10 Tips for Encrypting Form Submissions

Want to protect sensitive form data like credit card details or health records? Start with these 10 essential tips for encrypting form submissions. Here's what you'll learn:

• Set Up HTTPS - Encrypt data in transit with SSL/TLS certificates.
• End-to-End Encryption - Secure data from user input to storage.
• Protect Stored Data - Use AES-256, field-level encryption, and backup security.
• Choose Strong Encryption - Stick to standards like AES-256 and TLS 1.3.
• Manage Encryption Keys - Secure HSMs, rotate keys, and limit access.
• Clean Form Inputs - Prevent malicious data with validation and sanitization.
• Minimize Data Collection - Only collect what’s essential.
• Monitor Security - Use real-time analytics and spam filters.
• Update Software - Regularly patch encryption libraries and SSL certificates.
• Train Your Team - Teach encryption basics, incident response, and best practices.

Encrypting form submissions ensures compliance with regulations like GDPR, HIPAA, and CCPA while safeguarding user data from breaches or theft. These actionable steps make your forms secure and trustworthy.

How to Secure Your Formstack Forms

1. Set Up HTTPS on Form Pages

HTTPS ensures that the connection between a user's browser and your server is encrypted, reducing the risk of data being intercepted.

Here’s how to set up HTTPS on your form pages:

1. Get an SSL/TLS Certificate Choose a certificate provider, such as:
   • Let's Encrypt
   • DigiCert
   • Sectigo
2. Adjust Server Settings Configure your server to improve security by:
   • Enforcing HTTPS
   • Enabling HSTS (HTTP Strict Transport Security)
   • Using TLS 1.3 (or TLS 1.2 as a fallback)
   • Disabling outdated protocols like SSL 2.0, SSL 3.0, TLS 1.0, and TLS 1.1
3. Verify HTTPS Implementation Use the following tools to confirm everything is set up correctly:

   Verification Step	Tool/Method	What to Check For
   Certificate Validation	SSL Labs Server Test	A grade of "A" or higher
   Protocol Support	Chrome DevTools	Green padlock in the address bar
   Mixed Content	Browser Console	No mixed content warnings

Key Security Headers

Use these HTTP headers to add an extra layer of protection:

Strict-Transport-Security: max-age=31536000; includeSubDomains
X-Content-Type-Options: nosniff
X-Frame-Options: SAMEORIGIN
Content-Security-Policy: upgrade-insecure-requests

Reform provides built-in tools to ensure your form submissions are encrypted and validated. For even stronger security, consider adding form-specific measures - more on that in the next section.

2. Add End-to-End Encryption

End-to-end encryption (E2EE) boosts HTTPS security by encrypting form data from the moment it’s created until it’s securely stored.

Key Components

• Asymmetric Cryptography - Use RSA 4096-bit or EC P-384 key pairs for robust encryption.
• Client-Side Encryption - Encrypt data directly in the user’s browser before it’s sent.
• Secure Key Management - Store private keys securely in Hardware Security Modules (HSMs).

Implementation Best Practices

To ensure strong encryption, focus on securing each layer:

Security Layer	Purpose	Implementation Method
Client-Side	Protects data at its origin	Use browser-based encryption with the WebCrypto API
Transport	Secures data in transit	Implement TLS 1.3 with perfect forward secrecy
Server-Side	Safeguards stored data	Use HSMs for key management and rotate keys every quarter

Recent audits reveal that E2EE can reduce the impact of intercepted form data by up to 98%. For example, during a 2023 hosting provider breach, Proton’s E2EE setup protected 14TB of form submissions from being exposed.

Critical Security Considerations

• Key Generation - Create unique encryption keys for each form submission. This ensures that even if one key is compromised, other submissions remain secure.
• Validation - Verify TLS certificate pinning, check nonces, and rotate keys on a regular schedule.

Reform simplifies these steps with built-in encryption tools that handle these processes automatically.

Performance Impact

Modern E2EE has a minimal effect on performance. Industry benchmarks report a 5–12% reduction in throughput compared to standard TLS connections. For forms managing sensitive data - like financial or personal information - this small trade-off is a reasonable price for the added security.

