title: Where to store sensitive information needed for an application to run?
body: <p>I am writing a c# winform desktop application that is in contact with a MYSQL database. Of course I cannot leave the database credentials out in the open hard-coded into the application, so where can I store this information so that a nosey customer will have an extremely tough time locating it?</p>
  
  <p>I understand that if someone is very determined to find this information they will most likely do just that, but I want to be able to hide these credentials from the average Joe, leaving me with some peace of mind at the end of the day.</p>
  
  <p>If your answer is to encrypt the credentials, and hard code the encrypted values into the program, please explain which encryption methods to use. Furthermore, where would I store the necessary decryption/encryption keys?</p>
  
  <p>I very much look forward to some interesting responses.</p>
  
  <p>Thank you,</p>
  
  <p>Evan F.</p>