SQL Server to gain crypto

Microsoft will include encryption and key management into Yukon (SQL Server 2005) to better protect corporate data, the company said. New security components will offer administrators the ability to control access with passwords, X509 certificates and the Windows Certificate Authority.

The features are aimed at managers facing strict regulatory controls such as California's SB1386, which can cause additional headaches should a security breach expose data. Encryption could mitigate these risks, Microsoft says.

In addition, Yukon will meet federal guidelines for computer security, and Microsoft will ship a "Best Practices Analyzer" which will scan databases and suggest ways to improve performance and security.

www.microsoft.com