Symmetric keys

Chapter 12 DBMS-Specific Features

Symmetric keys

A symmetric key is one key that is used for both encryption and decryption. Encryption and decryption by using a symmetric key is fast, and suitable for routine use with sensitive data in the database. PowerDesigner models symmetric keys as extended objects with a stereotype of <<SymmetricKey>>.

Creating a symmetric key

You can create a symmetric key in any of the following ways:

Select Model→Symmetric Keys to access the List of Symmetric Keys, and click the Add a Row tool.
Right-click the model or package in the Browser, and select New→Symmetric Key.

Symmetric key properties

You can modify an object's properties from its property sheet. To open a symmetric key property sheet, double-click its diagram symbol or its Browser entry in the Symmetric Keys folder.

The following extended attributes are available on the Microsoft tab:

Name	Description
Authorization	Specifies the name of a user or role as the owner of the key. Scripting name: Authorization
Certificate	Specifies the name of the certificate that will be used to encrypt the symmetric key. Scripting name: Certificate
Password	Specifies a password from which to derive a TRIPLE_DES key with which to secure the symmetric key. Password complexity will be checked. You should always use strong passwords. Scripting name: Password
Symmetric key	Specifies a symmetric key to be used to encrypt the key that is being created. Scripting name: SymmetricKey
Asymmetric key	Specifies an asymmetric key to be used to encrypt the key that is being created. Scripting name: AsymmetricKey
Key source	Specifies a pass phrase from which to derive the key. Scripting name: KeySource
Algorithm	Specifies the algorithm used to encrypt the key Scripting name: Algorithm
Identity value	Specifies an identity phrase from which to generate a GUID for tagging data that is encrypted with a temporary key. Scripting name: IdentityValue