Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more

No. Amazon S3’s default encryption protects new objects at rest, not the connection carrying uploads and downloads. S3 can accept HTTP requests, so a bucket needs a separate policy to deny requests that do not use HTTPS.

What S3 encrypts by default

For general purpose buckets, Amazon S3 automatically applies server-side encryption with Amazon S3 managed keys (SSE-S3) to new object uploads. AWS says this default began on January 5, 2023, at no additional cost and with no performance impact. Server-side encryption protects object data while it is stored: S3 encrypts it before saving it to disk and decrypts it when it is downloaded. See AWS’s default encryption documentation and default encryption FAQ.

That does not establish that every request to your bucket uses an encrypted connection. Encryption at rest and encryption in transit protect different stages: the stored object versus data moving between a client and S3. AWS says HTTP traffic is accepted, while recommending HTTPS with TLS to protect data in transit. See AWS guidance on protecting data in transit.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Require HTTPS with a bucket policy

To reject plaintext HTTP requests, add a bucket policy with an explicit Deny for requests where the aws:SecureTransport condition is false. AWS’s example covers both the bucket ARN and the object ARN pattern; use the exact policy structure in its policy documentation, substituting your bucket name:

#1 Best Overall
BIPRA S3 2.5 inch USB 3.0 FAT32 Portable External Hard Drive - Black (500GB)
  • Storage capacity: Please Select
  • Formatted as FAT32 file system
  • USB 3.0 Hard drive interface
  • Support plug and play
  • No external power needed
{
  "Version": "2012-10-17",
  "Statement": [
    {
      "Sid": "DenyInsecureTransport",
      "Effect": "Deny",
      "Principal": "*",
      "Action": "s3:*",
      "Resource": [
        "arn:aws:s3:::BUCKET-NAME",
        "arn:aws:s3:::BUCKET-NAME/*"
      ],
      "Condition": {
        "Bool": {
          "aws:SecureTransport": "false"
        }
      }
    }
  ]
}

Replace BUCKET-NAME with the bucket’s actual name. The bucket ARN covers bucket-level actions; the /* ARN covers object actions. Because this is an explicit deny, requests that match the condition are rejected even if another policy would otherwise allow them.

Check clients before enforcing the deny

Test the policy against the systems that access the bucket before applying it broadly. Check applications and SDK configurations, presigned URLs, integrations, and any intended public or cross-account access. The deny can break a workload that still makes HTTP requests, so confirm that clients use HTTPS and that required access continues to work.

Rank #2
SSK Portable SSD 1TB External Solid State Hard Drive USB C Up to 1050MB/s
  • Capacity Display Variance: 1TB external ssd often appears as around 931GB on Windows. MacOS can show full 1 TB capacity. This is binary calculation difference and doesn’t affect SSD hard drive actual physical storage
  • 1050 MB/s Speed: Instantly access to your files with blazing-fast 10Gbps external SSD read up to 1050MB/s and write up to 1000MB/s. LED Light indicates USB SSD instant activity
  • Data Security: Solid state drives S.M.A.R.T. health diagnostics​ and adaptive TRIM optimizing data block management ensures consistent write speeds and extends the longevity of the portable SSD
  • USB-C & USB-A Cable: Both cables featuring rapid USB 3.2 Gen2, this USB SSD effortlessly bridges devices, enabling seamless cross-platform file transfers and backup between computers, smartphones, tablets and iPhone
  • Always Fast: No slowdowns for large file transfers. With SLC caching (25% of current available capacity allocated as high-speed cache), this external SSD delivers steady 10Gbps for transfers within the cache capacity

When to set a minimum TLS version

aws:SecureTransport enforces HTTPS rather than HTTP. If your security requirement also sets a minimum TLS protocol version, use the documented s3:TlsVersion condition and choose the minimum approved by your organization. These controls serve different purposes: one requires encrypted transport; the other constrains the TLS version. Consult AWS’s TLS policy guidance for the condition syntax.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

At-rest encryption choices are not transport controls

SSE-S3 is the automatic default for new uploads. SSE-KMS and dual-layer SSE-KMS (DSSE-KMS) are alternatives when you need different key-management controls or an additional encryption layer. They protect stored objects; choosing either one does not, by itself, require clients to connect over HTTPS. SSE-KMS and DSSE-KMS also involve AWS Key Management Service permissions and request quotas, so check the current S3 encryption guidance before changing modes.

