SAP ABAP provides multiple ways to encrypt strings, depending on your security needs and ABAP version.
1. Using CL_SEC_SXML_WRITER (Base64 Encoding)
Base64 is not encryption but can be used to obfuscate data.
DATA: lv_string TYPE string VALUE 'Hello ABAP', lv_encrypted TYPE string.
CALL METHOD CL_SEC_SXML_WRITER=>BASE64_ENCODE EXPORTING raw = lv_string IMPORTING encoded = lv_encrypted.
WRITE: 'Base64 Encrypted:', lv_encrypted." Output: SGVsbG8gQUJBUA==- Use case: Obfuscating data (not secure encryption).
2. Using CL_HARD_WIRED_ENCRYPTOR (AES-256 Encryption)
SAP provides AES encryption via CL_HARD_WIRED_ENCRYPTOR.
DATA: lo_encryptor TYPE REF TO cl_hard_wired_encryptor, lv_key TYPE string VALUE '1234567890123456', " 16-char key lv_string TYPE string VALUE 'Hello ABAP', lv_encrypted TYPE string.
lo_encryptor = cl_hard_wired_encryptor=>get_instance( ).lv_encrypted = lo_encryptor->encrypt_string( iv_key = lv_key iv_text = lv_string ).
WRITE: 'AES Encrypted:', lv_encrypted.- Key should be 16, 24, or 32 characters (AES-128, AES-192, AES-256).
- Use case: Secure encryption (available in newer SAP versions).
3. Using CL_SEC_SXML_WRITER with AES
For secure encryption, use CL_SEC_SXML_WRITER=>ENCRYPT (if available).
DATA: lv_key TYPE string VALUE 'MySecretKey123456', lv_string TYPE string VALUE 'Hello ABAP', lv_encrypted TYPE xstring.
CALL METHOD CL_SEC_SXML_WRITER=>ENCRYPT EXPORTING key = lv_key raw = lv_string IMPORTING encoded = lv_encrypted.
WRITE: 'AES Encrypted XSTRING:', lv_encrypted.- Converts the string into an encrypted
XSTRING.
4. Using SAP Secure Store & Forward (SSF)
For SAP standard encryption, use SSF functions:
DATA: lv_string TYPE string VALUE 'Hello ABAP', lv_encrypted TYPE string.
CALL FUNCTION 'SSF_KRN_ENCRYPT' EXPORTING data = lv_string IMPORTING encrypted = lv_encrypted.
WRITE: 'SSF Encrypted:', lv_encrypted.- Requires SSF configuration.
Which Method Should You Use?
| Method | Security Level | Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| Base64 Encoding | Low | Obfuscation, simple encoding |
CL_HARD_WIRED_ENCRYPTOR (AES) | High | Secure encryption (AES-256) |
CL_SEC_SXML_WRITER (AES) | High | Secure encryption for XML processing |
SSF_KRN_ENCRYPT (SAP SSF) | Very High | Secure encryption with SSF configuration |