How to prevent user from accessing local database mdf file data in windows application?

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I am developing a winform application which is supposed to be offline.Meaning, it will store data on the local machine itself. The problem with this is that user can always just attach the file to any sql server management studio and alter procedures and stuff. Is it possible for me to specify a password for accessing the contents of that mdf file? If yes how? Thank you.

Posted 12-Oct-14 20:03pm

Arbaaz Jalil

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Sinisa Hajnal · Answer 1 · 2014-10-12T20:45:00

Solution 1

You cannot prevent the access, but you CAN encrypt the data.

See here[^]

You should also write clearly in your license that any tampering with your database is violation of the license and voids any contract / support / rights of the user.

Posted 12-Oct-14 20:45pm

Sinisa Hajnal

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Arbaaz Jalil 13-Oct-14 3:01am

Can we not just provide a password for the database? Like we do in connectionstring?

Sinisa Hajnal 13-Oct-14 3:15am

Read the linked article. Admin can gain access to the file. You can make it harder by passwords, but you cannot make it impervious to determined admin. Read the article.