Rank #3
NewerTech Voyager S3 USB 5Gb/s Drive Dock for 2.5 and 3.5-inch SATA Drives
  • Use and swap 2.5-inch and 3.5-inch SATA drives with this USB 3.0 / USB 2.0 drive dock
  • Plug and Play with Macs and PCs
  • Data transfer rates up to 500MB/sec-USB 3.0 for maximum data transfer rates and fully backward compatible with USB 2.0 for system compatibility
  • Supports all 2.5" and 3.5" SATA drives up to 6.0TB
  • 2 year NewerTech Enclosure Limited Warranty

Existing objects and access permissions

Changing a bucket’s default encryption configuration does not retroactively change how existing objects are encrypted. Review existing objects separately and follow AWS’s current remediation guidance for your workload in its default encryption documentation.

Encryption is only one part of S3 security. At-rest encryption and HTTPS do not decide who is authorized to access a bucket or its objects. Review permissions and other access controls separately, as described in AWS’s S3 security best practices and encryption guidance.

Rank #4
SANDISK 128GB Ultra Dual Drive m3.0, microUSB & USB-A Connectors
  • Compatible devices: Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge/S7/S6 Edge/S6/S5/S4/S3, Galaxy Note 5/4/2/3/J3/J7/J8/A3/A5/A7, BLU , LG Stylo 2/3, K20/K30/K40, G4/G3/G2, HTC One M7/M8/M9/M9+/A9/E8, Motorola Turbo, G6 Play, Moto X, Moto G, Moto E, Motorola Samsung Tab 4/Tab 3/Tab A/Tab E/Tab S2/Tab Pro/Tab S and other devices with Micro USB port
  • Free up space on your Android Phone (Requires device with micro-USB port and On-The-Go (OTG) support. See official SanDisk website for list of compatible devices.)
  • Retractable design with dual microUSB and USB 3.0 connectors
  • High-speed USB 3.0 performance with up to 150MB/s file transfer from drive to computer (Write speeds lower and varies by capacity. Micro-USB port with USB 3.2 Gen 1 / USB 3.0 support required. Based on internal testing; performance may be lower depending upon host device, interface, usage conditions and other factors. 1MB=1,000,000 bytes.)
  • SanDisk Memory Zone application (available on Google Play) lets you easily manage your photos and videos (Download and installation required. Set up automatic backup within app settings. See SanDisk Memory Zone website for details.)
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

Monitor transport attempts

AWS recommends encrypted HTTPS/TLS connections and describes monitoring HTTP access attempts with CloudWatch alarms using TLS details recorded through CloudTrail. That monitoring can help surface clients that still attempt insecure transport; it complements, rather than replaces, a policy that denies HTTP. See AWS’s S3 security best practices.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

This guidance concerns general purpose S3 buckets. For directory buckets or specialized S3 features, verify behavior in the documentation specific to that feature.

Quick Recap

Bestseller No. 1
BIPRA S3 2.5 inch USB 3.0 FAT32 Portable External Hard Drive - Black (500GB)
BIPRA S3 2.5 inch USB 3.0 FAT32 Portable External Hard Drive - Black (500GB)
Storage capacity: Please Select; Formatted as FAT32 file system; USB 3.0 Hard drive interface
$29.99
Bestseller No. 3
NewerTech Voyager S3 USB 5Gb/s Drive Dock for 2.5 and 3.5-inch SATA Drives
NewerTech Voyager S3 USB 5Gb/s Drive Dock for 2.5 and 3.5-inch SATA Drives
Use and swap 2.5-inch and 3.5-inch SATA drives with this USB 3.0 / USB 2.0 drive dock; Plug and Play with Macs and PCs
$39.99
Bestseller No. 4
SANDISK 128GB Ultra Dual Drive m3.0, microUSB & USB-A Connectors
SANDISK 128GB Ultra Dual Drive m3.0, microUSB & USB-A Connectors
Retractable design with dual microUSB and USB 3.0 connectors
Best Value
Compatible with Audi A3 8V 2014-2019 For Audi S3 2015-2019 Car Storage Box Centre Console Armrest Storage Tray Interior Accessories
  • Perfect Fit for Audi A3 & S3: Specifically designed for Audi A3 8V (2014-2019) and Audi S3 (2015-2019) left-hand drive (LHD) models. Ensures a precise and seamless fit.
  • Durable & High-Quality Material: Made from premium ABS plastic, this storage tray is anti-corrosive, heat-resistant, and built to last.
  • Maximize Storage Space: Keep your car organized with dedicated slots for phones, coins, parking cards, keys, sunglasses, and other small items.
  • Easy Installation: No drilling or welding required! Uses existing holes for a quick and hassle-free setup.
  • Sleek & Stylish Design: Enhances your Audi’s interior with a modern, minimalist look that complements its luxurious aesthetic.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.