AWS Direct Connect – Encryption

Default Behavior

• Direct Connect traffic is not encrypted by default, but travels over a private network that does not traverse the public internet.

Adding Encryption

• Combine Direct Connect with a VPN (IPsec) to encrypt data in transit.

• Benefits:
• End-to-end encryption
• Maintains private routing
• Suitable for sensitive workloads requiring high security

Considerations

• Adds configuration and operational complexity.

• Often used in regulated or high-security environments where both performance and encryption are required.