The database is the backbone of any organization. It stores confidential information, financial records and other sensitive data. That is why security of a database should always be a number one priority. One of the ways to make your database meet the security requirements is to conduct the database audit.

In this piece we will have a closer look at database audit types, provide expert tips to make this process smooth and decide whether the database migration is an optimal way out of solving database issues. Without further ado, let’s begin.

What is SQL Server Auditing?

Imagine a surveillance camera for your database. This is what SQL Server auditing is all about. It is a feature that deeply observes each activity of significance in your database, such as:

• User Logins and Logouts. Someone could access the database to log in or log out.
• Data Modifications. Changes made to existing data unlike Insert or Update or Delete.
• Security Events. It includes tracking events like Failed Login Attempts, Security Permissions Changes, and any suspicious activities.

Why Auditing Is Necessary?

The importance of SQL Server auditing lies in the following:

• Threat Detection And Prevention. The analysis of audit logs would promptly guide actions to take in the event of threats arising from unauthorized access, data breaches, and malicious attacks.
• Compliance Regulation. Compliance with the regulations imposed on practically all industries regarding the need for guarantees in strong data security measures and auditing plays a very important part in data protection.
• Accountability. With tracking, the users would be able to identify the causal link between actions and data issues to identify and hold individuals responsible.
• Troubleshooting Won't Be A Problem: Audit logs are valuable in diagnosis and treatment whenever issues occur in a database.

Key Auditing Best Practices

To effectively leverage SQL Server auditing:

• Define clear objectives. Determine the specific security goals you aim to achieve through auditing.
• Implement strong security fundamentals. Keep your SQL Server updated with the latest security patches.
• Robust password policies. Enforce strong passwords for all database users.
• Minimize access. Grant users only the necessary permissions to perform their duties.
• Configure and monitor audits. Monitor key events like data modifications, login attempts, and permission changes.
• Regularly review logs. Regularly review audit logs for suspicious activities and potential threats.
• Ensure audit integrity. Protect the auditing system itself from tampering.

Server-Level Auditing

Server-level auditing means auditing at a high level for general security and performance of the SQL Server instance. Such auditing includes the following:

1. Server Configuration Review: Ensuring the server meets all security patches, strong encryption, and minimized services within the application.
2. Network Review: Enable all network security measures, such as firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and access controls.
3. Resource Allocation Review: Monitor server resources like CPU, memory, and disk I/O to improve performance and avoid bottlenecks.

Database Level Auditing

Database-level auditing is auditing what happens in particular databases:

1. Schema and Index Optimization: This analyzes and optimizes database objects for query performance improvement.
2. Query Performance Analysis: Identifying and improving slow-running queries to enhance database performance.

Conclusion

SQL Server auditing is an essential security measure for any organization that relies on SQL Server databases. By implementing and effectively utilizing auditing, you can significantly enhance data security, ensure compliance, and maintain business continuity.