How to encrypt columns in postgresql?

Question

I'm new to PostgreSQL and never worked with encryption. I read some links about encryption in PostgreSQL, like this one, but I'm a little bit confused about what it wants to say (or what I understand:)). Can you guide me with some thoughts or links in this problem?

Thanks.

Answer 1

Look into the pgcrypto addon. Note that db-level cryptography is tricky. You have key management issues that are not trivial to resolve. In general if you really need this, it is probably worth hiring a professional consultant to do some code review and another one to provide some design review ahead of time.

In general, I don't recommend doing all your encryption in the db at present unless it is required due to regulatory or similar regimes.