Does SQL 2008 R2 Express support encrypting column / cell data?

SQLServerCentral is supported by Red Gate Software Ltd.

Popular Topics

Home

Members

Calendar

Who's On

Home » SQL Server 2008 » Security (SS2K8) » Does SQL 2008 R2 Express support encrypting...

Does SQL 2008 R2 Express support encrypting column / cell data?

Rate Topic

Display Mode

Topic Options

Author

Message

jasona.work

Posted Monday, August 27, 2012 2:25 PM

SSC-Addicted

Group: General Forum Members
Last Login: Yesterday @ 4:30 PM
Points: 467, Visits: 2,338

I think the subject says it all. I've noticed something with the DB that the developers here are working on (not a DB I had a hand in, but I'm being asked to make suggestions, etc) Namely, they've got some rather "sensitive" information stored un-encrypted. We've got develop this application for the lowest common denominator (read as: clients who are too cheap to buy SQL, and will be using SQL Express,) so I'd like to know if SQL Express will encrypt cell data (preferably using certificates rather than a password.)

I tried to find the feature comparison on MS, but all they have now is SQL2012, and it doesn't say one way or the other, only for TDE.

I'm going to work on getting an SQL Express instance going somewhere so I can try this out, but if I can get a quick answer, it'll save some time for me.

Thanks,
Jason A.

Post #1350582

Steve Jones - SSC Editor

Posted Monday, August 27, 2012 2:55 PM

SSC-Dedicated

Group: Administrators
Last Login: Today @ 9:03 PM
Points: 31,406, Visits: 13,723

I don't see anything in BOL (R2 is here: http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/bb895327%28v=sql.105%29)

However I don't see any reason why symmetric and asymmetric keys aren't available in Express. I see articles about SSL communications, so I think certificates (or keys) work. I don't have an Express edition to try it out, but if this works, you should be fine.

-- create self signed certificate
create certificate MySalaryCert
   ENCRYPTION BY PASSWORD = N'UCan!tBreakThis1'
   WITH SUBJECT = 'Sammamish Shipping Records', 
   EXPIRY_DATE = '20121231';
go

Follow me on Twitter: @way0utwest

Forum Etiquette: How to post data/code on a forum to get the best help

Post #1350602

jasona.work

Posted Monday, August 27, 2012 3:01 PM

SSC-Addicted

Group: General Forum Members
Last Login: Yesterday @ 4:30 PM
Points: 467, Visits: 2,338

Thanks! I always forget to check BOL...

I just completed loading up SQL Express on my PC, and will be testing this out.

Jason A.

Post #1350607

jasona.work

Posted Tuesday, August 28, 2012 10:25 AM

SSC-Addicted

Group: General Forum Members
Last Login: Yesterday @ 4:30 PM
Points: 467, Visits: 2,338

OK, so Express can for sure encrypt by passphrase, so I'm expecting it will work by certificate as well.

Yup, it does work by certificates as well...

Once more, thank you!
Jason A.

Post #1351095

Steve Jones - SSC Editor

Posted Tuesday, August 28, 2012 10:59 AM

SSC-Dedicated

Group: Administrators
Last Login: Today @ 9:03 PM
Points: 31,406, Visits: 13,723

YW. Make sure you backup certificates ASAP when you create them. Lost certificate is lost data. Period.

Make sure you secure those backup files, along with any passwords used for keys.

Follow me on Twitter: @way0utwest

Forum Etiquette: How to post data/code on a forum to get the best help

Post #1351123

jasona.work

Posted Tuesday, August 28, 2012 1:57 PM

SSC-Addicted

Group: General Forum Members
Last Login: Yesterday @ 4:30 PM
Points: 467, Visits: 2,338

Once more, thank you. I hadn't thought about what would be required to restore the DB (and still be able to access the encrypted data) until after your post.

With some Google-fooing, I tracked down an article that indicated what the steps would be over on SQLHub

Now I just need to convince the programmers (and likely management) *WHY* we need to do this. At least I think I've got one manager on my side already...

Thanks again!
Jason A.

Post #1351233

« Prev Topic | Next Topic »

Permissions