As a SQL Server database administrator, it is crucial to regularly change the password for the sa login. The sa login has extensive rights by default, making it a prime target for hackers. Changing the sa password on a regular basis helps mitigate the risk of unauthorized access to your SQL Server instance.

Unfortunately, many organizations do not practice regular sa password changes due to the unknown impacts it may have on their systems. In this article, we will discuss the steps to change the sa password and address any potential risks.

Determining the Last sa Password Change

The first step in the process is to determine when the sa password was last changed. This information is crucial for organizations that require more frequent password changes than the default settings.

In SQL Server 2000, you can use the updatedate column in the master.dbo.syslogins table to get an indication of when the sa password was last changed. Although this column does not specifically track password changes, it can serve as a reasonable indicator since the sa properties do not change frequently.

Here is an example query to retrieve the updatedate value for the sa login:

USE Master
GO
SELECT sid, [name], createdate, updatedate
FROM master.dbo.syslogins
WHERE [name] = 'sa'
GO

In SQL Server 2005, you can use the modify_date column in the sys.sql_logins catalog view to determine when the last property change occurred for the sa login. Although this column does not specifically track password changes, it can serve as a reasonable indicator since the properties do not change frequently under normal circumstances.

Here is an example query to retrieve the modify_date value for the sa login:

USE Master
GO
SELECT [name], sid, create_date, modify_date
FROM sys.sql_logins
WHERE [name] = 'sa'
GO

Changing the sa Password

Once you have determined the last sa password change, it is time to proceed with changing the password. Follow these steps:

1. Connect to your SQL Server instance using a privileged account.
2. Open a new query window.
3. Execute the following command to change the sa password:

ALTER LOGIN sa WITH PASSWORD = 'NewPassword';
GO

Replace ‘NewPassword’ with your desired password. Make sure to choose a strong password that meets your organization’s security requirements.

After executing the command, the sa password will be changed, and you can proceed with updating any applications or services that use the sa login.

Conclusion

Regularly changing the sa password is a crucial security measure for SQL Server administrators. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can ensure that your SQL Server instance remains secure and protected from unauthorized access.

Stay tuned for more tips and best practices on SQL Server security from MSSQLTips.com.