SQL Server has had a number of really wonderful new features over the last several releases. One of those features is Accelerated Database Recovery. This enhancement has received some coverage in the community and I want to make my own contribution to promoting this feature. What is Accelerated Database Recovery? Accelerated Database Recovery (ADR) came…
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Low disk space alerts are a common occurrence in I.T. For SQL Server consultants, there could be a few causes: This last scenario related to volume shadow service is what I want to talk about today. This one can be a little confusing at first because your organization may get a low disk space alert…
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Last Saturday, I woke up before dawn to a quiet house. My family was still asleep, as I’m the only morning person in our household. The Christmas tree lights cast a warm glow across the room, and I was alone with my thoughts and a hot cup of coffee. No urgent emails, no fire drills,…
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If you’re a new CIO at a bank or financial institution, chances are your organization relies heavily on Microsoft SQL Server. From core banking systems to regulatory data, SQL Server often holds your most critical and most targeted information. However, over time, many SQL Server environments quietly drift out of alignment with security best practices.…
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Microsoft SQL Server is mission-critical for many organizations, storing customer data, financial records, and essential business operations. That makes it a prime target for cybercriminals. SQL Server faces serious risks—from insider threats to ransomware—that can lead to data breaches and business disruptions. If your organization relies on SQL Server, you can’t afford to take its…
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Banks’ Replacement Options for the FFIEC CAT Since 2015, the FFIEC CAT has helped financial institutions assess cybersecurity risks and maturity levels. However, the FFIEC recently announced that the CAT will sunset on August 31, 2025. Now, banks must determine the best alternative to ensure continued compliance and security. The FDIC’s official announcement encourages institutions…
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Storing sensitive information in a database, like passwords or social security numbers, is common practice. However, storing them securely is less common. Unfortunately, one of the most typical approaches is to store sensitive information in a table as clear text. That means that anyone with access to that table can see all of that sensitive…
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As an IT leader in a heavily regulated sector such as finance or healthcare, you’re no stranger to audits. They’re a critical part of ensuring compliance with regulations like the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (SOX), the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (GLBA), the PCS Security Standards Council (PCI DSS), and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). Still, audits…
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Your SQL Servers are the backbone of your company’s data operations. They power critical applications and store valuable information. They enable financial decisions, undergird operational activities, and support your sales processes. But what happens if there’s a problem? What happens when data is lost or corrupted? Or if one of your key systems is down…
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As we ring in 2024, many are reflecting on the past year and making resolutions for the future. For businesses, one resolution should stand out: recommitting to data security. The late-2023 Xfinity breach, where 36 million customers had their personal information compromised, serves as a stark reminder of the ever-present threat of cyberattacks. What happened?…
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