Best Security Practice In An Era of 5G and Cloud Platforms - A guest Post by Ralf Llanasas

Greater potential brings greater security responsibilities

The real world application of 5G is bound to trigger security issues that might not be evident in labs and test beds. As 5G promises customers, businesses, and service providers unparalleled potentials, so too does it hold unparalleled security lapses that will give way to cyber-attacks.

5G will envelop a vast array of technology platforms, from mobile devices to WiFi, Bluetooth, IoT infrastructures, etc., and security provisions need to cater to all of these. The technology’s low to zero latency also improves cloud performance, driving more industries, devices, and applications to become even more cloud dependent, if not completely.

More applications, more loopholes

Image credit: https://www.ericsson.com/en/ericsson-technology-review/archive/2017/securing-the-cloud-with-compliance-auditing

A number of studies have recently raised red flags over 5G security gaps yet to be resolved. One such is the UK Government’s 5G Testbeds and Trials program conducted in collaboration with the University of Surrey’s 5G Innovation Center and three ongoing testbed programs -- AutoAir, 5G RuralFirst, and Worchestershire 5G.

Peter Claydon, project director of AutoAir, states that, “Since the age of 2G, mobile networks have been some of the most secure things on the planet, helped by the fact that each one is controlled by a single network operator.” He points out that this is different with 5G because the technology “opens up mobile networks allowing network operators to provide ‘slices’ of their networks to customers.” The result of such a scenario is therefore more open entry points for attacks.

In another similar study conducted by a team of researchers from the Technical University in Berlin, ETH Zurich, and SINTEF Digital Norway, it was found that 5G opens up glaring security lapses in Authentication and Key Agreement (AKA). AKA provides a security protocol used by phones to securely communicate with mobile networks. These security lapses in AKA over the 5G airwaves can allow cybercriminals to intercept calls and text messages on phones, as well as steal other sensitive data.

These studies, along with many others, have led to insights on the best security practices in an era of 5G and cloud computing. Before determining solutions, however, its best to zero in on what exactly the key challenges of 5G are.

Key security challenges

5G introduces a fundamental change in the relationship between networks, human machine interface, and end users. The key security challenges that attend such a reconfiguration include:

• Exposure of critical facilities: With IoT networks woven through facilities such as power grids, elevators, door locks, water systems, autonomous vehicles, etc., 5G exposes our critical infrastructures to unprecedented risks.
• Workload migration: Migration of workloads to 5G edge-computing exposes businesses to the combined risks of endpoint computing and cloud computing, given that the businesses need to monitor thousands of computing nodes in the process.
• Hybrid computing eroding perimeters: With 5G, the idea of the perimeter as IT professionals know it, has been turned on its head. On 5G, different wireless networks will converge, and several aspects of business processes, health care, and the everyday lives of individuals will be locked into a system of hybrid computing where massive amounts of data are harvested to monitor and optimize odds and ends functionality.
  

Best Security Practices for the New Industrial Era

5G applications

Image source: https://www.sdxcentral.com/5g/definitions/top-5g-security-challenges/

The best way to address these security challenges is through unrelenting efforts from the onset, rather than waiting until these issues snowball into serious problems. With the lessons learned from the implementation of previous generations of wireless networks, businesses can put adequate preemptive measures in place to tackle these challenges. 

The difference, though, lies in what’s going to be increasing reliance on cloud platforms and 5G’s ‘slices’ of networks phenomenon. These expose loopholes, but they can be plugged to some extent with the right security practices.

The following is a rundown of some best practices for the new industrial era, where cloud platforms have become so significant:

• Threat intelligence upgrades: This can serve both in risk mitigation and damage control. It can help prevent new attacks from recurring, and can also help prepare for threats as they evolve. It entails leveraging on Machine Learning and AI, and replacing traditional security architectures with more advanced security products.
• Segmenting networks: Businesses can mitigate the cyber security risks which their critical resources are exposed to by using effective strategies to segment devices, apps, workflow and transactions.
• Deploying compatible solutions: Putting together only solutions that are compatible with each other not only helps avoid further complications down the line, but also allows for the collection of data that can easily be used to identify and address risks across various parts of an organization.
• Reinforcing access control: With more people and devices accessing 5G airwaves, businesses need to deploy a zero-trust principle where every single request for network access is thoroughly validated and authenticated.
• Deploying MSSPs: Managed Security Service Providers (MSSP) give businesses a highly efficient and cost-effective option for outsourcing their 5G security responsibilities.

