Using the SA account

  • Yup. Very bad practice.

    You need to create an account with minimal permissions, just what the web site needs to run. There is no way that it needs sysadmin-level permissions and that just creates a major security vulnerability, especially if you have a weak password.

    Once no one is using sa, you can just disable it. (ALTER LOGIN ... DISABLE)

    Gail Shaw
    Microsoft Certified Master: SQL Server, MVP, M.Sc (Comp Sci)
    SQL In The Wild: Discussions on DB performance with occasional diversions into recoverability

    We walk in the dark places no others will enter
    We stand on the bridge and no one may pass
  • Okay thanks Gail, I'll do that

  • To add on to that if at all possible I would use a Windows authenticated account, versus a SQL Login (what the sa account is). It adds a little bit extra protection for authenticating to your SQL instance.

    Shawn Melton
    Twitter: @wsmelton
    Blog: wsmelton.github.com
    Github: wsmelton

  • Shawn Melton (4/12/2011)


    To add on to that if at all possible I would use a Windows authenticated account, versus a SQL Login (what the sa account is). It adds a little bit extra protection for authenticating to your SQL instance.

    Okay, can I still use a Windows authenticated account if the website that's logging in is on a different server to the database?

  • If you are in a domain yes. I believe you still can if you are not in a domain. I'm not to sure on that one, it has been a while since I setup a web site for SQL Server.

    Shawn Melton
    Twitter: @wsmelton
    Blog: wsmelton.github.com
    Github: wsmelton

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