Learn the Best Ways to Decrypt Column in SQL Server

Encryption in the SQL Server database is helpful for users to safeguard their data from unauthorized access. However, in certain situations, it may be necessary to decrypt a column in SQL Server. With the help of this write-up, we will be discussing the same issue. Furthermore, we will also discuss how encryption can create challenges for users in certain aspects and how it can affect their day-to-day operations. 

So, without any further delay, let’s understand the concept of encryption in SQL column and how it can create challenges. 

Encryption in SQL Column & The Need to Decrypt Column in SQL Server

We will now understand the reasons are to encrypting the database columns and how they benefit the users with their data security. Here, we will discuss the reasons one by one for a much better understanding. 

• To safeguard the data and protect it from any unauthorized access and unwanted breaches. The data, like contact details, card numbers, email addresses, and other personal information, can be crucial for the users, and securing and encrypting it secures the data in a more effective way.

• While sharing databases or migrating them, the data is at a possible risk of being breached or leaked. With encryption, the data is much safer, and the risk of being accessed by any unwanted user is minimized. 

• Additionally, with the encryption in the SQL column, even the database administrators are not able to access the data in the column. This prevents the risk of insider threats in the database. 
  

However, there are certain challenges the users might face due to this encryption in the database, demanding them to learn how to decrypt column in SQL Server. Let’s take a look at these challenges as well. 

• Due to repeated encryption and decryption in the database, the memory and CPU consumption increase, leading to performance overhead. 

• The encrypted columns are not directly accessible, and SQL Queries like the LIKE, JOIN, GROUP BY, and ORDER BY commands can not be implemented on these columns. 

• While encrypting the columns, one of the most difficult parts is managing the encryption keys in the database. 

All these issues result in bigger problems for the database administrators and further force them to decrypt column in SQL Server. We will now take a look at the methods that can help the user with decrypting the column and perform the necessary operations easily. 

Beginning with the first method, which will help the users with the column decryption. Let’s see how this method will help the users.

Method 1: Decrypt SQL Column With Asymmetric Key

The first method we are going to discuss is how to decrypt column in SQL Server using an Asymmetric key. This method is used when the encryption in the database is done using the ENCRYPTBYASYMKEY(). Let’s see how it can be resolved, and the column can be decrypted after the database encryption. 

The users can use the given command to decrypt the column in the SQL Server Database. 

SELECT 
CONVERT(VARCHAR, DECRYPTBYASYMKEY(
ASYMKEY_ID('YourAsymmetricKeyName'), 
EncryptedColumn)
) AS DecryptedValue
FROM YourTable;

With the help of this command, users can decrypt the column using the asymmetric key. Let’s now take a look at the next method that will help the users with the decrypt SQL column in SQL Server. 

Method 2: Using Professional Tool For Column Decryption in SQL Server

Using an expert solution, like the SysTools SQL Decryptor Tool, for removing the encryption of a SQL column can be beneficial in so many aspects. The tool allows users to effectively decrypt the SQL database objects and further export them to the required destinations as per the users’ needs. Here are the steps that will help the users with how to decrypt column in SQL Server. 

1. Install and run the software. Click on the Start Button. 

2. Next, add the Source Server and then select the desired database from the provided list.

3. Click on the Next Button. Preview the encrypted objects loaded on the screen. 

4. Click on the Export button and choose the destination. Add the authentication details to efficiently proceed to decrypt SQL column in SQL Server.
   

These steps will allow the users to carry out the decryption process in the database in a much efficient and safer way. The tool ensures that the complete decryption process is carried out without affecting the database integrity. 

Method 3: Decrypt Column Using Certificates

The next method to decrypt the column in the database is by using the certificates. This method is used when the database is encrypted using the ENCRYPTBYCERT() command. 

Let’s now take a look at the command to how the command will be executed for decrypting the column.

SELECT 
CONVERT(VARCHAR, DECRYPTBYCERT(
CERT_ID('YourCertificateName'), 
EncryptedColumn)
) AS DecryptedValue
FROM YourTable;

This command will help the users to decrypt the SQL Column if encrypted using certificates. The manual methods to decrypt the column can be complex and confusing for users to understand. Hence, it’s better to trust and use the professional solution for the same.

Conclusion

With the help of this guide, we have learned the ways to decrypt column in SQL Server, along with understanding why it is required and how encryption in a database can be troubling for users. We have mentioned the best solutions to carry out the process smoothly and efficiently.