SQL Server Reporting Services

Comprehensive Documentation

Report Security in SQL Server Reporting Services

Implementing robust security for your reports is crucial to ensure that sensitive data is accessed only by authorized users. SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS) provides a layered security model that allows you to control access at various levels, from the report server itself to individual reports, folders, and data sources.

Understanding the SSRS Security Model

SSRS security is primarily managed through Role-Based Access Control (RBAC). You define roles that specify a set of tasks a user or group can perform, and then assign users or groups to these roles. The security model can be broken down into the following key components:

  • Report Server Security: Controls access to the report server's administrative tasks and overall management. This is typically managed through SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) or the Reporting Services Configuration Manager.
  • Report and Folder Security: Determines who can view, create, edit, or delete reports and organize them into folders. This is managed through the web portal (Report Manager) or SQL Server Management Studio.
  • Data Source Security: Governs who can access the data sources that reports use to retrieve data. This is often handled at the data source level or within the report itself.

Managing Report and Folder Security

The web portal is the primary interface for managing security for reports and folders. You can assign users and groups to built-in roles or create custom roles.

Common Built-in Roles:

  • Browser: Can view items in the report server's content tree, including reports, folders, and data sources.
  • Content Manager: Can create, edit, delete, and manage all items on the report server.
  • My Reports Role: Allows users to create and manage reports in their personal "My Reports" folder.
  • Publisher: Can publish reports and related items to the report server.
  • Subcriber: Can subscribe to reports and manage their own subscriptions.
  • Administrator: Has full control over the report server.

Steps to Configure Security:

  1. Navigate to the report server web portal.
  2. Right-click on the folder or report you want to secure and select "Manage".
  3. Go to the "Security" tab.
  4. Click "New Role Assignment".
  5. Enter the user or group name.
  6. Select the role you want to assign from the dropdown list.
  7. Click "OK".
Best Practice: Whenever possible, assign roles to Windows groups rather than individual users. This simplifies management and ensures consistency.

Securing Data Sources

Data source security is critical as it protects the underlying data. SSRS allows you to configure credentials for data sources in several ways:

  • Stored Credentials: The report server stores the credentials and uses them to connect to the data source.
  • Prompt for Credentials: Users are prompted to enter credentials when they view a report.
  • Credentials Embedded in the Report: Credentials are saved within the report definition. This is generally not recommended for security reasons.
  • Windows Authentication: Uses the credentials of the user viewing the report to connect to the data source.

You can manage data source credentials through the data source properties in the web portal or SSMS.

Advanced Security Considerations

  • Row-Level Security (RLS): Implement RLS at the database level to filter data based on the user viewing the report.
  • Model Security: If using Report Models, you can define security for the model itself.
  • Report Server Service Account: Ensure the service account running the Report Server has appropriate, least-privilege permissions to access necessary resources.
  • Auditing: Configure auditing to track access to reports and administrative actions.
Tip: Regularly review your role assignments and security configurations to ensure they align with your organization's security policies.

Further Reading