justification for sql server service account

  • we have a service account we use to install sql server and run the services under, my boss would like a justification as to why we do so, googled. didn't find anything that i was satisfied with.

    sonal.

  • Microsoft Technet statement:

    http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc966456.aspx

    The account should be one to which no single person knows the entire password. The password should be lengthy. The account should only have the necessary permissions to perform sql server tasks - no more, no less. The account should also not be used to login to computers/servers/SSMS for day to day activities by users or DBAs. Occasionally, it should be understood, one may need to login with that account strictly to troubleshoot.

    Jason...AKA CirqueDeSQLeil
    _______________________________________________
    I have given a name to my pain...MCM SQL Server, MVP
    SQL RNNR
    Posting Performance Based Questions - Gail Shaw[/url]
    Learn Extended Events

  • Jason,

    The account already exists, the higher ups want a reason why it is needed.

    sonal.

  • Understood.

    Those reasons were included in my response.

    1. Security Best Practice

    2. It should not be an account used by anybody but the service

    3. SQL services should not have any permissions beyond what is absolutely necessary

    4. Password to the account used to start those services should not be known by any single person.

    5. Using other accounts than a dedicated service account may provide weakened security and easier hackability.

    6. LocalSystem should not be used

    7. Using a domain admins account (or any other non-dedicated account) could cause the system to stop working if the account expires or is removed. Both of which should not happen to Service Accounts (though a password expiry may occur).

    Jason...AKA CirqueDeSQLeil
    _______________________________________________
    I have given a name to my pain...MCM SQL Server, MVP
    SQL RNNR
    Posting Performance Based Questions - Gail Shaw[/url]
    Learn Extended Events

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