How to Secure the MDF and LDF File with Password

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How to Secure the MDF and LDF File with Password

tamil.selvanmca

Ten Centuries

Points: 1367
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September 5, 2012 at 9:50 am

#261132

hi,
I've been working on sql server.
I want to protect the mdf file with password.
I develop a windows application with sql server back end, i install into a client system, someone stop the sqlserver service and copy the mdf,ldf and store at diff sql server to know the structure of tables, queries and SPs.
I need a solution to protect the mdf file with password.

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derek.colley SSCrazy Eights Points: 8040 More actions · Answer 1

You need encryption: http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/bb510663.aspx

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Note to developers:
CAST(SUBSTRING(CAST(FLOOR(NULLIF(ISNULL(COALESCE(1,NULL),NULL),NULL)) AS CHAR(1)),1,1) AS INT) == 1
So why complicate your code AND MAKE MY JOB HARDER??!:crazy:

Want to get the best help? Click here https://www.sqlservercentral.com/articles/forum-etiquette-how-to-post-datacode-on-a-forum-to-get-the-best-help (Jeff Moden)
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Visit http://www.DerekColley.co.uk to find out more about me.

Lynn Pettis SSC Guru Points: 442467 More actions · Answer 2

If you are looking at TDE, you will need the Enterprise Edition of SQL Server.

Orlando Colamatteo SSC Guru Points: 182276 More actions · Answer 3

tamil.selvanmca (9/5/2012)
hi,
I've been working on sql server.
I want to protect the mdf file with password.
I develop a windows application with sql server back end, i install into a client system, someone stop the sqlserver service and copy the mdf,ldf and store at diff sql server to know the structure of tables, queries and SPs.
I need a solution to protect the mdf file with password.

TDE will handle the specific question you posted but probably not the underlying intent. There really is no comprehensive way to protect your Intellectual Property (IP) if you're deploying the database to the client site. Anyone who is a local admin on the machine where SQL Server is being hosted can enter the database as a sysadmin if they know to start SQL Server in single-user mode. Encrypting the database with TDE will protect the data at rest, i.e. if someone takes the mdf or a backup of the database to another server they will not be able to access to it without knowledge of the key infrastructure. If you want to protect your IP you'll need to host the database for the solution yourself or move to a hosted solution like SQL Azure.

There are no special teachers of virtue, because virtue is taught by the whole community.
--Plato

knash 79472 Valued Member Points: 59 More actions · Answer 4

If you don't want to upgrade to Enterprise to get TDE then take a look at NetLib. They have an encryption tool that will encrypt your SQL database. http://www.netlib.com/sql-server-encryption.asp

DBA_Learner SSCarpal Tunnel Points: 4228 More actions · Answer 5

If you do not have enterprise edition, to enable TDE then Secure the folder on the local drive with password.