Implementing Service Accounts for SQL Server Security
By Tom Nonmacher
SQL Server is a popular relational database management system, and its security should not be taken lightly. One of the best practices to ensure the security of your SQL Server is by implementing service accounts. In this blog post, we will provide a detailed guide on how to setup and use service accounts for SQL Server to enhance your database security.
Service accounts are special types of account that are designed to run services in the background. They run with specific security permissions and configurations that are separate from regular user accounts. By implementing service accounts in SQL Server, you can control which users can access the server and what actions they can perform.
To create a service account in SQL Server 2016 or 2017, you can use the SQL Server Configuration Manager. In the SQL Server Configuration Manager, select "SQL Server Services", then select the service for which you want to create a service account. Right-click and select "Properties", go to the "Log On" tab, and enter the account name and password.
-- SQL Server Configuration Manager
-- SQL Server Services
-- Select the service
-- Right-click -> Properties
-- Log On tab
-- Enter account name and password
For MySQL 5.7, you can use the CREATE USER statement to create a service account. Then, you can use the GRANT statement to assign specific permissions to the service account.
-- MySQL 5.7
CREATE USER 'serviceaccount'@'localhost';
GRANT SELECT, INSERT, UPDATE, DELETE ON database.* TO 'serviceaccount'@'localhost';
In DB2 11.1, service accounts can be created using the CREATE USER command, and permissions can be granted using the GRANT command.
-- DB2 11.1
CREATE USER serviceaccount PASSWORD 'password';
GRANT SELECT, INSERT, UPDATE, DELETE ON TABLE database TO USER serviceaccount;
For Azure SQL, you can create service accounts using the Azure portal. Navigate to the SQL databases section, select your database, and then select the "Set server firewall" option. Here, you can create a new rule for the service account.
Service accounts are an essential part of SQL Server security. They allow you to control who has access to your server and what they can do. By using service accounts, you can ensure that your SQL Server is secure and that only authorized users can access it. Remember to always use strong passwords for your service accounts and to regularly review and update your security settings.
Check out the latest articles from all our sites:
- How to Take Advantage of Flash Sales at Grocery Stores [https://www.ethrift.net]
- A brief history of the Galveston Hurricane of 1900 [https://www.galvestonbeachy.com]
- How to Plant and Maintain Chokeberry Bushes [https://www.gardenhomes.org]
- New Query Store Enhancements in SQL Server 2022 [https://www.sqlsupport.org]
- Heat: Why My Laptop Is Cooking My Lap [https://www.SupportMyPC.com]
- The Best Months to Visit South Korea for Cherry Blossoms and Fall Colors [https://www.treasureholidays.com]
Privacy Policy for sqlsupport.org
Last updated: Feb 03, 2026
sqlsupport.org respects your privacy and is committed to protecting any personal information you may provide while using this website.
This Privacy Policy document outlines the types of information that are collected and recorded by sqlsupport.org and how we use it.
Information We Collect
- Internet Protocol (IP) addresses
- Browser type and version
- Pages visited
- Time and date of visits
- Referring URLs
- Device type
Cookies and Web Beacons
sqlsupport.org uses cookies to store information about visitors preferences and to optimize the users experience.
How We Use Your Information
- Operate and maintain our website
- Improve user experience
- Analyze traffic patterns
- Prevent fraudulent activity
Contact
Email: admin@sqlsupport.org