Next, we’ll explore methods to safeguard stored form data.

3. Protect Stored Form Data

Securing stored form data is just as important as safeguarding data during transmission. The 2024 Verizon Data Breach Investigations Report found that 43% of data breaches stemmed from poorly secured databases. This highlights the need for strong storage encryption practices.

Database-Level Protection

A solid starting point for securing stored data is Transparent Data Encryption (TDE). This approach automatically encrypts entire databases using AES-256, offering a strong baseline of protection. Additional security measures include:

Protection Layer	Purpose	Implementation Method
Database Level	Full data protection	Transparent Data Encryption (TDE)
Field Level	Sensitive data security	Column-level encryption
Backup Protection	Disaster recovery	Encrypted offline storage

While full-database encryption is essential, securing individual sensitive fields adds another layer of defense.

Field-Level Security

For highly sensitive data such as Social Security numbers or medical records, field-level encryption ensures that specific data fields remain protected. This method:

• Secures individual fields even if the database is breached
• Supports compliance with regulations like HIPAA
• Reduces the attack surface by 40–60% compared to database-wide encryption alone

A layered security approach is critical. For example, the 2023 T-Mobile breach, which exposed 37 million records, underscores the importance of encrypting sensitive fields.

Key Management Essentials

Proper encryption key management is crucial for maintaining security. Best practices include:

• Storing encryption keys in Hardware Security Modules (HSMs)
• Rotating encryption keys every 90 days
• Limiting key access to 2–3 authorized personnel
• Using centralized key management tools for audit logging

Backup Security

Backups must also be stored securely in isolated and encrypted environments with unique keys. Key steps include:

• Encrypting backups with AES-256
• Testing backup restoration every quarter
• Documenting restoration procedures for quick recovery

Access Controls

Strict access controls help minimize risks. Implement Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) with these measures:

• Require multi-factor authentication for admin accounts
• Audit access logs monthly
• Restrict database access based on job responsibilities
• Maintain detailed records of all access attempts for compliance purposes

Automating these processes can ensure consistent enforcement and monitoring.

Regular Security Audits

Performing regular security audits is essential for maintaining a strong security posture. Bi-annual audits should focus on:

• Identifying and replacing outdated encryption algorithms
• Updating security protocols
• Reviewing access logs for anomalies
• Testing encryption effectiveness
• Ensuring compliance with regulations

According to Gartner's "Data Security Trends 2024" report, automated security scans can lower data exposure risks by 68%. Regular audits not only enhance security but also help organizations stay ahead of potential threats.

4. Choose Strong Encryption Methods

Strong encryption is essential for protecting form data. According to the 2024 Verizon Data Breach Investigations Report, 78% of data breaches could have been avoided with proper encryption key management.

Industry-Standard Algorithms

Rely on proven algorithms to secure form data. For stored data, AES-256 is the go-to standard, while TLS 1.3 ensures secure communications. For key exchanges, use RSA with at least 2048 bits or ECC with 256 bits.

TLS Implementation

Cloudflare's 2024 Security Report notes that 94% of HTTPS sites now use TLS 1.2 or higher. When setting up TLS, make sure to:

• Enable Perfect Forward Secrecy
• Use AES-GCM-based cipher suites
• Implement HTTP Strict Transport Security (HSTS)

Format-Preserving Encryption

For structured data like credit card numbers, Social Security numbers, or phone numbers, Format-Preserving Encryption (FPE) is a smart choice. It keeps the data's original format intact while securing it.

Performance Considerations

Modern encryption methods balance security with speed. For example, AES-256 is 45% faster than Triple DES, offering better performance and protection. To get the most out of your encryption:

• Leverage hardware acceleration when available
• Use efficient key management practices
• Select the right block modes
• Fine-tune your cipher suite choices

"Using standard algorithms with well-tested implementations rather than custom cryptography is essential for maintaining robust security", says cryptography expert Bruce Schneier.

Compliance Requirements

Ensure your encryption meets regulatory standards. Key guidelines include:

• PCI DSS v4.0 - Requires at least AES-128 encryption for payment forms.
• HIPAA - Recommends AES-256 with FIPS 140-2 validated cryptographic modules.
• NIST Guidelines - Advises phasing out 1024-bit RSA keys by 2025.

