Why SQL Server Security Needs to Go Beyond Native Encryption
- Microsoft SQL Server is the backbone of structured data management for enterprises, housing everything from payment card details and Social Security numbers to email addresses and intellectual property. But the convenience of storing all this sensitive data in one place comes at a steep price: it’s a prime target for cybercriminals.
- Native Microsoft SQL Server security tools like Transparent Data Encryption (TDE) offer a foundational layer of protection, but they weren’t built for today’s hybrid, multi-cloud, and high-compliance environments. Key management chaos and blind spots beyond the database perimeter leaves gaps that attackers can exploit.
1,600% surge in critical vulnerabilities
Microsoft SQL experienced an astonishing 1,600% surge in critical vulnerabilities, totaling 17, all of which were remote-code-execution (RCE) flaws.*
*Software Vulnerability Ratings Report June, 2024
A Prime Target for Attackers
- Stores sensitive data: payments, SSNs, IP, and more
- Centralized data makes it attractive to cybercriminals
- Breaches can expose massive volumes of critical information
Limits of Native SQL Server Security
- TDE provides only basic, single-database protection
- Not built for hybrid or multi-cloud environments
- Key management creates gaps
- Limited visibility beyond the database perimeter
Fragmented Key Management
- Multiple databases, separate tools and keys
- No interoperability or centralized control
- Increases complexity and cost
Operational Inefficiencies & Key Exposure
- Manual key handling increases risk
- Unsecured storage or orphaned keys create exposure
- No easy way to revoke or rotate access
Microsoft SQL Server Database Security Requirements to Consider
Enterprise-Wide Database Encryption
- Protect SQL Server and other major databases
- Work across on-prem, cloud, and hybrid environments
- Deliver unified, cross-platform coverage
High-Performance Encryption
- Optimize with Intel AES-NI acceleration
- Minimal impact on database performance
- Faster, stronger protection than native TDE
Centralized Security Management
- Single console for keys and policies
- Simplify operations and audits
- Ensure consistent security enforcement
Database Security Solutions for Microsoft SQL Server
CipherTrust Transparent Encryption
Real-time protection with fine-grained access controls, no application changes required
CipherTrust Database Protection
Protects sensitive column-level data directly inside databases, no need to modify most applications
CipherTrust Application Key Management
Secures external key storage, protects the TDE master key and streamlines compliance
Thales Data Security Fabric (DSF) – Data Activity Monitoring
Real-time visibility into user activity, data access patterns, vulnerabilities, and privileged account usage
Still have questions?
Talk to a specialist about CipherTrust Database Security Solutions.
Related resources
