Configure Encrypted SQL Server Connections

Last updated: August 28, 2026.

Transport encryption protects credentials and query results in transit. A trusted certificate whose name matches the server is preferable to bypassing validation.

Verify the current session

SELECT session_id, encrypt_option, auth_scheme, net_transport, client_net_address
FROM sys.dm_exec_connections
WHERE session_id = @@SPID;

Deployment checklist

• Install a certificate valid for server authentication.
• Ensure clients trust the issuing authority.
• Use Encrypt=True and TrustServerCertificate=False.
• Connect with the certificate’s DNS name.
• Test every application before forcing encryption server-wide.

Reference: Microsoft SQL Server encryption guidance.