Final Words

5G and cloud computing is set to generate a new wave of innovation, taking productivity to new dimensions across various industries. The low to zero latency of the fifth generation mobile network technology enables a wide range of devices to stand alone, where previous networks caused them to remain tethered to other devices. This standalone capability is a result of cloud platforms, as most applications will be cloud dependent. 

However, this also takes cyber security threats to new heights, and businesses need to embrace the prospects of 5G with cautious optimism. By implementing the best security practices outlined above, businesses can position themselves to reap the tremendous benefits of 5G without exposing their assets to a slew of cyber threats.

About Ralf Llanasas

Ralf is a technology blogger, he writes about the latest mobile phones and technology news. He currently works at Whatphone.com.au as a content manager and his writings can be seen on various technology blogs. He also loves taking pictures when free.

Tips to Move SQL Server Database from One Server to Another - SQL Tutorial by Rajan Singh

Leading organizations always look to find different solutions for high-performance data replication and secure storage environment. One such step is to move SQL Server database from one server to its updated version. In fact, when you migrate SQL server database, it provides an opportunity to scale the organizations data ecosystem efficiently at an optimum cost.

Why should you migrate SQL server database from one server to another?

1. Advancement in Technology: Technology advancement may be a buzzword of today but it is essential to be up-to-date when it refers to Tech-world and to stay ahead, organizations need to accommodate the innovative style of Business Intelligence and ensure agility and higher productivity. Moving database from old SQL version to the latest and advanced technology provides users with an edge over the competition. 
2. Reduce Cost: Moving SQL server database may be time taking and expensive initially, although the costs are lowered significantly in the long run 
3. Achieve higher ROI: One of the significant reasons to switch from a lower version to a higher version or from a different database to SQL server database is to achieve a higher rate of interest on investments. 
4. Consolidate data: Sometimes, data is scattered across different platforms. This is specifically valid in case of mergers and acquisitions. Then consolidating data on a single platform is conducive for users and easy to maintain for SQL administrators. 
5. Secure Storage Environment: Security is a priority for any and all database and database security is ensured through protection rules and compliances. As per the survey conducted by National Institute of Standards and Technology, SQL server is most secure and least vulnerable database and hence the most preferred Storage environment.

Key Challenges in migrating SQL Database from one server to another

Once the organization decides about migration, the Administrator has to analyze the challenges in moving the database from one platform to another. Following key challenges may create hindrance in smooth movement:

1. SQL Database Corruption
   Moving SQL Database from one server to another may lead to database corruption. 
2. Database backup not update
   Many times, when database gets corrupt and backups are also not up-to-date, then the administrator is unable to restore from backup.
3. Database backup not available
   If backup is not implemented and the organization’s database gets corrupt then the chances of database recovery are next to nil unless the organization employs a reliable and performing software like Stellar Phoenix SQL Database Repair.  
4. Cost involved in moving Database
   Moving database from one Database Management System (DBMS) to another involves cost to be incurred in deploying a new server and the cost of data migration and the cost of old server which is rendered non-functional. 
   
   The downtime cost is also considered. Database will remain inaccessible during database migration from one server to another. 

Methods to move SQL Server Database from one server to another

1. Backup SQL Database and Restore to another server
   The easiest solution is to take the latest backup of database and restore on another server. However, in most cases, SQL Admins and Backup Admins are different and there are chances that backup is not up-to-date. 
2. Create a Duplicate Database in SQL Server
   If the earlier database is using SQL database and you want to move database to a higher version, then one of the methods is to create a duplicate copy of database in SQL server. However, Admins need to have more than 100% free space. This is not a feasible option and may lead to corrupt SQL Database. 
3. Move SQL Database to New Server
   SQL Server Management Studio enables copying database from one server to another. To proceed further, you should get acquainted with:
1. Source Server
2. Destination Server
3. Use Windows Authentication
4. Using SQL Server Authentication 
Steps to move:

