Configuring SQL Server for Encrypted Connections with a Self-Signed Certificate
This guide documents the process of enabling encrypted connections for a local Microsoft SQL Server instance using a self-signed certificate. It includes the steps taken, issues encountered, and their resolutions, based on Microsoft’s official documentation and additional resources. The process is tailored for SQL Server on Windows and assumes administrative access to the server.
Background
SQL Server supports encrypting connections to secure data transmission between clients and the server. Encryption can be enforced for all connections or specific clients, requiring a valid certificate that meets SQL Server’s requirements. For this setup, I used a self-signed certificate due to its simplicity for local testing. The process involves generating and installing the certificate, configuring SQL Server to use it, addressing permission issues, and enabling forced encryption. Below is a detailed account of the steps, challenges, and solutions.
Prerequisites
- SQL Server: Installed on a Windows machine (in this case, SQL Server Express).
- Administrative Access: Required to run PowerShell as an administrator, modify certificates, and manage SQL Server services.
- Tools: PowerShell, SQL Server Configuration Manager, and access to the Microsoft Management Console (MMC).
- References:
