Confidential data is a valuable asset that needs to be protected from unauthorized access. In this article, we will explore how SQL Server extended stored procedures can be used to enhance the security of your data.
A Brief History of Cryptography
Cryptography has been used for thousands of years to secure sensitive information. Even Julius Caesar employed a simple encryption method known as the “Caesar Shift” to protect his military messages. This method involved shifting each letter in the message by a certain number of positions. For example, using a shift of 13 letters, the word “hello” would become “uryyb”.
In modern times, encryption algorithms have become more sophisticated and secure. One such algorithm is BlowFish, developed by Bruce Schneier. BlowFish is a well-established and fast encryption algorithm that can be freely used and distributed.
Using Extended Stored Procedures
SQL Server provides extended stored procedures that allow developers to extend the functionality of the database engine. These procedures can be written in languages like C or C++ and can perform complex operations that would be difficult to implement in T-SQL.
The SQL Encryption Toolkit includes several extended stored procedures that can be used to encrypt and decrypt data. For example, the xp_blowfishencrypt procedure takes a plain text message and encrypts it using a specified key. The result is a Base64-encoded string that can be stored in a CHAR or VARCHAR column.
Base64 Encoding
Base64 encoding is a method of converting binary data into a text format that can be easily transmitted over the internet. It is used in the SQL Encryption Toolkit to encode encrypted messages before storing them in the database. Base64-encoded messages use about 33% more storage space than the original binary data, so it’s important to consider this when working with large amounts of data.
Installation and Usage
To use the SQL Encryption Toolkit, you need to install the provided DLLs and run a script to add the extended stored procedures to your SQL Server instance. Once installed, you can use the provided functions and procedures to encrypt and decrypt data in your database.
Conclusion
The SQL Encryption Toolkit is a valuable resource for SQL Server DBAs and developers who need to protect their confidential data. By leveraging extended stored procedures and encryption algorithms like BlowFish, you can enhance the security of your database and ensure that sensitive information remains confidential.
Remember to always test these procedures with your specific data types and requirements. Your feedback is important in improving the toolkit and adding new features in the future.
Protecting your data should be a top priority, and the SQL Encryption Toolkit provides a solid foundation for securing your SQL Server environment.