?

• Data flows matter. Map where sensitive data originates, where it’s stored, and how it travels. If you can encrypt at the source, you reduce the attack surface everywhere along the path.

• Keys are king. The strength of client-side encryption hinges on how well you protect keys. If the key is exposed, the best lock is useless. Key management isn’t glamorous, but it’s essential.

• Performance considerations exist. Encrypting data on devices adds some overhead. The right balance between security and user experience is critical. The goal is seamless protection, not friction.

• Integration with privileged access. When CyberArk-like controls guard who can access systems, client-side encryption ensures that even during a privileged session, the data involved is already encrypted by the client. This layered approach adds resilience against leaks or misconfigurations.

Common challenges and how to address them

• Key management without headaches. Use well-vetted libraries and, if possible, hardware-backed key storage. Consider approaches like deriving keys from a user’s passphrase with a strong key derivation function, then rotating or revoking keys as needed.

• User experience. If encryption or decryption feels clunky, people will push back. Opt for libraries and UI patterns that keep encryption transparent to users while maintaining strong protection.

• Interoperability. Different apps and services may use different encryption formats. Aim for standards and clear documentation so you don’t end up with a patchwork that’s hard to audit.

• Visibility for security teams. Even though encryption happens on the client, you still want strong visibility into configurations, access controls, and incident response. A centralized view that respects privacy helps teams stay in control without breaking the user experience.

Have you ever noticed how a password manager quietly protects your data on your device?

That little moment when you realize your vault is encrypted on your machine before it ever leaves the wallet. It’s a quiet reminder that client-side encryption isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a practical, everyday shield. In a world where we juggle passwords, tokens, and access across multiple apps, keeping encryption close to the user is a smart habit. It reduces risk, boosts confidence, and keeps sensitive information where it belongs—under your control.

Connecting client-side encryption to a broader security posture

• Defense in depth. Client-side encryption complements server-side protections, access controls, and monitoring. It’s a piece that fits into a larger, layered strategy.

• Privileged access management (PAM) synergy. When you pair client-side encryption with robust PAM practices, you minimize the risk of data exfiltration through compromised accounts or misused credentials.

• Regulatory mindfulness. Regulations often emphasize protecting data wherever it travels or resides. Client-side encryption supports this by keeping the data encrypted from the moment it’s created.

• Trust and transparency. Users value practices that keep their data private and under their own control. Client-side encryption signals a serious commitment to that trust.

A few practical steps you can take today

• Audit sensitive data and where it’s created. Start with the highest-risk assets and map out the encryption needs.

• Pick trusted encryption libraries and standards. If you’re building apps, consider web crypto APIs for browsers or well-regarded libraries for mobile and desktop.

• Protect keys, everywhere. Use secure storage on devices, consider hardware security modules where appropriate, and plan for key rotation and revocation.

• Test the user journey. Run through typical workflows to ensure encryption doesn’t create awkward pauses or friction.

• Document policies and decisions. Create clear guidelines for when and how client-side encryption is used, how keys are managed, and how incidents are handled.

A small digression that rings true

Think of client-side encryption like a lock that travels with you. You don’t keep a spare key lying around in the mailbox; you keep the key close, protected by your own routines and devices. That mentality—keeping control at the edge—helps organizations build trust with people who share data every day. It’s not about adding complexity for the sake of it; it’s about making the complexity work for you.

Bringing it all together

In modern cybersecurity, the client remains a frontline defender. The fact that 95% of encryption happens on the user’s side isn’t a flashy statistic; it’s a practical reminder of where the protective action starts. When you combine that client-side shield with strong identity governance, careful secrets management, and sensible monitoring, you create a security posture that’s tougher to crack and easier to trust.

If you’re exploring topics that matter to CyberArk Sentry and related security disciplines, you’ll find that client-side encryption fits neatly into a broader story. It’s not a stand-alone fix, but a meaningful companion to how you manage identities, controls, and data across environments.

Where to go from here? Consider these next steps as part of a thoughtful security plan rather than a checklist:

• Deepen your understanding of how client-side encryption complements privileged access controls.

• Experiment with lightweight encryption libraries in safe, controlled environments to see how they impact performance and usability.

• Keep an eye on emerging encryption standards and best practices so your approach stays current without becoming brittle.

The bottom line

Data protection starts at the edge. When encryption happens where the data is created and used, you’re reducing risk at the source. That’s a practical, powerful idea—and it aligns well with the kind of defense-in-depth mindset that CyberArk Sentry and similar frameworks promote. So, as you navigate the world of security concepts, remember: the client side isn’t just a convenience—it’s a frontline ally in keeping information safe, private, and in the right hands.