title: How would I encrypt string data in SQL server 2008 while keeping the ability to query over it?
body: <p>I have a database that will be hosted by a third party. I need to encrypt strings in certain columns, but I do not want to loose the ability to query over the encrypted columns. </p>
  
  <p>I have limited control over the SQL instance (I have control over the database I own, but not to any administrative functions.)</p>
  
  <p>I realize that I can use a .net encryption library to encrypt the data before it is inserted into the table, but I would then loose the ability to query the data with sql.</p>