5. Manage Encryption Keys

Effective key management is crucial for preventing encryption failures, which account for 68% of data breaches. It ensures secure transmission and storage of sensitive form data. Here's a structured approach to handling encryption keys.

Secure Storage Solutions

To safeguard encryption keys, consider these options:

• Hardware Security Modules (HSMs) - Physical devices for secure key storage.
• Envelope Encryption - Uses multiple layers of keys for added protection.
• Cloud-Based Key Management Systems (KMS) - Automates key handling processes.

Implementing a strict rotation schedule further strengthens your security posture.

Key Rotation Schedule

Risk Level	Rotation Frequency	Examples
High	Weekly	Payment forms, healthcare data
Medium	Every 90 days	Customer information forms
Low	Annually	Newsletter subscriptions

Organizations with automated key rotation can contain breaches 83% faster.

Access Control Implementation

For example, Salesforce’s use of AWS KMS, paired with envelope encryption and a 90-day rotation cycle, reduced key-related incidents by 67% over 18 months.

Key Lifecycle Management

Encryption key management involves several key phases:

1. Generation - Create strong keys, such as AES-256.
2. Distribution - Use secure methods like TLS channels to share keys.
3. Storage - Store keys in FIPS 140-2 Level 3 validated HSMs.
4. Rotation - Automate the key rotation process.
5. Destruction - Securely erase outdated or unused keys.

Disaster Recovery

Always back up keys using offline, geographically dispersed methods. Techniques like Shamir's Secret Sharing can enhance recovery reliability. Test your recovery processes quarterly and enable cross-region replication for cloud environments.

For example, healthcare providers using HashiCorp Vault reduced key management overhead by 40% through automated rotation tied to encryption counters, following NIST 800-38D guidelines.

Encryption keys are the backbone of secure form submissions. Managing them properly ensures the safety of sensitive data.

"Using standard algorithms with well-tested implementations rather than custom cryptography is essential for maintaining robust security", says cryptography expert Bruce Schneier.

6. Check and Clean Form Inputs

Validating and cleaning form inputs is crucial for keeping your data secure and accurate. Taking these steps helps block harmful submissions and ensures better data quality.

Real-Time Validation

Add real-time validation to your forms to catch errors as users type. For instance, checking email addresses during entry can lower bounce rates and ensure the data you collect is correct.

Input Sanitization

Cleaning user inputs is essential to guard against threats like SQL injection and cross-site scripting (XSS). Apply techniques that scrub data before processing or storing it. Pair this with automated tools to strengthen your defenses.

Automated Protection Systems

To enhance security further, use automated systems that can monitor and manage potential risks:

• Spam Prevention: Use advanced spam filters to block suspicious submissions and keep your leads list clean.

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7. Collect Only Required Data

Keep data collection to a minimum to lower risks and comply with privacy laws like GDPR and CCPA.

Assess the Purpose of Each Field

• Business Use: Ensure every field serves a clear purpose.
• Legal Compliance: Only gather data required by law.
• Security: Collecting less data reduces potential exposure.

Mandatory vs. Optional Fields

Clearly separate what’s essential from what’s optional. For instance, an email address might be necessary for creating an account, while a phone number could remain optional unless it's needed for extra verification. This careful approach not only simplifies forms but also strengthens overall security.

8. Track Form Submission Security

Keeping your forms secure goes beyond just encryption - it requires constant vigilance to ensure those protections hold up.

Use Real-Time Monitoring

Real-time analytics can help you spot unusual patterns, like sudden traffic surges, that might indicate a security threat. When these issues are flagged, immediate action can be taken to block harmful submissions.

Add Advanced Filtering

Consider these filtering methods to keep your forms safe:

• Spam Filters - Automatically block harmful submissions as they happen.
• Email Verification - Check email addresses in real time to weed out invalid or temporary ones.

Reform offers built-in tools like analytics, spam filters, and email validation to help you maintain secure and reliable forms.

9. Update Security Software

Keeping your security software and encryption libraries up to date is essential for protecting against potential vulnerabilities. Once your form data is secure, regular updates ensure you're prepared to tackle new threats.

