Data Encryption question

[Matt Klein]

Hi All -

I believe I know the answer to this question, but I wanted to find out for sure from some of my fellow FileMaker professionals.

The question is....Is the data stored in a FileMaker database stored encrypted?

I am aware that you can encrypt data travelling between FileMaker Pro and FileMaker Server. I am pretty sure that the answer to my question is no. I just want to be certain.

Thanks in advance

[Fitch]

No, FileMaker does not store data as encrypted. There are a couple of FileMaker plugins that do encryption, for example see troi.com.

[Matt Klein]

Thanks Tom. That's what I thought. The only problem with using a plug-in is that the key needs to be passed to the plug-in and storing the key where it's accessible but secure is difficult.

In fact, I can't think of a good way to store the key securely so it can't be seen.

Maybe I will post in the Plug-ins forum for some ideas.

[Fitch]

You could store the key in a "black box." I.e., create a separate file that contains the key and/or the script that encrypts and decrypts. Use FileMaker Advanced to remove developer access from that file.

[Matt Klein]

That's an interesting thought. Perhaps I will give that a try.

Thanks for you input!