When it comes to securely accessing your SQL Server database over an unsecured network, there are a few options available. One popular method is using an SSL connection, but another option that is often easier to set up and more secure is using an SSH tunnel.
An SSH tunnel provides a secure, encrypted connection between your local system and the SQL Server instance. It makes client connections appear to come from the SSH server, rather than from a remote client, adding an extra layer of security to your database access.
Setting up an SSH tunnel for SQL Server is simple, especially when using a driver like the CData MySQL Driver, which has built-in support for tunneling. This driver allows you to connect to your SQL Server instance through an SSH server, ensuring that your data remains safe and protected.
To configure the SSH client in the CData MySQL Driver, you will need to set the following connection properties:
- SSH Client Cert: The name of the certificate store, path to the client certificate file, or the contents of the client certificate
- SSH Client Cert Subject: The subject used to search for the certificate in the specified store
- SSH Client Cert Type: The type of key store containing the SSH client certificate
- SSH Client Cert Password: The password for the SSH client certificate (if required)
- SSH User: The username for the SSH server
- SSH Password: The password for the SSH user
- SSH Server: The location of the SSH server
- SSH Server Fingerprint: The fingerprint of the SSH server
- SSH Port: The port of the SSH server (default: 22)
Once you have configured the SSH client, you can start working with your remote SQL Server data from your local system, all through a secure SSH tunnel.
The CData MySQL Driver is not limited to SSH tunneling for SQL Server. It also provides standards-based connectors for ODBC, JDBC, ADO.NET, Python, and other technologies. Additionally, CData offers drivers with built-in SSH tunneling capabilities for accessing every major database.
If you’re interested in trying out the CData MySQL Driver or any other CData driver, you can get a free 30-day evaluation on the CData website.