Encrypting configuration file properties

Configure DSE to use a local encryption key to encrypt properties in the configuration file. Use passwords encrypted with the local key for the following properties:

  • dse.yaml LDAP values:

    ldap_options.search_password
    ldap_options.truststore_password

    Use plain text for the KMIP keystore or truststore passwords.

  • cassandra.yaml SSL values:

    server_encryption_options.keystore_password
    server_encryption_options.truststore_password
    client_encryption_options.keystore_password
    client_encryption_options.truststore_password
    1. Complete the steps in Adding a KMIP host.

      If any of the defined KMIP groups are not available, DSE startup fails.

    2. For each property, replace plain text passwords with encrypted passwords returned by running the dsetool encryptconfigvalue command:

      1. Encrypt the password:

        dsetool encryptconfigvalue
        Using system key system_key
        
        Enter value to encrypt:
        Enter again to confirm:
        
        Your encrypted value is:
        
        +Vj5oHCR/jqfA+OJE2m8zA==
      2. Replace the old value with the new value in the configuration file, for example the SSL truststore password in the cassandra.yaml:

        truststore_password: +Vj5oHCR/jqfA+OJE2m8zA==

        Once configuration file property encryption is enabled, DSE startup fails if any of the protected properties are not encrypted.

    3. In dse.yaml, enable configuration file property encryption:

      1. Set config_encryption_active to true.

        config_encryption_active: true

        When set to true, the configuration values must be encrypted or commented out.

      2. Set the local key encryption filename:

        config_encryption_key_name: <key_filename>
    4. Update the dse.yaml and cassandra.yaml on all nodes in the cluster.

    5. Set up encryption for system resources, see Encrypting system resources.

    6. Perform a rolling restart.

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