How to Encrypt a Database Column in SQL?
Encrypting a Database Column
Write a SQL query to encrypt a sensitive column using Transparent Data Encryption (TDE).
Solution:
-- Enable encryption on the SSN column.
ALTER TABLE Employees
ALTER COLUMN SSN VARBINARY(MAX) ENCRYPTED WITH (
ALGORITHM = AEAD_AES_256_CBC_HMAC_SHA_256,
COLUMN_ENCRYPTION_KEY = CEK_Auto1
);
Explanation:
- Purpose of the Query :
- The goal is to demonstrate how to encrypt sensitive data to protect it from unauthorized access.
- Key Components :
- ALTER COLUMN: Modifies the column to enable encryption.
- ENCRYPTED WITH: Specifies the encryption algorithm and key.
- AEAD_AES_256_CBC_HMAC_SHA_256: A strong encryption algorithm.
- Why Use Encryption? :
- Encryption protects sensitive data at rest and in transit.
- It ensures compliance with data protection regulations.
- Real-World Application :
- In banking systems, encryption secures customer account numbers.
Additional Notes:
- Transparent Data Encryption (TDE) is supported in SQL Server and Azure SQL Database.
- Manage encryption keys securely to prevent data loss.
- Important Considerations:
- Test encryption performance to ensure minimal impact.
For more Practice: Solve these Related Problems:
- Write a SQL query to encrypt the Password column in the Users table using AES encryption.
- Write a SQL query to enable Transparent Data Encryption (TDE) on the entire database.
- Write a SQL query to encrypt the CreditCardNumber column in the Payments table and manage the encryption keys securely.
- Write a SQL query to decrypt and retrieve data from an encrypted column for authorized users only.
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