Dear Users,

Following our earlier communication on the upcoming Zoho Analytics security updates affecting Microsoft SQL Server connections, we have revised our recommended approach.
The previously shared cipher suite configuration is no longer the recommended path. Affected users must now follow one of the two migration options outlined below to maintain uninterrupted connectivity.

Note: This update applies only to users using Microsoft SQL Server as a data source in Zoho Analytics via direct cloud connectivity. It does not affect local database imports already configured using Zoho Databridge.

Why This Change Is Required

As part of ongoing improvements to our backend connectivity layer, and in line with industry-wide deprecation of legacy cipher suites, we can no longer support direct cloud connectivity for:

• End-of-Life (EoL) database versions
• Outdated TLS protocols
• Weak encryption ciphers

To maintain uninterrupted access to your SQL Server data in Zoho Analytics, you must take action before the end of May 2026.

Who Is Affected

This applies to users who:

• Use Microsoft SQL Server as a data source in Zoho Analytics, and
• Connect via direct cloud connectivity, and
• Run SQL Server on an EoL version or a host that supports only legacy TLS protocols and weak ciphers (commonly Windows Server 2012, 2012 R2, or 2014).

If you are unsure whether your setup is affected, contact support@zohoanalytics.com with your Windows Server version and SQL Server version, and we will confirm.

Recommended Path: Upgrade Your Database Server

Our primary recommendation is to upgrade your SQL Server to a modern, supported version hosted on an operating system that complies with current cryptographic standards.
This is the long-term solution and requires no further changes on the Zoho Analytics side once the upgrade is complete.

Alternative Path: Migrate to Zoho Databridge

If an immediate database or server upgrade is not feasible, you must transition from direct cloud connectivity to local database connectivity using Zoho Databridge.

Zoho Databridge is a lightweight agent installed within your private network. It manages JDBC connectivity and TLS handshakes locally between your SQL Server and Zoho Analytics, so your legacy protocols are not exposed to direct cloud connections.

Before you begin, ensure you have:

• A host machine within your private network that has direct access to your SQL Server.
• An Organization Admin or Account Admin account for installation and configuration.

Migration steps:

1. Install the agent: Download Zoho Databridge and install it on your identified host machine.
2. Configure the connection: Complete the Databridge setup using your Organization Admin or Account Admin account.
3. Share migration details with our team: Email support@zohoanalytics.com with your Workspace ID, the existing Connection name, and the new Databridge agent name.
4. Backend migration: Our team will migrate your existing cloud connection to the new local connection through Zoho Databridge. You will be notified once the migration is complete.

Enforcement Timeline

These changes will be permanently enforced by the end of May 2026. Affected users must complete one of the migration paths above before this date.

What Happens If You Take No Action

• All scheduled imports from the affected SQL Server connection will fail at the next sync window.
• You will not be able to create new connections or modify existing ones.
• Existing reports and dashboards built on this data will continue to render with the last successfully synced data, but will no longer refresh.

Need Assistance?

If you need help choosing a path or completing the migration, contact us at support@zohoanalytics.com. To help us respond faster, include:

• Windows Server version
• SQL Server version
• SQL port number
• Workspace ID and Connection name