Tag: sql server security

SQL Server insights from 25+ years in the field

Performance tips, security advisories, health check findings, and industry analysis. Practical, technically accurate, no fluff.

3 Apr 2026 · 6 min read

Why Your SQL Server Needs to Stay Current: A DBA Services Guide to CUs and Patches

Falling behind on SQL Server cumulative updates exposes your environment to known vulnerabilities and documented bugs. Here is what you need to know about staying current.

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28 Mar 2025 · 6 min read

Critical Security Patch: Preventing Remote Code Execution Vulnerabilities

SQL injection can escalate to full remote code execution in SQL Server. Learn how attackers exploit unvalidated input and what you must do to stop them.

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1 Oct 2019 · 6 min read

Enhance Your SQL Server 2016 Performance and Security with Cumulative Update 9 – HOLD

Microsoft has flagged an uninstall issue with SQL Server 2016 SP2 CU9. Find out why you should hold off and wait for the expedited CU10 release instead.

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26 Mar 2019 · 5 min read

Stay Up-to-Date with SQL Server 2017: Announcing Cumulative Update 14 with Notable Enhancements and Important Security Updates

SQL Server 2017 Cumulative Update 14 delivers over 30 bug fixes covering query execution, backup reliability, and security vulnerabilities, plus new CLR support in memory-optimised tables.

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20 Mar 2019 · 5 min read

SQL Server 2016 SP2 CU6: The Update with Significant Changes and Important Security Updates

SQL Server 2016 SP2 CU6 delivers over 50 bug fixes, a critical security patch, and key improvements to Always On Availability Groups and backup reliability.

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15 May 2018 · 5 min read

How to Enable xp_cmdshell Using sp_configure and Run Batch File from xp_cmdshell

Enable xp_cmdshell in SQL Server using sp_configure in four T-SQL statements, plus the security controls you need before you run a single line of code.

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15 May 2018 · 6 min read

PCI Compliance Requirements with SQL Server

SQL Server has built-in capabilities that address the majority of PCI DSS requirements for database infrastructure. Learn how to map SQL Server features to each PCI requirement.

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SQL Server insights, monthly.

Performance tips, security advisories, and industry analysis. No fluff, no spam.