Problem solve
Get help with specific problems with your technologies, process and projects.
Limiting the rights of SA
Can you limit rights for the SA login? I know this will open a whole can of worms, but we have a group of SQL Servers with no password. We are trying to figure out the least painful way of correcting this huge security hole. We thought we could create our own "sa" login and password then delete/limit SQL Server's SA login, then change all database owners from SA to our login. I am new to SQL Server and not quite sure of the ramifications of just giving SA a password. None of our applications use SA in the program, so that is good. What about jobs, sp_ ... It's a nightmare and gives me a headache.
SA is an all powerful user. Even if you change the owner SA still can do anything with them. Treat the root cause and assign a strong SA password. I really cannot assess the impact of what assigning an SA password in your environment will be. However, worst case you could always change it back to blank (shock horror) if you discover any issues until you resolve them. The fact databases are owned by sa is not going to be affected by a password change.
For More Information
- Dozens more answers to tough SQL Server questions from Tony Bain are available here.
- The Best Microsoft SQL Server Web Links: tips, tutorials, scripts, and more.
- The Best SQL Web Links
- Have a SQL Server tip to offer your fellow DBAs and developers? The best tips submitted will receive a cool prize. Submit your tip today!
- Ask your technical SQL Server questions -- or help out your peers by answering them -- in our live discussion forums.
- Ask the Experts yourself: Our SQL, database design, Oracle, SQL Server, DB2, metadata, object-oriented and data warehousing gurus are waiting to answer your toughest questions.
Dig Deeper on Microsoft SQL Server Installation
Have a question for an expert?
Please add a title for your question
Get answers from a TechTarget expert on whatever's puzzling you.
Meet all of our SQL Server experts
View all SQL Server questions and answers
Start the conversation
0 comments