SQL Server Encryption Explained: TDE, Column-Level Encryption and More

Data protection is critical for ensuring that your organization is compliant with regulatory compliance standards like the GDPR and for meeting the expectations of your clients and business partners. Not only can data breaches result in large fines, but the reputational damage can be just as great. To help, Microsoft SQL Server supports 5 different kinds of encryption for protecting data. This article explains each of them and where they should be used.


SSL Transport Encryption
Like websites that secure traffic between browser and server, SQL Server can be configured to use Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) to encrypt traffic as it travels between the server instance and client application. Additionally, the client can validate the server’s identity using the server’s certificate. SSL only protects data as it travels across the network, but,...