Subject: Setting Up SQL Audit for Windows Event Logs
Hello, I’ve configured SQL auditing to log events in the Windows security event logs. Here’s how you can do it:
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Local Policy Configuration: Navigate to Local Policies > User Rights Assignment and add the service user
NT SERVICE\MSSQLSERVERto the “Generate security audits” property. -
Registry Permissions: Grant
NT SERVICE\MSSQLSERVERfull control permissions in the Registry Editor over the following keys: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\EventLog-
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\EventLog\Security -
Audit Policy Setup: Open the Command Prompt as an administrator and run the command:
auditpol /set /subcategory:"Application Generated" /success:enable /failure:enable -
Server Restart: Restart your server to apply the changes.
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EventSourceFlags Modification (for Windows Server 2016 and above): Change the
EventSourceFlagsregistry value from0to1at the following registry path:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\EventLog\Security\MSSQLSERVER$
Once you’ve set this up, you can configure the events to be audited at the instance or database level within SQL. This will log all specified events, including user logins, logoffs, permission changes, user role management, and more. Note: Be cautious and only enable SQL auditing for a short period, as it can generate a significant number of events if applications are running.
One response
Thanks for sharing the detailed steps for configuring SQL auditing in Windows! This is very helpful for anyone looking to enhance their database security by monitoring activity. A few additional points to consider:
Regular Review of Events: After enabling SQL auditing, it’s crucial to regularly review the event logs to ensure you are spotting any unauthorized access or unusual activities that could indicate a security breach.
Performance Implications: As you mentioned, enabling SQL audits can lead to a large volume of log entries. It’s a good idea to strike a balance between security and performance. You may want to schedule the audits during off-peak hours or only when necessary.
Backup Event Logs: Consider setting up a routine to back up and archive your event logs. This will help ensure you don’t lose important data and will also assist you in compliance audits.
Custom Alerts: Depending on the environment, setting up alerts for specific events can be beneficial. This can help the team take immediate action without needing to constantly monitor logs.
Documentation and Testing: Make sure to document your SQL Audit configurations and test them thoroughly to troubleshoot any issues that may arise after activation.
Let me know if you have any further tips or if you need assistance with something specific related to SQL auditing!