sys.symmetric_keys (Transact-SQL)

Returns one row for every symmetric key created with the CREATE SYMMETRIC KEY statement.

Column name Data type Description

name

sysname

Name of the key. Unique within the database.

principal_id

int

ID of the database principal who owns the key.

symmetric_key_id

int

ID of the key. Unique within the database.

key_length

int

Length of the key in bits.

key_algorithm

char(2)

Algorithm used with the key:

R2 = RC2

R4 = RC4

D = DES

D3 = Triple DES

DX = DESX

A1 = AES 128

A2 = AES 192

A3 = AES 256

algorithm_desc

nvarchar(60)

Description of the algorithm used with the key:

RC2

RC4

DES

Triple_DES

DESX

AES_128

AES_192

AES_256

create_date

datetime

Date the key was created.

modify_date

datetime

Date the key was modified.

key_guid

uniqueidentifier

Globally unique identifier (GUID) associated with the key. It is auto-generated for persisted keys. GUIDs for temporary keys are derived from the user-supplied pass phrase.

Clarification regarding DES algorithms:

  • DESX was incorrectly named. Symmetric keys created with ALGORITHM = DESX actually use the TRIPLE DES cipher with a 192-bit key. The DESX algorithm is not provided.
  • Symmetric keys created with ALGORITHM = TRIPLE_DES use TRIPLE DES with a 128-bit key.

See Also

Reference

Catalog Views (Transact-SQL)
Security Catalog Views (Transact-SQL)
CREATE SYMMETRIC KEY (Transact-SQL)

Other Resources

Encryption Hierarchy

Help and Information

Getting SQL Server 2005 Assistance

Change History

Release History

17 November 2008

New content:
  • Added clarification about the DES algorithms.