Database
encryption method:-
It’s possible to
encrypt data at a number of levels, from the application to the
database engine. For an
MSP
( Managed Service Providers) considering how to help a customer
choose an encryption method, it’s important to be clear on the
purposes and requirements of these different encryption
methods:
- API Method: This is application-level
encryption that is appropriate across any database product (Oracle,
MSSQL, etc). Queries within the encrypted columns are modified
within the application, requiring hands-on work. If a business has
an abundance of data, this can be a time-consuming approach.
Additionally, encryption that functions at the application level
can lead to increased performance issues.
- Plug-In Method: In this case, you’ll attach an
encryption module, or “package,” onto the database management
system. This method works independently of the application,
requires less code management and modification, and is more
flexible—you can apply this to both commercial and open-source
databases. With this option, you will typically use column-level
encryption.
- TDE Method: Transparent data encryption (TDE)
executes encryption and decryption within the database engine
itself. This method doesn’t require code modification of the
database or application and is easier for admins to manage. Since
it’s a particularly popular method of database encryption, TDE is
explored in further detail below.