Always Encrypted
Introduced in SQL Server 2016, Always Encrypted is a feature designed to protect sensitive data by encrypting it at rest and in transit, ensuring that encryption keys are never exposed to the SQL Server or Azure SQL Database engine. This mechanism allows data to remain encrypted not only when it is stored but also during query processing, effectively safeguarding sensitive information from unauthorized access, including database administrators. The encryption and decryption operations are transparently performed on the client side, facilitated by a driver integrated into the application, thus maintaining data usability without compromising security. Always Encrypted is instrumental for organizations in adhering to data protection regulations such as GDPR and HIPAA, offering a robust solution for securing confidential data within database environments.