---
sourceDocument: Australia Workflow Data Fabric
sourceDocumentLink: https://www.servicenow.com/docs/r/australia/integrate-applications

 Release :

    - australia

ft:locale :

    - en-US

ft:publication_title :

    - Australia Workflow Data Fabric

ft:clusterId :

    - crint

bundleId :

    - crint

workflow :

    - Creator


---

# Use the Protect component

# Use the Protect component {#ariaid-title1}

Release version: Australia  
Updated March 12, 2026  
![](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/portal-asset/ico-clock) 1 minute to read  
Encrypt a string with the DPAPI algorithm from the Microsoft by using
the Protect component in RPA Desktop Design Studio. The component returns the
encrypted form of the data you provide.

## Before you begin

Role required: none

## About this task

You can configure the properties for the Protect component. For more information
about these properties, see [Properties of the DPAPI components](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/41_weeOqtbKArHuZR4ALfw "Learn about the properties of the DPAPI components in RPA Desktop Design Studio.")

## Procedure

1. In the Toolbox pane, navigate to SecurityDPAPI.
2. Drag the Protect component to the Design surface.
3. To configure the input fields, see [Configure port properties](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/o6fErdzBCUqYUWlLG1ZZzQ "Configure how data is passed to the input fields of a component or method in RPA Desktop Design Studio.").
4. Connect the data and control ports of the Protect component to the corresponding ports of the other components as described in the following table.  
   {#use-security-dpapi-protect__table_jnw_jn1_krb__entry__3}

   | Port type | Purpose of connection | Mandatory? |
   |-|-|-|
   | Data In (ClearText) | Passes the string that you want to encrypt from a previously executed component. | Yes |
   | Data In (Optional Entropy) | The optional entropy provides additional security to the encrypted data from risks that make applications running under the same user vulnerable. Passes the entropy from a previously executed component. | No. Connecting the port is optional. |
   | Data In (Scope) | Passes the scope of protection from a previously executed component. | Yes |
   | Data Out (String) | Returns the encrypted string. | No. Connecting the port is optional. To view the output, right-click the Return field and click Preview Data. |
   | Control In | Passes the control from a from a previously executed component. | Yes |
   | Control Out | Passes the control to the next component. | No |
   [ ]

   {#use-security-dpapi-protect__table_jnw_jn1_krb}
5. **Optional:** To test the component, under the DESIGN tab, click Run.

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