Microsoft Corporation
SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DATABASE RECOVERY FOR ENCRYPTED INDEXES

Abstract:

Methods for database recovery for encrypted indexes are performed by systems and devices. A query with a decryption key is received from a client device, where the query modifies an encrypted index of a database using a secure enclave. When events requiring remedial actions for the database occur during the querying, some transactions of the query and later queries are deferred, and a remedial action is initiated that includes restarting the database. A determination of the remedial action being unsuccessful in recovering the encrypted index causes the action to be re-performed until another query having the decryption key is received whereupon the action is performed again to recover the encrypted index utilizing the decryption key. Deferred transactions are then performed with the decryption key. When a database restarts for access without secure enclaves, the encrypted index for the database is invalidated, and the remedial actions are otherwise completed or discarded.