Secure Your Sql Server Database

MS SQL server can be called the brain of a website as it lodges all the data related to the firm and also protects them from any potential attack by cyber criminals. With the development in technology, it has become very easy for an attacker to gain access to the database and manipulate the functions and data. Hence it becomes absolutely essential for securing SQL server database from attackers. Here are a few ideas to execute the same.

The authorized user must create an effective plan for protecting the SQL server database if he has the SQL server for holding his data. There are four main areas that need to be protected in the SQL Server. They are the objects, applications, authentication, and the platform on which the server functions.

Network and platform security: The physical hardware and the systems of networking make up the platform for the server. These networking systems provide the clients the required access to the database and the files. The best measure would be to restrict the access of users to the physical server and the other components. The server could be kept in locked rooms and the access should be very minimal. The backup should be stored at a far off place away from the actual location.

Security for the system: Once the server is installed and all database applications are tested, it is essential that the upgrades and updates are applied to the operating system. Security can be tightened with the help of firewalls which narrows down the network traffic for securing SQL server database. At the level of the operating systems, security can be heightened with the installation of firewalls.

Surface area: When reduction of surface area is applied, it amounts to preventing any unused components affecting the server and security is better as there will be very less or least means of an attacker finding his way. The users should be provided with only the necessary rights to access the data and this also helps in better security for the server database.

Security of the files: Since all the files with data are stored at the SQL server, restriction of access to the data files is the best measure to prevent any attack. Service packs for the SQL server is again a good suggestion for better security of the database. Before applying these service packs, utmost care is to be taken. Login auditing is to be made available at the server level and at the operating system.

Encryption: Though this cannot help in access restrictions, it can increase the security by reducing the amount of data loss in the worst scenario. If a data is encrypted, even if the attacker secures access and gets the data, it will be made useless and invalid. Another important feature is the certificates which are nothing but keys between two servers which will permit access only by authentication at a very strong level. This will also improve the security of connection and the data.

Files: It is always advisable to have the data files in read-only mode so that they are not tampered by unauthorized users. If it is not possible to have the files in read-only mode, then ensure that only the right people are able to access the files. It is suggested that usage of NTFS file system also provides high level security to the database and facilitates recovery also.

Authentication: Complex passwords are the best options to restrict access to the files. Mixed case passwords with numbers are the best choice and this will prevent the “dictionary based password guessing tools” that are used by hackers to gain access. The password of the administrator should be beyond the guessing level of the hackers. If the SQL server can be kept away from the internet, it is again a good measure of security. If you feel your server is risk-prone and if you are not very much worried about spending some money, you can make use of Intrusion Detection System which will constantly monitor the network traffic. Logins of employees who have left the organizations are to be deleted immediately. The backup files are to be given a password for restoring them.

SQL Injection: A very highly risky fact is that the attacker can easily give commands and destroy the data and it is known as SQL Injection. Applications should not be allowed to accept commands from users or execute them. Custom database roles can be created according to the requirements for securing SQL server database.

Following the measures, the user can create a tight security for the SQL Server database and prevent any leakage of vital information. The potential attack on the database can be countered with installation of latest upgrades.

By: GreenSQL

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GreenSQL provide GreenSQL Express which is a free product for obtaining SQL server and database security. www.greensql.com/solutions/mssql-sql-server-security