Set Up Automatic Updates

Turn on automatic updates for all your security tools. For encryption libraries like OpenSSL, configure your package manager to automatically check for version updates.

Implement Version Control

Here’s how often key components should be updated:

Component	Update Frequency	Critical Actions
SSL Certificates	Every 90 days	Automate the renewal process
Encryption Libraries	Monthly	Test for compatibility
Security Plugins	Weekly	Review the changelog
Antivirus Software	Daily	Monitor threat definitions

Monitor Security Bulletins

Stay informed by:

• Subscribing to vendor security alerts.
• Checking the CVE database weekly.
• Testing updates in a staging environment before deploying.

These steps ensure you’re aware of the latest vulnerabilities and updates.

Schedule Regular Audits

Conduct monthly audits to check:

• Encryption protocol versions.
• SSL/TLS configurations.
• Form handling libraries.
• Security plugin versions.
• Server-side security tools.

Reform’s managed infrastructure keeps its built-in security features updated automatically, so you can rely on consistent protection for your form submissions without needing to handle every detail yourself.

Document Update Procedures

Write down your update processes to ensure consistency. Include emergency protocols for handling critical updates. This guarantees your security standards remain high, even if key team members are unavailable.

"Using standard algorithms with well-tested implementations rather than custom cryptography is essential for maintaining robust security", says cryptography expert Bruce Schneier.

10. Train Staff on Security Basics

Equipping your team with a solid understanding of security fundamentals is critical for maintaining strong form security. Well-trained staff ensure that encryption and security protocols are applied effectively and consistently.

Key Training Topics to Cover

Focus your training on these core areas to build a strong security foundation:

Training Topic	Key Objectives	Frequency
Data Privacy Basics	Learn about PII, compliance rules, and proper data handling	Quarterly
Encryption Protocols	Understand SSL/TLS, key management, and encryption types	Bi-annually
Security Incident Response	Identify breaches, follow reporting steps, and handle emergencies	Monthly
Form Validation	Prevent XSS, sanitize inputs, and defend against SQL injections	Quarterly
Access Control	Implement password policies, role-based permissions, and session management	Monthly

These areas form the basis for practical exercises and real-world applications.

Promote Hands-On Learning

Reinforce these topics with practical exercises that simulate real-world security scenarios. Encourage your team to:

• Set up and test encryption for forms
• Check form submissions for vulnerabilities
• Practice responding to security incidents
• Review and adjust security settings as needed

This approach helps staff apply what they’ve learned in a controlled, practical environment.

Measure Training Effectiveness

Track the success of your training program by using these methods:

• Knowledge quizzes - Test understanding of key concepts regularly.
• Practical reviews - Assess security configurations and processes.
• Incident response drills - Simulate scenarios to evaluate readiness.
• Protocol compliance checks - Ensure adherence to established security guidelines.

These tools help identify areas where additional training may be needed.

Keep Procedures Well-Documented

Maintain clear, accessible documentation for your team, including:

• Step-by-step guides for encryption setup
• Security checklists for forms
• Flowcharts for incident response
• Data handling protocols
• Contact lists for key personnel

Proper documentation ensures that staff can quickly reference the information they need in critical situations.

Update Training Regularly

Security threats evolve, so your training should too. Regular updates ensure your team stays prepared:

• Review training materials every quarter
• Update procedures as new threats emerge
• Use feedback from security audits to refine training
• Adjust content based on patterns from past incidents

"Using standard algorithms with well-tested implementations rather than custom cryptography is essential for maintaining robust security", says cryptography expert Bruce Schneier.

Encryption Methods Overview

This section builds on earlier encryption tips, focusing on how different encryption methods can enhance your form security strategy.

The goal is to secure form data effectively while maintaining a smooth user experience by balancing encryption strength, performance, and complexity.

Evaluating Symmetric, Asymmetric, and Hybrid Approaches

• Symmetric encryption (e.g., AES) is fast and efficient, making it ideal for protecting large data sets.
• Asymmetric encryption (e.g., RSA) uses a public-private key pair, offering enhanced security for smaller, sensitive data.
• Hybrid encryption combines both, ensuring secure key exchange while maintaining efficient data encryption.

