---
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 ProtectData component

# Use the ProtectData component {#ariaid-title1}

Release version: Australia  
Updated March 12, 2026  
![](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/portal-asset/ico-clock) 1 minute to read  
Encrypt and save string data to a file with the ProtectData component in the RPA Desktop Design Studio.

## Before you begin

Role required: none

## About this task

You can configure the properties for the ProtectData 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 ProtectData 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 ProtectData component to the corresponding ports of the other components as described in the following table.  
   {#use-security-dpapi-protectdata__table_jnw_jn1_krb__entry__3}

   | Port type | Purpose of connection | Mandatory? |
   |-|-|-|
   | Data In (Filename) | Passes the name of the file to which the encrypted string is saved from a previously executed component. | Yes |
   | Data In (Data) | Passes the data to be encrypted 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 execute the component, right-click the ProtectData component bar and click Run From Here. 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-protectdata__table_jnw_jn1_krb}
5. **Optional:** To test the component, under the DESIGN tab, click Run.

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