Is accessing MDF and LDF file enough to steal data?

  • Hi all,

    My question is if someone have access to mdf and ldf file of a DB, is it enough for him to access everything? for example can he then create a SQL or Access database and access the data??

    Regards,

    Amir

  • Yes, with exceptions. Under standard circumstances (no TDE, san encryption, etc) then yes, a non-corrupt mdf can be completely restored elsewhere. You may get slight data loss or corruption if the file was copied during usage, but not severe enough that you'd consider it safe.


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  • Without encryption, if I can get your .mdf and .ldf (and any .ndf files) for a given database, then I can attach the database as long as I have the same version or newer of SQL Server. I don't even have to go through a restore process (just for clarification).

    This is a known issue with administrators over the system where SQL Server is installed. Even if you remove their access from within SQL Server, if they are able to stop SQL Server (which they can as administrators), they can then get the files at rest. This is why TDE is so attractive: minimum performance hit and the files at rest are encrypted.

    K. Brian Kelley
    @kbriankelley

  • Thanks for your precise answers ...

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