· Select the database to create a symmetric key in the object explorer
· Right-click the the Symmetric keys folder under the selected database
· Select 'Create'
The 'Create Symmetric Key' dialog will open.
In the dialog, enter the properties to create the symmetric key.
· Enter the name of the symmetric key in the Name property.
· Choose the owner of the key from the drop down list in the Owner property value.
· Choose the Encryption Algorithm from the drop down list. All supported algorithms are
available for selection.
· Enter the Key Source. This is optional
· Enter the Identity Value. This is optional.
· Select the Encryption type from the drop down list. The choices available are
· Password
· Symmetric Key
· Asymmetric Key
· Certificate
· A pop up window will appear allowing you to select either the object name of the type you
select or a text box that allows for entry of the password.
· If selecting an encryption mechanism of Symmetric Key, Asymmetric Key, or Certificate
then the Decryption Object property will be populated with the object name chosen.
Select the decryption mechanism of the object to allow it to be opened prior to the
creation of the symmetric key.
