Configure > SecurityEncryption KeyThis page is only accessible to members of the "Super User" admin group. Sensitive data (such as credit card numbers) that must be stored to the database are protected with Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) cryptography. AES is a keyed encryption – you need a secret password to encrypt and decrypt the data. Sensitive account data is encrypted within the database using a secret key. AbleCommerce 7.0 introduces a new interface for managing this key so that your sensitive data cannot be read by anyone who does not know the key. When you deploy AbleCommerce it does not have a key set. If you are storing credit card data it is important that you set the encryption key after deployment. You should change the key at least once per year. Without the key, the data cannot be read. Maintaining the encryption key for AbleCommerce is an important task because it impacts the security of your data. As a merchant, you must ensure that users responsible for the encryption key sign a written statement that they understand and accept the duties and responsibilities as custodian(s) of the key. The key custodians should be fully familiar with the requirements of the PCI DSS. Also be sure to maintain appropriate key backups and store the backup keys securely. AbleCommerce provides for the key backup to be split into two parts so that you may have two people each retain part of the key. This would prevent any one person from being able to reconstruct the entire key. Change your key regularly. Every 90 days is recommended. You should also change the key any time an employee with access to the key leaves your company. Always replace the key if you know or suspect it has been compromised by any means. Change the Encryption KeyTo change your key, all data in the database must be decrypted with the old key and then re-encrypted with the new key. This process can take some time depending on the size of your database; the estimated workload is shown. Once you initiate a key change, a progress indicator will be shown to let you know when the process is complete. Always ensure you have both a database backup and a key backup before initiating a key change.
Backup the Encryption KeyTo keep your key secure, it is securely stored apart from the database. In the event that you must restore your database to another location, it will be vital that you have this key. Whenever you change your key, download the key backup files and store them in a physically secure location. You need both backup files to restore the key.
IMPORTANT: Whenever you change the key it is very important to create a backup to an offsite location. If your web server crashes, the encrypted data in your database will be unrecoverable without a restorable key backup. Restore the Encryption KeyIf you need to restore your key, provide the backup files created in the prior section. The key currently being used will be replaced with the backup. No re-encryption takes place during this process, since presumably the existing data is already encrypted with the backup key you wish to restore.
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Related TopicsConfigure > Security > General Configure > Security > Database Configure > Security > Audit Log
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