Protection of encryption keys in a database

System, method, computer program product embodiments and combinations and sub- combinations thereof for protection of encryption keys in a database are described herein. An embodiment includes a master key and a dual master key, both of which are used to encrypt encryption keys in a database. To access encrypted data, the master key and dual master key must be supplied to a database server by two separate entities, thus requiring dual control of the master and dual master keys. Furthermore, passwords for the master and dual master keys must be supplied separately and independently, thus requiring split knowledge to access the master and dual master keys. In another embodiment, a master key and a key encryption key derived from a user password is used for dual control. An embodiment also includes supplying the secrets for the master key and dual master key through server-private files.