Encryption of data at rest is becoming more and more crucial in today’s world. This tip is aimed to help businesses that do not have the budgets or resources to purchase hardware encryption tools or to upgrade to SQL 2008. It basically illustrates how to achive transparent file encryption with SQL 2005 or SQL 2000.  Read more...

Encryption is starting to become a necessity, not an option as we work with and store more sensitive data. A guest editorial from Andy Warren comments on our fears of implementing encrpytion and why we might want to just encrypt everything.  Read more...

I am aware of the WITH ENCRYPTION clause that is used to encrypt the code for objects like views, stored procedures and functions. It sort of fulfills my purpose and is easy to implement, but it does not cover all SQL Server objects. In this tip we look at another option to restrict users from viewing the definition/code of any SQL Server object.  Read more...

When you deal with encryption in your database, Steve Jones thinks you add a layer of complexity to your backup and recovery process. Do you agree? Answer today's poll.  Read more...

When you deal with encryption in your database, Steve Jones thinks you add a layer of complexity to your backup and recovery process. Do you agree? Answer today's poll.  Read more...

When you deal with encryption in your database, Steve Jones thinks you add a layer of complexity to your backup and recovery process. Do you agree? Answer today's poll.  Read more...

When you deal with encryption in your database, Steve Jones thinks you add a layer of complexity to your backup and recovery process. Do you agree? Answer today's poll.  Read more...

The battle to secure personal and business data is a tough one, and the consequences of mishandling sensitive data can be severe. In this guest editorial, John Magnabosco argues that it's high time people overcame their fear of encryption.  Read more...

Authenticators are additional data that gets encrypted along with the data to be stored in an encrypted manner. When it comes to decrypt the data, if the right authenticator isn't specified, SQL Server doesn't return the data in the decrypted form. Rather, a NULL value is returned, just as if the wrong key was used.  Read more...

A hash is a computation that transforms one set of data into another (hopefully smaller) set of data. So a hash on your 2,000 character blog post should generate a smaller, 10-20 byte value. In doing that, obviously there are many more possible 2,000...  Read more...

I've been tech editing an encryption book for SQL Server. It's long overdue, and I think it will be a nice addition to any DBA's library. It also addresses a complicated subject that Books Online has inadequately covered. In fact, they've...  Read more...

How do you keep the passwords and keys for encrypted data safe? Steve Jones comments on the challenges of working with keys and passwords.  Read more...

How do you keep the passwords and keys for encrypted data safe? Steve Jones comments on the challenges of working with keys and passwords.  Read more...

How do you keep the passwords and keys for encrypted data safe? Steve Jones comments on the challenges of working with keys and passwords.  Read more...

How do you keep the passwords and keys for encrypted data safe? Steve Jones comments on the challenges of working with keys and passwords.  Read more...

This Friday's poll looks at the encryption options for your code in SQL Server. Steve Jones asks if there is a benefit for these routines.  Read more...

This Friday's poll looks at the encryption options for your code in SQL Server. Steve Jones asks if there is a benefit for these routines.  Read more...

This Friday's poll looks at the encryption options for your code in SQL Server. Steve Jones asks if there is a benefit for these routines.  Read more...

This Friday's poll looks at the encryption options for your code in SQL Server. Steve Jones asks if there is a benefit for these routines.   Read more...

Learn why choosing against the encryption of personal info in your SQL Server database can leave your organization vulnerable to certain compliance issues.  Read more...

I am aware of the WITH ENCRYPTION clause that is used to encrypt the code for objects like views, stored procedures and functions. It sort of fulfills my purpose and is easy to implement, but it does not cover all SQL Server objects. In this tip we look at another option to restrict users from viewing the definition/code of any SQL Server object.  Read more...

This white paper presents an overview of cryptographic functionality and discusses how this applies to authentication, signed procedures, permissions, and encryption. Because the target audience is the database professional and not necessarily security experts, the focus is on practical ways to use cryptography in SQL Server.  Read more...

Databases often contain sensitive information and cell-level encryption is a very effective method to protect this information from those who should not have access to it. Although, encryption is not without its challenges.  Read more...