Postgres Audit

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1. Certainly! Here’s a comprehensive checklist for a security review of PostgreSQL that covers various aspects of securing your database:

   PostgreSQL Security Review Checklist:

   1. User Authentication:
   2. Ensure strong password policies (e.g., complexity, expiration).
   3. Use md5 or scram-sha-256 for password hashing.
   4. Disable trust authentication and any insecure authentication methods.

   5. Regularly review user accounts and remove any obsolete users.

   6. Role and Privilege Management:

   7. Use the principle of least privilege for users and roles.
   8. Regularly Audit user roles and associated permissions.

   9. Implement role-based access control (RBAC) for sensitive actions.

   10. Database Configuration:

   11. Ensure that pg_hba.conf is configured securely, restricting access to known IP addresses and hosts.
   12. Disable remote access if not required.
   13. Use local Unix socket connections where applicable for added security.

   14. Review and limit the use of superuser roles.

   15. Data Security:

   16. Ensure that sensitive data is encrypted (e.g., at-rest and in-transit).
   17. Use TLS/SSL for connections to secure data in transit.
   18. Implement data masking or encryption for sensitive columns as necessary.

   19. Regularly check for unencrypted backups and implement encryption where needed.

   20. Logging and Monitoring:

   21. Enable detailed logging using log_statement and log_duration.
   22. Monitor logs for suspicious activity and unauthorized access.

   23. Use log management tools to centralize and analyze logs.

   24. Regular Updates and Patching:

   25. Keep PostgreSQL and its extensions up to date with the latest security patches.

   26. Regularly review the PostgreSQL security mailing list for vulnerabilities.

   27. Backup and Recovery:

   28. Implement a secure backup strategy with proper access control.
   29. Regularly test restores from backups to ensure data integrity and recoverability.

   30. Encrypt backups and store them in a secure location.

   31. Network Security:

   32. Utilize firewalls to restrict access to the PostgreSQL server.
   33. Isolate the database server on a dedicated network segment.

   34. Utilize VPNs or SSH tunnels for secure remote access.

   35. Database Hardening:

   36. Disable unused extensions, features, and services.
   37. Regularly review PostgreSQL configuration settings for security best practices.

   38. Use connection pooling appropriately to reduce connection overhead and improve security.

   39. Application Security:

       • Use prepared statements or parameterized queries to prevent SQL injection.
       • Sanitize and validate all inputs from applications that connect to the database.
       • Implement web application firewalls (WAF) to protect applications interfacing with the database.

   40. Incident Response Plan:

       • Have an incident response plan in place for potential breaches or unauthorized access incidents.
       • Regularly review and update the plan based on new threat landscapes.

   By following this checklist, you can significantly enhance the security posture of your PostgreSQL database. Always remember that security is an ongoing process and requires regular reviews and updates.

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