• Go to Object Explorer and launch SQL Server Management Studio and connect with the Source Server
• Right click on the database to select the ‘Tasks’ option and select ‘Copy Database’ option ‘Copy Database Wizard’ screen displays. 
• Fill in the details of Source Server and select the option ‘Use Windows Authentication’ followed by User ID and Password  
• Next, fill in the details of Destination Server, and its Windows Authentication credentials
• Checkbox for ‘Use the SQL Management Object method’
• Select the Database from the available options and click on Copy option. Click Next to migrate SQL database to the destination server
• Verify MDF files and Log file path on the destination server 
• Copy all other jobs. If the SQL Management Studio fails to copy jobs then opt for the following:
• System Event View
• Local Path
• Click on Windows Event Logs followed by Next button
• To schedule the SSIS page, Click on Run immediately
• Complete the Wizard message displays. Tick mark this option and click on Finish to complete the process. 
4. Stellar SQL Repair to copy SQL Server Database from one server to another
   Deploying a trustworthy software to copy SQL Server Database. One such software is Stellar Phoenix SQL Database Repair software. This software allows users to repair a corrupt SQL server database. Once you have saved the repaired database as a New or Live database, then the next step is to deploy SQL Server Management Studio or SSMS. SSMS detaches the database from the source server and attaches it to the destination server.
   
   Reasons to deploy Stellar software for SQL recovery before using manual method are:

• Database may get corrupt during migration. Stellar software repairs the corrupt MDF file and ensures smooth migration
• In case MDF files or any other associated file is not detached properly, then the SQL Database will not give appropriate results

Conclusion

Error-free Migration of SQL Server database is possible when the different files associated with SQL Database are properly detached from the Source server and attached with the Destination server. However, there are times, when Admins are unable to detach the files and if these files are not detached from the source location, there is low possibility of getting these attached at the destination. In such circumstances, the best solution is to repair the database using Stellar Phoenix SQL Database Repair, save it as New Database and then move this SQL server database from one server to another. By following this procedure, SQL Administrators can ensure error-free and smooth data migration.

Checkout the MVP’s feedback about Stellar Phoenix SQL Database Repair is available here.

About Rajan Singh 
Rajan Singh is a Sr. Technology Consultant at Stellar Data Recovery Inc. and has published several article on MS Exchange emails, IOT, APIs, bug fixing etc.

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Big Data Use Cases in the Manufacturing Industry - A guest Post by Renu Bisht

Big data is processing of data collected from various sources in different formats. Big data may contain sensitive information which is important for the organisation to make decisions. According to a research, the market value of the Big data will achieve around $1.1 billion by the next year. Today, many industries are using Big data, and companies which are not using are going through big data use cases to understand the benefits of stats in the organisation.

The insights of data are only possible because of Big data. Many industries are looking for the professionals which are skilled and knowledgeable about Big data so to become that person you need to enroll in courses like Big Data Certification Course which is available over the internet. Through this course, the person can learn and enhance his/her skills on Big data, without leaving personal systems. After completion of the course, the user gets a proved certification regarding completion.

How Big data assist manufacturers?

1. By data tracing
2. To determine the need of customer
3. To determine the units need to be produced 
4. Helps in the maintenance of equipment
5. Helps in monitoring the production
6. By maintaining the quality level

Why manufacturers need to use Big data cases?

In supply chain management, Big data helps the manufacturer to track the location of the product. Tracking of data is the primary need of the manufacturer. Why? It helps them to know the count of release, goods which are lost and are difficult to trace. The coordinates of the goods can be traced with the help of radio frequency transmission device and barcode scanners.

It provides the data related to the need and requirement of the customer. Prediction of the demand and assisting the product on time is the prominent reason behind the use of Big data. Forecasting is done when the supply chain is referred by companies and this helps in increasing the profit margin and improving the workspace. 

In product designing, the company analyses the behavior of customers with the Big data analytics. The result of the analysis is critical to understand, how to deliver in a profitable manner and on-time goods. 

Around $2billion revenue is generated by the TCS by just following the order/demands while manufacturing. With the help of analysis, the company predicts which product needs to be manufactured and which needs to be scrapped. In this way, the company makes strong contracts. 

In Quality Assurance, Big data predictions reduce the number of choices which in result reduce the time of testing and efforts. According to Intel’s survey, each manufactured chip had to go under 19,000 tests after production. So, to cut down the test time and giving emphasis on some important test was the biggest challenge faced by the Intel. 

