Setting Up Azure SQL Database Administrators
This guide outlines the essential steps for configuring administrators for your Azure SQL Database instances. Proper administrator management is crucial for security and operational control.
Key Concepts:
- Azure Active Directory (Azure AD) Administrators: Recommended for modern authentication and centralized management.
- SQL Administrators: Traditional SQL Server logins for specific database access.
Administrator Setup Steps
The following steps, illustrated in the accompanying diagram, detail the process of assigning Azure AD administrators:
Visual guide to Azure SQL AD Administrator setup.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Navigate to your Azure SQL Server: Access the Azure portal and locate your SQL server resource.
- Access Security Settings: Within the SQL server blade, find and select the "Azure Active Directory" or "Security" section.
- Configure Azure AD Admin: Click on "Set admin" or a similar option to open the administrator configuration panel.
- Select Azure AD User or Group: Choose the desired Azure AD user or group that will have administrative privileges. It's best practice to use groups for easier management.
- Confirm and Save: Review your selection and click "Save" to apply the changes. This process may take a few moments to propagate.
Best Practices
- Always use Azure AD groups for administrator assignments to simplify role management.
- Grant the least privilege necessary to administrators.
- Regularly review and audit administrator accounts.
- Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) for all administrative accounts.
For more detailed information, refer to the official Azure SQL Database documentation.