How to mask SQL Server data using Dynamic data masking

The main grid of ApexSQL Mask, in which will be selecting columns to mask SQL Server data

In the world of today, information can be classified into sensitive and non-sensitive data. The sensitive data is classified as data that contains private, personally identifiable, financial, and security information, whose discovery can be misused and damage the reputation of a person or an organization.

November 2, 2020

Different methods to search SQL Server data

Text search command from ApexSQL main menu

One of the most basic and repetitive operations in the SQL world is to search SQL Server data. Usually used to locate specific row items, sometimes for exporting purposes, or check if dependent values are properly populated.

October 22, 2020

GDPR survival kit for SQL Server DBAs – SQL Server auditing and best practices

SQL Server Audit report

In the current digital age, security controls and data privacy and protection has been an influential factor in how organizations over the globe store and protect business data, especially since the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) establishes a new bar for compliance, security, and privacy rights of the individuals.

October 2, 2020

How to perform a custom SQL Server security health check analysis

Results of Acceptable Analysis Services Login Account rule execution

The overall security of SQL Server instances is a broad topic. Security breaches happen often, and, in most cases, they are resolved quickly, and the level of security is tightened, but the best and most desirable scenario is to avoid them entirely. This can be done by taking proactive actions in analyzing possible security risks and patching them before the least desirable scenario happens. With SQL Server environments being dynamic, there is an almost constant need for better security and management of SQL Server instances.

September 25, 2020

How to perform a health check analysis of SQL Server accounts

Result summary in ApexSQL Manage

When it comes to using the SQL Server instance, a DBA must ensure no one unauthorized, or outside of the organization, should have any privileges that will allow him to change any SQL Server configuration. Preventing this scenario will provide an additional layer of security that will result in decreasing the level of SQL Server’s vulnerability and its exposure to malicious attacks.

September 25, 2020

How to export MySQL data to HTML

The Object search pane

Many developers, during their work, are required from their superiors to export MySQL data to various file formats like Excel, CSV, JSON, or HTML file.

August 28, 2020

Top things you need in a SQL Server coding productivity tool

Executed queries option in SSMS

SQL complete is one of the best time-saving tools for any DBA who works on database objects and data stored inside these objects using T-SQL. It’s in the job description to be very familiar with T-SQL both from a DDL and DML perspective. Data Definition Language requires writing statements like CREATE, ALTER, DROP, etc. and Data Manipulation Language applies to commands like SELECT, INSERT, UPDATE, etc.

August 26, 2020

How to perform a SQL Server security health check analysis

Health check result summary statistics

Maintaining the security of dedicated SQL Server instances and its environment is the most important duty of any DBA. Various problems, including the unwanted external breaches, may arise that could heavily impact the safety of a SQL instance and could potentially harm the company as well.

August 20, 2020

How to perform a SQL Server health check analysis of the TempDB

Configuring TempDB data files location

TempDB is a section of SQL Server instance that is used to store temporary data of tables, views, objects, functions, and indexes and is often overlooked in the grand scheme of performance optimization; hence it is left on default by DBAs. It is not an overly complicated area, but in everyday DBA tasks, this area gets a little less attention. Leaving the TempDB configuration on default will not result in a production environment crash, but it will take a toll on the overall SQL Server performance and, in worse case scenarios, jeopardize contingency plans in disaster recovery scenarios. With a little optimization management and customization in key areas, the aforementioned scenarios can be averted, and the performance of a SQL Server instance increased to mitigate the toll.

August 20, 2020

How to export/import MySQL data to Excel

Imported MySQL data to Excel

One of the main aspects of modern business is gathering and sharing information with others.

In this article, several ways to export/import MySQL data to an Excel file will be explained. The first method will show the exporting process when the SELECT INTO … OUTFILE statement is used. After that, the Excel features for export/import MySQL data, as well as MySQL add-in for Excel, will be explained, and in the end, the Export to Excel option from the ApexSQL Database Power Tools for VS Code extension will be shown.

August 12, 2020

Executing a database health check analysis of SQL Server instances

Best practice for SQL Server database collation

Daily obligations in a DBA life can be time-consuming, depending on the type of tasks needed to maintain a SQL Server. Problems that can occur range from SQL Server instance configuration to the actual databases it is facilitating. Allowing these issues to happen and persist can interfere with the overall performance of an environment and take away much needed time that can be spent differently.

August 6, 2020

Top things every SQL search tool should have

Object search command from ApexSQL main menu in SSMS

Ask yourself one question, why do we need a SQL search tool? You might not think of it as a big deal, but imagine not having a web search engine. How would anyone surf the web, right? Having the ability to find information quickly is a must-have in today’s world because it makes our lives easier.

July 24, 2020

How to get SQL Server instance information

SQL instance information divided in two categories

As known, the Microsoft SQL Server is a relational database management system with the function of storing and retrieving data requested by other corresponding software applications.

July 23, 2020

How to export MySQL data to JSON

JSON_OBJECT function

This article explains different ways to export MySQL data to JSON file format. JSON stands for JavaScript Object Notation. It is a lightweight file format for storing and transferring data, commonly used when data is sent from a server to a web page.

July 23, 2020

Exporting MySQL data to CSV file format using different methods

ApexSQL Database Power Tools for VS Code extension

In this article, four methods will be shown on how to export MySQL data to a CSV file. The first method will explain the exporting process by using the SELECT INTO … OUTFILE statement. Next, the CSV Engine will be used to achieve the same. After that, the mysqldump client utility will be used and in the end, the Export to CSV feature from the ApexSQL Database Power Tools for VS Code extension will be used to export MySQL data.

July 10, 2020

Top critical events in any SQL Server audit strategy

Auditing configuration

Building sound SQL Server audit strategy is as important as establishing database security in your organization. Database security has always been pitched battle against the database usability and accessibility on the other side. Establishing database security is a complex and paradox endeavor asking to follow various security technologies and practices. The less vulnerable database, the more it is difficult to use and access it, and the question is, how to build the balance between the two?

June 26, 2020