The result was enormous, Intel saved around $3 million in manufacturing cost on a single line production of a chip. And the number may increase upto $30 million if Big data is used in the whole process of chip manufacturing.

In machine maintenance, the Big data helps to plan the maintenance of the machinery. It keeps the data regarding the machine operating time, past maintenance details, updation etc such that the machine runs smoothly and continuously. Sensors and other recognition devices help in collecting the data from the machine. Analysis helps the manufacturer in tracking the efficiency of machine continuously and to focus how it can be further improved.  

About Renu Bisht

Renu Bisht is a doyen of governing the digital content to assemble good relationships for enterprises or individuals. Renu is specialised in digital marketing, cloud computing, web designing and offer other valuable IT services for organisations, eventually enhancing their shape by delivering the stupendous solutions to their business problems. 

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Trouble in Opening MDF File because it Says SQL Error 5171? - A guest Post by Andre Williams

MS SQL Server is the most widely used and deployed database server in organizations. But, there are times when the SQL Server database gets corrupted due to various reasons. Error messages like SQL Error 1571 are also frequent with SQL Server. Let’s learn more about the SQL error 1571, its reasons and solutions.

Symptoms of SQL Error 5171:
With SQL Error 5171, you may face failures while logging in to SQL Server, restoring SQL database files, creating a tempdb database, and attaching MDF files successfully to the SQL Server database. Instead you will receive an error saying – “.mdf is not a primary database file. (Microsoft SQL server 5171)”

Possible Reasons for SQL Error 5171:
MDF file saves data in the form of pages, and each page occupies space of 8KB. The initial first page is the header page containing important database details such as signature, file size, compatibility, and much more. Rest all the other pages stores the actual data.
When the header page or related page of the file does not get recognized by the SQL Server database, it results in the SQL Error 1571 as the entire MDF is not considered to be a valid file.

Solution to Fix SQL Error 5171:
There are multiple reasons due to which SQL Error 5171 occurs. Some scenarios are mentioned below with their possible fix solution.

Scenario 1:
Usage of a mirror database in MS SQL Server by a user encounters the Error 5171, when database is set online by executing ALTER DATABASE command

Scenario 2:
When the SQL Server is upgraded to a latest or newer version, there are possible chances of Error 5171. As, you will have to first detach the database and then upgrade it to the new version. Hence, when you will try to attach it back to the MS SQL Server, it will fail to do so and error 5171 might encounter.

Below mentioned are the possible solutions for this error:

Method 1: For database mirroring
Step 1: First set, the principal database
Step 2: Use ALTER DATABASE MODIFY FILE command to modify the information.
Step 3: Now, stop the SQL server instance.
Step 4: Copy MDF and LDF files in a separate directory
Step 5: Now, restart SQL Server and attach the database files

Method 2: For attaching the database
Step 1: To troubleshoot the error, use the sp_attach_db command
Step 2: The command will attach the detached database files after upgrading is completed.
Please note: This method will work only in the case where you have used the sp_detach_db command to detach the database

Method 3: Automated Method to FIX SQL Server Error 5171
The above methods can easily remove the SQL Error 5171. However, if you still face the error after trying the above workaround methods, then you can opt for the automated solution. You can use Kernel for SQL Database Recovery tool, one of the most recommended methods by the database experts. The tool smoothly repairs and recovers all the database objects of corrupt or inaccessible MDF and NDF files. It flawlessly recovers large-sized MDF and NDF files.

Final Words:

You can always opt to use the manual methods for SQL recovery if you are an experienced database professional. But if you’re a naïve user of SQL database and you are not skilled enough to understand the errors of the database, then we suggest you restore your database files with the help of the automated solution.  

Hope the solutions help you to resolve the issues related to MS SQL Server. If you have any queries, please mention in the comments. We will get back to you with a possible resolution.

About Andre Williams

Andre Williams, with more than three year's experience in SQL related technologies, contributes articles, blogs, and how-to tips regularly.

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Kernel for SQL Database - Product Review - A guest Post by Andre Williams

Most of the organizations that handle large amount of data is very much dependent on MS SQL Server for their operations. However, an MS SQL database corruption, can cause a lot of troubles to the organization owing to the criticality of the data contained in the database. Fortunately, many SQL Server recovery tools are available in the market. We will try to understand the features, working, and benefits & drawbacks of a popular, SQL recovery tool—the Kernel for SQL Database.

