> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.ngsurvey.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.ngsurvey.com/data-encryption/encryption-setup/transparent-encryption.md).

# Transparent Encryption

Using transparent encryption you can define a single encryption key that will be used for both encryption and decryption for any data that has been [classified](/data-encryption/data-classification.md) as [internal](/data-encryption/data-classification/internal.md) or [sensitive](/data-encryption/data-classification/sensitive.md).

{% hint style="info" %}
While data is encrypted at the database level note that all that data is accessible in clear through the ngSurvey administration section.
{% endhint %}

To setup global encryption on your server you may set your own private encryption key in an environment variables named **NGSurvey:EncryptionKey** with the value of your encryption key**.**

* [Azure setup](/data-encryption/encryption-setup/transparent-encryption/azure-encryption-setup.md)
* [IIS encryption setup](/data-encryption/encryption-setup/transparent-encryption/iis-encryption-setup.md)

{% hint style="warning" %}
Make sure to create a key that is alpha numeric based and which is at least 50 characters long.
{% endhint %}


---

# Agent Instructions
This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com.

## Querying This Documentation
If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the following URL with the `ask` and `goal` query parameters:

```
GET https://docs.ngsurvey.com/data-encryption/encryption-setup/transparent-encryption.md?ask=<question>&goal=<user_goal>
```

`ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
`goal` is what the user is ultimately trying to achieve, the reason they need the answer. Sharing it helps GitBook give you a better, more relevant answer. A goal is most helpful when it describes the outcome the user wants rather than restating the question. For example, with `ask=how do I create an API token`, a goal like `automate deployments from our CI pipeline` lets GitBook tailor the answer to that use case.

The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.