Find Encrypted Stored Procedures in SQL Server

In SQL Server, stored procedures are often used to store and execute sets of SQL statements. Sometimes, for security reasons, you might want to encrypt your stored procedures. But how do you find out which ones are encrypted in your database? In this blog post, we’ll walk you through a simple T-SQL script that can help you identify encrypted stored procedures.

What is Encryption in SQL Server?

Encryption is a security feature in SQL Server that can be applied to stored procedures. When a stored procedure is encrypted, its source code is hidden, making it difficult for someone to view or modify the code. This is particularly useful when you want to protect sensitive logic or data.

Using T-SQL to Identify Encrypted Stored Procedures

To identify encrypted stored procedures, you can use a T-SQL script that queries the database’s system views. Here’s a step-by-step explanation of the script:

SELECT 
    o.name AS 'ProcedureName',
    CASE 
        WHEN OBJECTPROPERTY(o.object_id, 'IsEncrypted') = 1 THEN 'Encrypted'
        ELSE 'Not Encrypted'
    END AS 'EncryptionStatus',
    m.definition AS 'ProcedureDefinition'
FROM 
    sys.objects o
JOIN 
    sys.sql_modules m ON o.object_id = m.object_id
WHERE 
    o.type = 'P'
    AND OBJECTPROPERTY(o.object_id, 'IsEncrypted') = 1;

How to Interpret the Results

When you run this script, you’ll receive a list of stored procedures from your database. If a stored procedure is encrypted, you will see “Encrypted” in the ‘EncryptionStatus’ column. If it’s not encrypted, you’ll see “Not Encrypted.”

This information can be helpful in understanding the security of your database and ensuring that your sensitive logic or data is adequately protected.

Important Note

Always keep in mind that decrypting stored procedures without proper authorization may violate security policies and legal requirements. Make sure you have the necessary permissions and approvals before attempting to access or modify encrypted objects.

In summary, using this T-SQL script is a straightforward way to identify encrypted stored procedures in SQL Server. It provides valuable insights into the security of your database and helps you ensure that sensitive information remains protected.