Product information

• Name - Kernel for SQL Database
• Description – MDF file recovery software (recovers SQL data from corrupt databases)
• Developers – Lepide Software

Company information 

Lepide Software, the developers of Kernel range of products, is known for sophisticated IT security, management, and recovery solutions. Its Kernel range, designed and developed for small and mid-sized organizations offers cost-effective solutions for most of the day-to-day issues faced by IT organizations. These products help organizations in email migration, email recovery, data recovery, file repair, and more. The company has a loyal customer-base spanning across the world owing to its quality products and dedicated customer support.

Notable features of the software

• Automatically detects the SQL version of the database
• Fixes almost all types of SQL corruption issues
• Recovers all type of SQL data—tables, triggers, views, stored procedures, constraints, indexes, rules, and user defined functions/data types
• Works even with large SQL databases
• Recovers data even when the SQL Server is live
• Supports MS SQL 2000, 2005 and 2008, 2008R2 and 2012 versions

Kernel for SQL Database - versions available

• Demo version
  The demo version, meant educate users on SQL recovery process, is completely free. But it is not equipped with the saving facility.
• Licensed version
  Licensed version is the fully featured version of the software and is available on purchase only. It can save all the recovered data.

How to use Kernel for SQL Database to repair corrupt MDF files?

The hallmark of Kernel for SQL Database is the simplicity of its operation. The steps are simple, the interface is intuitive, and recovery is quick. The major steps of the SQL database recovery process are outlined here:

1. Selecting MDF file for recovery
   The Open button (in the main page of the software) opens the Select SQL Database dialogue box. In this dialogue box, one can browse for the corrupt database. If users are sure about the SQL server version, the can select the version. Otherwise, they can use the auto detect option. Finally, the recovery process can be initiated by clicking the Recover button.
   
2. Previewing the recovered data
   Once the software displays the recovered objects, the users can click an object on the left tree to preview its data.
   
3. Saving the recovered data
   Two saving options are available—saving to SQL Server and saving to batch file. The first option allows to save directly to an SQL Server either through server authentication or through Windows authentication. In the Batch File option, the data is stored in script files in the desired location (which can be copied to a new database).
   

Benefits and drawbacks of Kernel for SQL Database

Benefits:

The important benefits of Kernel for SQL Database are:

• Friendly interface
  The software interface itself provides information on how to execute the recovery process. So even non-technical users can perform recovery without any help. 
• Preview facility
  Everything recovered can be viewed on the software’s preview pane before saving. Previewing helps users to know about the recoverability of the data.
• Automatic detection of SQL Version
  If the users know the version of the SQL, they can select it. But if they do not know, the software can automatically detect the SQL version.
• Multiple saving options
  The software saves the recovered MDF file files to SQL Server directly. In addition, it can save files in batch file, which users can copy to a new database when required.

Drawbacks:

The major drawback of Kernel for SQL Database is:

• No saving option in the trial version
  The trial version of Kernel for SQL Database cannot save the data. With this version, users can only preview the data. 

Final verdict

Kernel for SQL Database is a great tool for SQL recovery. As we understand, users are happy with the product. Still the product can be improved in some areas. Also, it is good if Lepide can add some limited saving facility to the trial version. https://www.nucleustechnologies.com/sql-recovery.html 

Performance rating

Overall rating for the software is 4/5

About Andre Williams

Andre Williams, with more than three year's experience in SQL related technologies, contributes articles, blogs, and how-to tips regularly.

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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/andre.williams1986

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SQL Backup Recovery Tool to Repair Damaged SQL Backup - Product Review - A guest Post by Daniel Jones

It has been commonly observed that many users are inclined to store the important and crucial data in SQL Server due to its reliable and consistent data storage feature. All the data is stored efficiently in data files i.e. MDF and NDF files. Unfavourable situations like server breakdown, system corruption etc can arise at any moment. The smart users prefer to take the backup of desired database, which can be restored during unexpected conditions. Many cases have been reported where the users are completely hopeless as their backup files (.bak) got damaged or corrupted due to reasons like virus attack or malware etc. No provision is provided by the server or operating system to recover data from such backup files. However, various third party tools promise to repair damaged SQL backup files without any data loss. One such well-known automated tool is SQL Backup Recovery Tool, which empowers to repair full database from corrupted/damaged backup file. Our data recovery experts have undergone through the software and tested it under the following environment:

• Operating System- Windows 8
• Mounted RAM- 2 GB
• Processor Used-2.5 GHz

The testing has been done in such a way that all of its features can be evaluated to determine the SQL backup recovery tool on the basis of quality, reliability, performance, security etc. The following section is focused to provide a transparent review of the tool on the basis of expert’s experience.

