US Patent 8458208 Automated data source assurance in distributed databases

A database query is received including a logical table identifier, a data element, and at least one data source assurance indicator at a distributed database node within a distributed network of databases. The data element is encrypted based upon the at least one data source assurance indicator. A data portion of a local query response to the database query is formed including data retrieved from a local physical database table mapped by a local logical table that matches the received logical table identifier. A node identifier and the encrypted data element are added as an authentication portion of the local query response to authenticate the data portion of the local query response. The database query is responded to with at least the authenticated local query response. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract.