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SQL Server must implement cryptographic mechanisms to prevent unauthorized modification of organization-defined information at rest (to include, at a minimum, PII and classified information) on organization-defined information system components.

An XCCDF Rule

Description

<VulnDiscussion>DBMSs handling data requiring "data at rest" protections must employ cryptographic mechanisms to prevent unauthorized disclosure and modification of the information at rest. These cryptographic mechanisms may be native to SQL Server or implemented via additional software or operating system/file system settings, as appropriate to the situation. Selection of a cryptographic mechanism is based on the need to protect the integrity of organizational information. The strength of the mechanism is commensurate with the security category and/or classification of the information. Organizations have the flexibility to either encrypt all information on storage devices (i.e., full disk encryption) or encrypt specific data structures (e.g., files, records, or fields). The decision whether and what to encrypt rests with the data owner and is also influenced by the physical measures taken to secure the equipment and media on which the information resides.</VulnDiscussion><FalsePositives></FalsePositives><FalseNegatives></FalseNegatives><Documentable>false</Documentable><Mitigations></Mitigations><SeverityOverrideGuidance></SeverityOverrideGuidance><PotentialImpacts></PotentialImpacts><ThirdPartyTools></ThirdPartyTools><MitigationControl></MitigationControl><Responsibility></Responsibility><IAControls></IAControls>

ID
SV-213926r1018576_rule
Severity
High
References
Updated



Remediation - Manual Procedure

Where full-disk encryption is required, configure Windows and/or the storage system to provide this. 

Where transparent data encryption (TDE) is required, create a master key, obtain a certificate protected by the master key, create a database encryption key and protect it by the certificate, and then set the database to use encryption. For guidance from MSDN on how to do this: https://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/bb934049.aspx. 

Where table/column encryption is required, enable encryption on the tables/columns in question. For guidance from the Microsoft Developer Network on how to do this with Always Encrypted: https://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/mt163865.aspx.