In this article, we will discuss the best practices for implementing a successful SQL Server auditing strategy. Auditing is an essential aspect of database management, as it helps track and log changes made to SQL Server instances, ensuring data security and compliance with company policies and regulations.

1. Set an Audit Goal

Before designing your SQL Server audit solution, it is crucial to determine why you need an audit solution. Some companies require auditing to protect critical data from unauthorized access, while others need to meet specific compliance requirements. By specifying your audit goal, you can design a suitable audit solution without the need for major changes later on.

2. Set an Audit Scope

Specify the depth of your audit solution by determining the scope of your audit. Consider the compliance requirements and regulations of your organization. Decide whether to audit all SQL Servers or specific instances, and whether to include all user databases or only those containing critical information. It is also important to track the complete phases of transactions involving sensitive data. Narrow down the audit scope by specifying the events that should be tracked and logged.

3. Pick an Audit Tool or Technology

The choice of audit technology or tool depends on your audit goal, target, and budget. For example, if you only need to audit login and logout actions, you can read the SQL Server error logs or use Extended Events or SQL Triggers. If you require auditing of DML changes, you can utilize Change Data Capture, Change Tracking, or System-versioned Temporal Tables. For comprehensive audit solutions, you can consider using the SQL Server Audit feature or a third-party audit tool.

4. Review your Audit Data

It is not advisable to leave the collected audit data untouched until a disaster occurs. Regularly review the audit data, at least once a week, to identify any actions that violate security policies. By specifying the audit scope properly, you can minimize the number of logs to review. Create a simple dashboard or report that allows you to filter and view the actions of interest in a user-friendly format. Configure real-time alerts to notify you of any non-compliant actions.

5. Define your Audit Strategy Roles

When designing your audit strategy, ensure that roles within the audit process are assigned in a secure and isolated manner. It is important to separate the responsibilities of the audited user from those responsible for reviewing the audit report or administering the audit repository database.

6. Audit your Audit

Monitoring changes made to the SQL Server audit solution itself is a best practice to ensure its integrity. Auditing your audit can detect any activities performed by authorized users who disable auditing before engaging in illegal activities. It can also serve as a reminder to re-enable the audit tool if it was disabled during performance issues, reducing the risk of vulnerability.

7. Archive your Audit Data

As the volume of audit data increases over time, it becomes harder to review and identify potential risks. Archiving old audit data based on your company’s data archiving and retention policies is a best practice. Store active and archive audit databases in a central SQL Server instance server for easier access and review when required.

By following these best practices, you can build a robust SQL Server audit strategy that protects your data and ensures compliance. Implementing an effective audit solution will act as a “data bodyguard,” working in the background to safeguard your business from external and internal risks.