encrypting and decrypting data

[gedwebdeveloper]

Hello, I am newly registered here but plan on being a very active member as I am a web developer for a high speed company and i am only armed with self knowledge!

I have completed a simple form using mysql as a backup.
The form asks for a persons general information, name, title, address, phone number.

The username password is MD5.

My boss would like me to encrypt all the data saved, address, phone number and what not.

This information is also viewable in the admin control panel of my site so it must be decrypted for display...

Any help on how to do this?

[coopster]

Welcome to WebmasterWorld, gedwebdeveloper.

Have you considered the MySQL build in Encryption and Compression Functions [dev.mysql.com]?

[rocknbil]

Corollary, the server side language you're programming in and the environment has a lot to do with how you approach this. I.E., depending, it may be more efficient to encrypt the data prior to insertion and decrypt on extraction.

[gedwebdeveloper]

Thank you for the quick responses coopster and rocknbil. I've been looking over the information that you gave me coopster and it seems to be good. Now to figure out how to change mine with the new codes. I've never had to do anything like this, all my work has been routine! Its funny how much I thought I knew until now!