The DpapiProtectedConfigurationProvider allows you to protect sensitive information stored in a configuration file from unauthorized access.
You use the standard DpapiProtectedConfigurationProvider by declaring the provider and appropriate settings in the configuration file rather than creating an instance of this class. Refer to the next example.
For more information about Protected Configuration, see Encrypting Configuration Information Using Protected Configuration.
The DpapiProtectedConfigurationProvider uses the Windows built-in cryptographic services and can be configured for either machine-specific or user-account-specific protection. Machine-specific protection is useful for anonymous services but provides less security. User-account-specific protection can be used with services that run with a specific user identity.