Functional Features of SQL Backup Recovery Tool

While working with the recovery tool in different working environments, the experts encountered several amazing features which differentiates it from other tools available in industry. Some of the major features, which makes the tool excel in recovery field are mentioned below:

Complete Backup File Recovery

The tool facilitates the recovery of all MDF and NDF files from the corrupted backup file i.e., various database components such as tables, views, functions, triggers, keys, indexes get recovered from the chosen backup file.

Dual File Scan Mode

The tool has been designed to offer scanning of damaged backup files in the following two modes:

• Quick Scan - This mode scans the backup file with minimum corruption
• Advance Scan - This mode scans the backup file with major corruption issues (highly damaged files)

The user can perform scanning in any of the mode, depending on file corruption extent.

Multiple Backup File Recovery

SQL backup recovery tool provides Multiple Backup File Options to let the user add multiple backup files or folder for data recovery. So if user faces an issue where multiple backup files got corrupted, this multiple backup option can be chosen to recover all data.

Preview Repaired SQL Data

Once the complete backup file is scanned, the tool provides preview of all repaired database components. The user can choose to preview all database component like tables, views, triggers, columns, functions, keys etc.

Batch export Recovered Data

The tool allows the user to export selected database components from the scanned data. The user can make selective choice to transport the required database objects from the backup file.

Multiple Export Options

The users are offered to export the repaired data in any of the following way:

• Export To SQL Server Database - It allows to export selected repaired data directly into SQL Server by providing database credentials.
• Export as SQL Server Compatible Script - It generates SQL script, which is compatible for any SQL Server version.

Export Schema Options

SQL backup recovery tool provides two export modes for the users. Depending on requirement, the user can choose to export data as:

• With only schema - It allows to export only with database schema for the backup file
• With schema & data - It allows to extract both data and schema for the backup file

Primary/Foreign Key Recovery

Along with the data recovery, the tool also helps to recover both primary and foreign keys of all the tables. So, we can say that the tool ensures to maintain data integrity of the data recovered from the backup file.

Perks of The Tool

In addition to above discussed features, the tool offers some additional features like auto-detection of SQL Server, no database size restriction, interactive user interface etc.

Specifications of SQL Backup Recovery Tool

The tool has been designed to work efficiently under the following hardware and software specifications:

• Operating System - It supports Windows 8.1 & all below versions
• Processor Requirement - Minimum 1 GHz is mandatory for tool installation. The experts suggest to use 2.4 GHz processor for faster processing.
• Mounted RAM - 512MB should be allocated at minimum. For larger storage, 1 GB can be used depending on requirement.
• SQL Server - It repair damaged SQL backup file of SQL Server 2014 & all the below versions

Available Versions of SQL Backup Recovery Tool

The tool to repair damaged SQL backup file can be availed in two versions:

• Demo Version - Users can download the free version from company’s official website. It offers scan and preview of the backup files.
• Licensed Version - The paid version of the tool can be purchased from company’s website. It allows to scan, preview and export the selected backup file

PROS

• The tool provides recovery of backup files even without SQL Server installation on the system.
• The tool offers the recovery of highly corrupted backup files using advance scan.

CONS

• The generated scanned files cannot be saved on the local system, which creates need for rescanning in future use.

Conclusion

After working on various aspects of the software, we can conclude that SQL Backup Recovery tool fulfils all the expectations to repair damaged SQL backup file. The users can go for this tool for an efficient bak file recovery within few easy steps. The tool can be rated as 9.8 on the scale of 10 as it provides an excellent approach to repair the corrupted or damaged backup files using its interactive user interface.

About Daniel Jones

Daniel Jones is a SQL Server DBA and contributor at SQL Tech Tips. Having 2 + years of experience in SQL recovery and system infrastructure.

