The encryption algorithm setting determines how the ABL encryption and decryption functions (see Implementing symmetric cryptography in ABL) work to protect data confidentiality in your application. This setting is actually a combination of three elements expressed in the following form:

Syntax

AAA_MMM_n

These three elements specify:

AAA
An alpha or alphanumeric abbreviation for the algorithm.
MMM
An alpha abbreviation for the mode to use.
n
A numeric value for the key size to use.

The OpenEdge default setting for the SYMMETRIC-ENCRYPTION-ALGORITHM attribute is "AES_CBC_128", which means the AES algorithm in CBC mode using a 128-bit key. The combination of algorithm, mode, and key size determines the strength and speed of the encryption. You can accept the OpenEdge default or choose a different setting, depending on your application requirements. Any setting you choose for the SYMMETRIC-ENCRYPTION-ALGORITHM attribute is used by each instance of an ABL encryption/decryption function unless you specify an override for that function.

For more information on encryption algorithms, modes, and cryptographic keys, see the sections on cryptography in Introduction to Security and Auditing.