As a DBA or developer, it is crucial to handle privileged account passwords with great care. In this article, we will discuss some best practices for managing the sa password in SQL Server.

1. Limit the use of the sa login

Only use the sa login when absolutely necessary. Before resorting to the sa password, research and explore other options to ensure that no other alternatives exist.

2. Avoid promoting applications that use the sa login

Do not allow any applications to be promoted to the production environment if they rely on the sa login. Encourage developers to use alternative authentication methods to access the database.

3. Store passwords securely

Use an electronic or physical password safe to store passwords. Avoid writing passwords on sticky notes or storing them in easily accessible locations. Ensure that passwords are protected and stored in a secure location.

4. Create strong passwords

Generate passwords with a minimum of 20 characters, including a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Strong passwords are harder to crack and provide an additional layer of security.

5. Limit access to the sa password

Restrict the number of DBAs or developers who have knowledge of or access to the sa password. By limiting access, you reduce the potential exposure of the most privileged login in SQL Server.

6. Audit login usage

Enable login auditing to track and monitor the usage of the sa login. This can be done by capturing login activity in the SQL Server error log or using tools like Profiler or third-party auditing solutions.

7. Regularly change the sa password

Implement a regular password change policy for the sa login. This can be done on a monthly, quarterly, or semi-annual basis. Regularly changing the password helps mitigate the risk of unauthorized access.

8. Make password changes manageable

Ensure that changing the sa password is not a cumbersome task. Implement processes and tools that simplify the password change process to encourage regular updates without causing disruptions.

9. Change the password when a DBA or developer leaves

When a DBA or developer who knows the sa password leaves the organization, it is essential to change the password immediately. This prevents unauthorized access and ensures the security of the system.

10. Split the password between multiple DBAs

In a highly secure environment, consider splitting the sa password between two DBAs. This means that one DBA knows the first half of the password, while another DBA knows the second half. This adds an extra layer of security and prevents a single individual from having full access to the sa login.

11. Leverage SQL Server 2005 password management options

If you are using SQL Server 2005, take advantage of the new password management options such as “Enforce password policy” and “Enforce password expiration.” These options help enforce stronger password policies and ensure regular password changes.

12. Use different sa passwords for each server or environment

If feasible, set up different sa passwords for each server to prevent a compromise on one server from affecting all others. Alternatively, consider using different sa passwords for different environments (e.g., development, test, production) or based on application environments (e.g., financial, legal, manufacturing, human resources).

13. Consider mixed mode authentication

Move to a mixed mode authentication model and rely on Windows capabilities to manage user names and passwords in SQL Server. This reduces the reliance on the sa login and leverages the security features provided by the Windows operating system.

14. Understand the usage of the sa password

Be aware of the portions of SQL Server (e.g., Reporting Services, Analysis Services) that do not use the sa password. Implement separate administrative access paradigms for these components to further enhance security.

By following these best practices, you can effectively manage and protect the sa login, ensuring the security of your SQL Server environment.