OwnCloud's new encryption framework gives enterprises more flexibility

OwnCloud's file, sync and share service offers an open-source and self-hosted alternative to platforms such as Box and Dropbox that's designed specifically to allow companies to retain control of their data.

Now, Encryption 2.0 gives users the ability to manage their own encryption keys in their enterprise key store. It also allows them to adopt the encryption standard of their choice and write a server app to meet their company's unique encryption requirements.

The technology takes a modular approach, so if an IT organization is using industry-standard AES 256 encryption keys and a vulnerability is found in the algorithm, for example, it can simply swap out that algorithm and key set and switch to a completely different one.

OwnCloud's new encryption technology can be delivered as an app for quick integration into an enterprise's existing infrastructure, OwnCloud said. It's now available in OwnCloud 8.1 server; OwnCloud 8.1 will be available for Enterprise and Standard subscriptions in 30 days.

File-sharing services have been competing in an increasingly heated race in recent months woo enterprise users with new security-minded features. Last month, for instance, Box introduced a new governance tool designed to help companies manage sensitive data. Dropbox, meanwhile, announced that Dropbox for Business users will soon get enterprise mobile management (EMM) capabilities.