Column level encryption

Column Level Encryption

Column level encryption is a form of database encryption method that encrypts sensitive information stored in the columns.

To better under the concept behind encryption, a basic conceptualization of database structure is required. Generally, a database can be stored into tables, files, and even columns, with each rows having specific data or information inputted. Information can either be sensitive or non-sensitive. Encryption is applying a mathematical algorithm to safely secure data in cipher modes that can only be deciphered if access is provided to the user. (Redirected from Database encryption)

In a database, encryption can take place at the file-level, table-level and even column-levels with each method having different advantages and disadvantages.

Advantages of column-level encryption:

• Flexibility in data to encrypt. The application can be written to control when, where, by whom, and how data is viewed
• Transparent encryption is possible
• More secure as each column can have its own unique encryption key within the database
• Encryption is possible when data is active and not just “at rest”
• Retrieval speed is maintained because there’s less encrypted data