This short post discusses SQL Server Support for TLS 1.2. It is a recommended security best practice, to upgrade to Transport Layer Security (TLS) protocol 1.2 as several known vulnerabilities have been reported against SSL and earlier versions of TLS. Many of us who work with SQL Server, we needed – or will need at a point – to check SQL Server’s Support for TLS 1.2 and probably come up with an action plan.
SQL Server 2016 or later
SQL Server 2016 and SQL Server 2017 ship with TLS 1.0 to TLS 1.2 support, so you do not need to install any TLS-related patches for these two versions of SQL Server in order to enabled TLS 1.2 because it is supported by default.
SQL Server 2008/R2, 2012, and 2014
Now, regarding the rest of the officially supported SQL Server versions (2008, 2008 R2, 2012, and 2014), Microsoft has released a Support KB article that features a table with the below information:
- SQL Server Release
- First build that supports TLS 1.2
- Download link for earlier builds
- Additional information
Using the information on the above table, you can check if your current version/build of SQL Server supports TLS 1.2 or if you need to install a Cumulative Update (CU) or just a specific patch.
As a side note, you should always keep your SQL Server instances patched up to the latest Service Pack (SP) or Cumulative Update (CU), after of course you first thoroughly test the SP or CU on a non-production environment and ensure that everything works well.
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Artemakis Artemiou is a seasoned Senior Database and AI/Automation Architect with over 20 years of expertise in the IT industry. As a Certified Database, Cloud, and AI professional, he has been recognized as a thought leader, earning the prestigious Microsoft Data Platform MVP title for nine consecutive years (2009-2018). Driven by a passion for simplifying complex topics, Artemakis shares his expertise through articles, online courses, and speaking engagements. He empowers professionals around the globe to excel in Databases, Cloud, AI, Automation, and Software Development. Committed to innovation and education, Artemakis strives to make technology accessible and impactful for everyone.