Secure data replication in distributed data storage environments

A described method includes receiving, by a database system, an instruction to change a first data element in a table in a database, which includes a first copy and a second copy of the table. A first entry is created in a first change-table. The first entry includes an updated value for a first data element. A second entry is created in a second change-table. Creating the second entry includes, changing the updated value into a ciphertext if the first data element is secured, and storing the ciphertext into the second entry. If the first data element is non-secured, the updated value is stored into the second entry as is. The second copy of the table is modified using the second change-table. The second copy of the table is used to respond to subsequent queries.