What is SQL server security level?

SQL server security level roles are used to assist you in managing the permissions on your server.

Server roles are fixed and can be allocated to users individually.

The roles that can used are as below, with a brief description of the permissions allotted to each, if you require further information then you will need to run a query against the sys.fn_builtin_permissions table.

sysadmin - Can perform any action

serveradmin - Server specific actions

securityadmin - Security related permissions and passwords

processadmin - Can end any processes

setupadmin - Maintenance of servers

bulkadmin - Can execute bulk inserts

diskadmin - Disk file management

dbcreator - Database creation permissions

public - General user access

The SQL server security level is an automated checkpoint and authentication mechanism that verifies the identities of users trying to connect to a SQL server. It is also configured as an authorization mechanism that determines and guides which data resources authorized users can gain access to and what actions they can initiate. In simple terms, it is an automated security resource for SQL server, through policies of authentication and authorisation for users. This is achieved through a group of digital security personnels, securables and permissions. The essence of the SQL authorization policy is to ensure that data is secured through server security features such as encrypted communications, window data protection API, SQL server service key, master key, transparent data encryption (TDE) and some firewall programs. The purpose of the SQL server security level is to resist or prevent unauthorized users from accessing data they shouldn't.

SQL server security is a set of rules that determines how your SQL server will respond to client requests. SQL security is a way to protect data from unauthorized access. It allows users to access only the functions or features they need and no more. When you set up an SQL server, you can choose between 3 different levels of security: a complete database instance, a table, and a database. Each level has its own rules that you follow to keep your database safe from unwanted intruders and hackers.