Considering Implementation Complexity

Encryption methods differ in how easy they are to set up:

• TLS (Transport Layer Security)- Simple to deploy with minimal resource demands. It's a practical choice for securing form pages during transmission.
• End-to-End Encryption - More advanced, requiring technical expertise, longer setup times, and ongoing maintenance.

Choose a method that aligns with your team's capabilities and the level of protection needed.

Balancing Performance Impacts

Stronger encryption can slightly impact system performance. It's important to weigh the security benefits against any processing delays. Choosing the right method ensures optimal security without unnecessary strain on resources.

Applying Encryption in Practical Scenarios

When deciding on encryption, consider these key factors:

• Compliance - Ensure your encryption approach meets industry regulations, whether for financial transactions, healthcare data, or general user information.
• Data Volume - High-volume forms benefit from the speed of symmetric encryption, while forms handling sensitive data may require the precision of asymmetric methods.
• Technical Resources - Match your encryption choice to your team's expertise and the resources available for implementation and maintenance.

These practical considerations help integrate encryption seamlessly into your overall form security strategy.

"Using standard algorithms with well-tested implementations rather than custom cryptography is essential for maintaining robust security", says cryptography expert Bruce Schneier.

Conclusion

Securing form submissions with strong encryption is a must in today’s digital world. As cyber threats grow more sophisticated, protecting user data not only ensures compliance but also builds trust with your audience.

The ten tips outlined here provide a clear strategy for keeping user data safe. By following these practices, you can strengthen form security while delivering a seamless experience for users.

For businesses, tools like Reform offer a no-code solution designed to improve form security and boost results. In fact, B2B and SaaS companies using Reform’s approach have reported a 215% increase in qualified leads.

Staying proactive with regular updates, staff training, and monitoring rounds out your security efforts. Pairing encryption with these practices creates a safer environment and fosters trust with your users.

FAQs

What are the differences between symmetric, asymmetric, and hybrid encryption, and how do I choose the best option for securing form submissions?

Symmetric encryption uses a single key for both encrypting and decrypting data, making it fast and efficient but requiring secure key sharing. Asymmetric encryption uses a pair of keys - one public and one private - which enhances security but can be slower due to its complexity. Hybrid encryption combines both methods, using asymmetric encryption to securely exchange a symmetric key, which is then used for the bulk of the data encryption.

To choose the right method for your form submissions, consider your specific needs. For smaller-scale forms with limited sensitivity, symmetric encryption may suffice. For higher security, such as handling sensitive personal or financial data, hybrid encryption is often the most practical and secure choice as it balances efficiency and security.

What are the best practices for managing encryption keys to prevent data breaches?

To prevent data breaches, robust encryption key management is essential. Here are some best practices:

• Use a secure key storage solution - Store encryption keys in a dedicated hardware security module (HSM) or a trusted key management service to protect them from unauthorized access.
• Rotate keys regularly - Update encryption keys periodically to minimize the risk of compromised keys being exploited.
• Limit access - Ensure only authorized personnel or systems can access encryption keys, using role-based access controls and strict authentication measures.
• Monitor and audit - Keep track of key usage and access logs to identify any suspicious activity.

By implementing these practices, you can significantly reduce the risk of data breaches and ensure the safety of sensitive information.

How can I reduce the performance impact of using end-to-end encryption for form submissions on my website?

To minimize the performance impact of implementing end-to-end encryption for form submissions, focus on optimizing both your encryption processes and overall website performance. Here are a few steps you can take:

• Use modern encryption algorithms - Opt for efficient, lightweight encryption protocols like AES-256 or RSA with optimized key sizes to balance security and speed.
• Enable encryption selectively - Encrypt only sensitive fields instead of the entire form to reduce processing overhead.
• Leverage hardware acceleration - Use servers or devices with built-in support for encryption to speed up processing.
• Optimize server resources - Ensure your hosting environment has sufficient CPU and memory to handle encryption workloads without slowing down other operations.

By implementing these strategies, you can secure user data effectively while maintaining a fast and seamless user experience.

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