Step 5: Configure Firewalls
Limit SQL Server Network Exposure: Ensure that only trusted IP addresses or subnets can access your SQL Server instance by configuring the firewall.
Block all unnecessary network ports.
Allow only the port used by SQL Server (default is 1433) for specific authorized machines.
Step 6: Keep SQL Server Updated
Install Patches and Updates: Regularly update SQL Server to patch any known security vulnerabilities.
Use the latest Service Packs and Cumulative Updates (CUs) released by Microsoft.
Enable automatic updates to ensure your system is protected.
Step 7: Database Backup Security
Encrypt Backups: Encrypt all database backups to prevent unauthorized access to your backup files.
Use backup encryption in SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) or via T-SQL commands.
Backup Storage Security: Store backups in a secure location, either encrypted storage or a protected network share.
Step 8: Use a Secure Service Account for SQL Server
Configure a Least-Privilege Service Account: Use a specific Windows account for the SQL Server service and ensure it has only the necessary privileges.
Never run SQL Server under an account with administrative privileges.
Lock down the account using Windows policies, such as preventing it from logging on interactively.
Step 9: Enable and Configure Advanced Security Features
Data Masking: Use dynamic data masking to obfuscate sensitive information when queried by non-privileged users.
Row-Level Security (RLS): Implement row-level security to restrict access to rows in a database table based on the user's identity.
Always Encrypted: For sensitive data like personally identifiable information (PII), enable Always Encrypted to ensure that data is encrypted both at rest and in transit.
Step 10: Regularly Monitor and Review Security Configurations
Monitor Server Logs: Regularly check SQL Server logs and system event logs for any suspicious activity.
Regular Security Audits: Perform periodic security reviews and audits to verify compliance with security best practices and to identify vulnerabilities.
Step 11: Physical Security
Restrict Physical Access: Ensure physical access to the SQL Server hardware is restricted to authorized personnel only.
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