Microsoft SharePoint 2010 Unleashed

Protecting SharePoint Data with Storage Security Options

By default, SharePoint databases that store all content are not encrypted. The data within them is stored in a format that can be viewed if an administrator or backup operator has access to them. Indeed, if a content database is taken to a different farm, all content can be easily viewed simply by the administrator resetting the security credentials for the site collections.

This presents a challenge for many organizations that need to demonstrate that the data stored within SharePoint is properly secured and encrypted, and that if backup tapes are lost or stolen, the data will not be at risk of compromise. For these types of scenarios, Microsoft provides for a SQL encryption option known ...