Encrypt connection string in app.config

Question

I am having trouble encrypting a connection string in app.config. I have code that will protect the connectionStrings section of app.config, but the password is still displayed in plain text.

I need to encrypt the connection string in so it is not in plain text when deployed. I see similiar questions on SO for web.config, but not app.config.

Answer 1

Have a look at This Article it has some very useful examples. You're basically looking for System.Configuration.SectionInformation.ProtectSection to help you out here.

Also have a peek at Implementing Protected Configuration

Answer 2

Define the location of config File

Configuration config  = ConfigurationManager.OpenExeConfiguration(ConfigurationUserLevel.None);

if you want to encrypt connectionStrings

config.ConnectionStrings.SectionInformation.ProtectSection(Nothing);

you must be aware of app config portions

so if you want to encrypt AppSettings

config.AppSettings.SectionInformation.ProtectSection(Nothing);

Answer 3

• Rename App
• config file to web.config
• Run Command prompt as admin:

For encrypt:

C:\WINDOWS\Microsoft.NET\Framework\v2.0.50727\aspnet_regiis.exe -pef "connectionStrings" your project location within quotes and -prov "DataProtectionConfigurationProvider" Ex: C:\WINDOWS\Microsoft.NET\Framework\v2.0.50727\aspnet_regiis.exe -pef "connectionStrings" "D:\location\location1\location" -prov "DataProtectionConfigurationProvider"

For Decrypt:
C:\WINDOWS\Microsoft.NET\Framework\v2.0.50727\aspnet_regiis.exe -pdf "connectionStrings" your project location within quotes Ex:C:\WINDOWS\Microsoft.NET\Framework\v2.0.50727\aspnet_regiis.exe -pdf "connectionStrings" "D:\location1\location"

For error: add this in Configuration xmlns="http://schemas.microsoft.com/.NetConfiguration/v2.0"

Like this:

• Finally, Rename web.config to App.Config

Answer 4

You can easily apply the same solution as the web.config you just have to rename your app.config to web.config, encrypt with the aspnet_regiis tool and then rename it back to app.config.

1. Rename app.config to web.config
2. Open command prompt and type:
   %windir%\Microsoft.NET\Framework\v2.0.50727\aspnet_regiis -pef "connectionStrings" c:\<folder containing your web.config> (stop at folder level and don't put the trailing "\")
3. rename web.config back to app.config

You can open it in notepad to see the encrypted file. In visual studio you will see it's decrypted. You can use your connection string the same way as if it was not encrypted.