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How to secure SQL server database [Quick Guide]
5 min. read
Updated onAugust 23, 2024
updated onAugust 23, 2024
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After all this time,SQLserversare still pretty popular among skilled administrators. And for good reason, too.
They’re incredibly easy to install, offer a lot of differentsecurityfeatures, they’re quite low-cost to own and operate, and offer many data and log management features.
However, owning and operating aSQLserver, whether you decide to stick with Microsoft’s version, or the free MySQL one fromOracle, comes with a series of responsibilities.
One of the most important things you must take care of issecurity. If yourserverdatabases are anything but airtight, you might experience attacks sooner than you think.
And if you didn’t do that in time, we have a great guide onhow to repair a corrupted database on SQL Serverand retrieve your data.
For this reason, we’ve compiled these quick suggestions that you can use to secure yourSQLserverdatabase in no time.
How to secure the SQL server database?
1. Monitor the server closely
It’s said that prevention is better than cure. In our case, keeping a close eye on yourSQLservercan do wonders since it buys you some much-needed time in countering threats.
However, you can’t exactly monitor theserver24/7 unless you’re a robot and require no sleep. For this reason, third-party software solutions can be successfully used in this scenario.
We wholeheartedly recommend Paessler PRTG Network Monitor, as it provides you with several powerful features, and can be easily set up as well.
Here’s what you need to know about Paessler PRTG Network Monitor:
2. Always use strong passwords
It goes without saying that using a strong password comprising lowercase and uppercase characters, numbers, and symbols, can save you from a lot of hassle.
Granted, it’s easier to use a weak, simpler password, but that goes for the attacker as well.
Make sure you use strong passwords for both theSA accountand theMySQLroot user. It’s best if you use apassword generatorto create a combination that’s hard to remember.
Back it up in asecurelocation so you won’t lose it.
3. Disable the SA account
It’s very often that theSA accountgets targeted by cyber threats. For that reason, it’s best to disable it and leave it that way, unless you’re using an application that requires it to be active.
Better yet, rename it to something else and then disable it. Even processes that require theSA accountwill still continue to work, even after renaming & disabling it.
However, applying cumulative updates or installing service packs might become a bit troublesome. In this case, simply restore the SA account to its original state, then rename it and disable it after you’re done.
Or, if you have the know-how, you can automate the process and use the installations above as triggers.
4. Keep it simple
Try to refrain from installing anything you don’t need on yourSQLserverto avoid exploitable vulnerabilities. During the installation of yourSQLServerdatabase installation, you’ll most likely be asked to choose which features to deploy.
Just make sure to uncheck everything that you won’t100%need. Also, while assigning privileges to your database users, try not to grant too much unnecessary access and avoid ALL permissions at all costs whenever possible.
Also, as a side note, keep everything up to date. There’s a good reason why updates and security patches ger released so often. Several zero-day vulnerabilities get spotted by the day and updates can help patch them up.
5. Pay attention to backups
If you have properserverdatabase management skills, then you most likely havebackups. However, if you don’tsecureyour backups the same as your mainserverdatabase, you’re prone to disaster.
A hacker doesn’t necessarily need to access the mainserveras long as there’s a backup that can be accessed easier. Therefore, make sure you enforce strong security policies for your backups as well.
6. Use stored procedures instead of direct SQL queries
Have you ever heard ofSQLinjections? If not, you should thank your lucky star, since they’re nasty pieces of code that can be used by virtually anyone to compromise yourserver.
Just go ahead and look it up, and you’ll understand why even a curious kid can wreak havoc to yourserverby using just a string of code in the right field.
Fortunately, you can eliminate the risk ofSQLinjections by switching to stored procedures. These procedures only work with preset parameters and can be used to perform fixed functions.
Therefore, users can’t inject bad code into yourserverand compromise it.
Final thoughts on securing your SQL server database
All things considered, we still advocate for prevention being better than the cure. Keeping yourSQLserverdatabase secure is far easier than having to deal with the aftermath of a cyber attack.
Keeping an eye on yourSQLdatabase all the time with specialized tools such as Passler PRTG Network Monitor can take you a few steps ahead of any potential attackers.
However, you must remember that monitoring yourSQLserverdatabase alone won’t do much. Thus, you must try to apply security measures for any area that might be prone to exploitation.
Speaking of databases, we recently wrote a guide on what to do ifDBeaver driver download has failed, so don’t miss it for more information.
More about the topics:Cybersecurity,sql server
Vlad Constantinescu
Vlad might have a degree in Animal Husbandry and Livestock Management, but he’s currently rocking anything software related, ranging from testing programs to writing in-depth reviews about them.
He spent 3-4 years as a software editor at Softpedia and another year as a VPN specialist before he landed his current job as an author at Windows Report.
In his free time, Vlad enjoys playing guitar, doing jigsaw puzzles, researching cybersecurity, and even having a good read on rainy days.
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