This technical guide for database administrators and IT security experts demonstrates how you can protect your sensitive data with the native database encryption functions of Microsoft SQL Server 2008, such as cell-level encryption and Transparent Data Encryption, and manage and protect encryption keys with hardware security modules (HSMs).

After an introduction to encryption technology, you’ll learn about these new security features of Microsoft SQL Server 2008. You’ll be able to choose the right approach to protecting your data and understand Extensible Key Management and HSMs. Many practical examples and T-SQL listings show the different ways in which you can encrypt your database and centrally manage keys. After completing this book, you’ll be able to make an informed decision about how to encrypt your databases and manage and protect your encryption keys.