| author | rwestMSFT |
|---|---|
| ms.author | randolphwest |
| ms.date | 06/12/2026 |
| ms.service | sql |
| ms.topic | include |
The following table describes the possible values for the encryption algorithm.
encryption_algorithm |
encryption_algorithm_desc |
Corresponding DDL option |
|---|---|---|
0 |
None | Disabled |
1 |
RC4 |
Required algorithm RC4 |
2 |
AES |
Required algorithm AES |
3 |
None, RC4 |
Supported algorithm RC4 |
4 |
None, AES |
Supported algorithm AES |
5 |
RC4, AES |
Required algorithm RC4 AES |
6 |
AES, RC4 |
Required algorithm AES RC4 |
7 |
None, RC4, AES |
Supported algorithm RC4 AES |
8 |
None, AES, RC4 |
Supported algorithm AES RC4 |
The RC4 algorithm is only supported for backward compatibility. New material can only be encrypted using RC4 or RC4_128 when the database is in compatibility level 90 or 100 (not recommended). Use one of the AES algorithms instead. In [!INCLUDE sssql11-md] and later versions, material encrypted using RC4 or RC4_128 can be decrypted in any compatibility level.