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Securing SQL Server

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Applies to: SQL Server

Securing SQL Server can be viewed as a series of steps, involving four areas: the platform, authentication, objects (including data), and applications that access the system. This article guides you through creating and implementing an effective security plan.

You can find more information about SQL Server security at SQL Server security best practices. This includes a best practice guide and a security checklist. Be sure to install the latest service pack or cumulative update.

Platform and network security

The platform for SQL Server includes the physical hardware and networking systems connecting clients to the database servers, and the binary files that are used to process database requests.

Physical security

Best practices for physical security strictly limit access to the physical server and hardware components. For example, use locked rooms with restricted access for the database server hardware and networking devices. In addition, limit access to back up media by storing it at a secure offsite location.

Implementing physical network security starts with keeping unauthorized users off the network. For more information, see SQL Server security best practices - Infrastructure threats.

Operating system security

Operating system service packs and upgrades include important security enhancements. Apply all updates and upgrades to the operating system after you test them with the database applications.

Firewalls also provide effective ways to implement security. Logically, a firewall is a separator or restrictor of network traffic, which can be configured to enforce your organization's data security policy. If you use a firewall, you increase security at the operating system level by providing a chokepoint where your security measures can be focused. The following table contains more information about how to use a firewall with SQL Server.

For information about See
Configuring a firewall to work with SQL Server Configure a Windows Firewall for Database Engine Access
Configuring a firewall to work with Integration Services Integration Services Service (SSIS Service)
Configuring a firewall to work with Analysis Services Configure the Windows Firewall to Allow Analysis Services Access
Opening specific ports on a firewall to enable access to SQL Server Configure the Windows Firewall to Allow SQL Server Access
Configuring support for Extended Protection for Authentication by using channel binding and service binding Connect to the Database Engine Using Extended Protection

Surface area reduction is a security measure that involves stopping or disabling unused components. Surface area reduction helps improve security by providing fewer avenues for potential attacks on a system. The key to limiting the surface area of SQL Server includes running required services that have "least privilege" by granting services and users only the appropriate rights. The following table contains more information about services and system access.

For information about See
Services required for SQL Server Configure Windows Service Accounts and Permissions

If your SQL Server system uses Internet Information Services (IIS), additional steps are required to help secure the surface of the platform. The following table contains information about SQL Server and Internet Information Services.

For information about See
IIS security with SQL Server Compact Securing SQL Server - Operating system security
Reporting Services Authentication Authentication in Reporting Services
SQL Server Compact and IIS access Internet Information Services Security Flowchart

SQL Server operating system files security

SQL Server uses operating system files for operation and data storage. Best practices for file security require that you restrict access to these files. The following table contains information about these files.

For information about See
SQL Server program files File Locations for Default and Named Instances of SQL Server

SQL Server service packs and upgrades provide enhanced security. To determine the latest available service pack available for SQL Server, see the SQL Server Web site.

You can use the following script to determine the service pack installed on the system.

SELECT CONVERT(char(20), SERVERPROPERTY('productlevel'));

Principals and database object security

Principals are the individuals, groups, and processes granted access to SQL Server. "Securables" are the server, database, and objects the database contains. Each has a set of permissions that can be configured to help reduce the SQL Server surface area. The following table contains information about principals and securables.

For information about See
Server and database users, roles, and processes Principals (Database Engine)
Server and database objects security Securables
The SQL Server security hierarchy Permissions Hierarchy (Database Engine)

Encryption and certificates

Encryption does not solve access control problems. However, it enhances security by limiting data loss even in the rare occurrence that access controls are bypassed. For example, if the database host computer is misconfigured and a malicious user obtains sensitive data, such as credit card numbers, that stolen information might be useless if it is encrypted. The following table contains more information about encryption in SQL Server.

For information about See
The encryption hierarchy in SQL Server Encryption Hierarchy
Implementing secure connections Enable Encrypted Connections to the Database Engine (SQL Server Configuration Manager)
Encryption functions Cryptographic Functions (Transact-SQL)

Certificates are software "keys" shared between two servers that enable secure communications by way of strong authentication. You can create and use certificates in SQL Server to enhance object and connection security. The following table contains information about how to use certificates with SQL Server.

For information about See
Creating a certificate for use by SQL Server CREATE CERTIFICATE (Transact-SQL)
Using a certificate with database mirroring Use Certificates for a Database Mirroring Endpoint (Transact-SQL)

Application security

Client programs

SQL Server security best practices include writing secure client applications. For more information about how to help secure client applications at the networking layer, see Client Network Configuration.

Windows Defender Application Control (WDAC)

Windows Defender Application Control (WDAC) prevents unauthorized code execution. WDAC is effective way to mitigate the threat of executable file-based malware. For more information, see to Windows Defender Application Control documentation.

SQL Server security tools, utilities, views, and functions

SQL Server provides tools, utilities, views, and functions that can be used to configure and administer security.

SQL Server security tools and utilities

The following table contains information about SQL Server tools and utilities that you can use to configure and administer security.

For information about See
Connecting to, configuring, and controlling SQL Server Use SQL Server Management Studio
Connecting to SQL Server and running queries at the command prompt sqlcmd Utility
Network configuration and control for SQL Server SQL Server Configuration Manager
Enabling and disabling features by using Policy-Based Management Administer Servers by Using Policy-Based Management
Manipulating symmetric keys for a report server rskeymgmt Utility (SSRS)

SQL Server security catalog views and functions

The Database Engine exposes security information in several views and functions that are optimized for performance and utility. The following table contains information about security views and functions.

For information about See
SQL Server security catalog views, which return information about database-level and server-level permissions, principals, roles, and so on. In addition, there are catalog views that provide information about encryption keys, certificates, and credentials. Security Catalog Views (Transact-SQL)
SQL Server security functions, which return information about the current user, permissions and schemas. Security Functions (Transact-SQL)
SQL Server security dynamic management views. Security-Related Dynamic Management Views and Functions (Transact-SQL)

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