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Restore database from corrupt SQL database backup file - Another Guest Post by Jyoti Prakash

Often people have corruption issues regarding Microsoft's SQL server database as well as its backup. Basically, backup is the only way to make your database secured and protective; it helps you to restore your inaccessible files of the main database when any type of corruption or damage occurs. But, what if backup also corrupt, while attempting to restore database from backup file. There could be multiple reasons behind such disaster situation, here in this write-up you will get to know about the reason and solutions behind such case, where SQL Server user faces corruption in SQL Server database backup and not able to restore their databases.

How and why the backup file gets corrupt:     

SQL backup files are basically a replica of your original SQL database, which can be located in different locations on the system. There could be multiple reasons of inaccessible backup file. Here are some most common causes of damaged SQL BAK files:

• Virus attack
• Abrupt system shutdown
• Use of a wrong driver
• Bad sectors in your system's hard disk
• Sudden removal of a selected tables, records, and procedures
• unconventional functioning of Hard disk
• Improper shutdown of application
• Wrong database synchronization
• System crash
• corrupt database system rules and tables

The most common error message during restoration of database is: 'Backup or restore operation terminating abnormally.'

A Backup restoration error occurs when a filemark in the backup device could not be read. There could be multiple causes of when a user encounters a filemark error. The most common reasons are:

• A media failure may arise on the same device where the backup is stored
• A write failure may occur while creating the backup file
• Loss of connectivity may arise while creating a network backup
• A failure in the Input/Output path occurs in the disk just after successful write to the disk

Manual Solution:

After backup restore error the first thing you could do is to check whether all the sets of backup have issues or just some sets have issues. It might be possible that only some sets of backup have issues due to which you are getting restore error. In order to retrieve other backup sets from the device, you need to specify the file number. In case, there are multiple backup sets available on a single device, then to determine the usable backup, you can run the following query:

RESTORE HEADERONLY FROM DISK='<Backup Location>'

If you got the usable set from the disk, copy it to another drive for usage and try to restore the damaged files with the help of SQL restore commands. Here are some of the SQL commands that you can use to restore corruption in your SQL database backup.                                 

To recover a database use the following command. This will put your database in the "restoring" state

RESTORE DATABASE <DB Name> FROM DISK='<Backup Location>' WITH FILE = <FileNumber>

Note: Write the backup set number instead of 'FileNumber' that you want to restore.

The following command will take the database, which is in 'restoring' state and make it available for end users.

RESTORE LOG <DB Name> FROM DISK = '<Backup Location>'
WITH RECOVERY

The above mentioned commands are used to restore corrupt backup file of SQL database. However, these corrupt backup recovery solutions provided by Microsoft are not applicable for deep corruption cases. In order to restore your highly damaged or corrupt SQL backup database you can always choose a third party SQL backup recovery software. These professional utilities are designed to restore data from a corrupt (.BAK) SQL backup file.  

Third party applications have functions to restore SQL backup file due to all above mentioned reasons. Before buying any professional backup recovery tool, you need to choose the most reliable one. For that you should use the online demo versions of the backup recovery applications to test their efficiency.

About Jyoti Prakash

Jyoti is a Sr. DBA - SQL Server at Stellar Data Recovery and has written several article on SQL Server disaster recovery planning & fixing. In addition, she spend her time on Technical forums helping people with the issues related to SQL server.

Suggested ways to manage SQL server password - A Guest Post by Jyoti Prakash

Security management of SQL server is equally important and you must know that how to manage it. The most initial step to make your SQL server authentic is password security, which required management. Whether it is server or database, all the roles are simplified by security administration by allowing every individual user inherit permissions granted, denied, or abolished to those roles. Although there are multiple areas where user has to put the passwords, which require a proper handling.

SA account is a special login, which is provided for the complete backward compatibility. It is assigned to system admin to fix the roles, which cannot be changed. Therefore, SA account is the most often attacked account and deserves special attention. Here in this article you will get to know about the various rules to manage your SA password. Make sure your password must be random, complex, long and most important not used for multiple instances.

If you are looking for an efficient way to manage your passwords, it is advisable that follow the given techniques to keep track of all your passwords, in case of multiple servers you must use them. There could be multiple ways, here are some of them:

Store Password list

If your number of passwords count is manageable then you can just list them on a sheet and store that hard copy in a safe location. It is advisable that do not store the soft copy of this document as it could be a security risk. This is a very secured way to manage passwords, but could be risky if you have lost the hard copy.

Somewhere this method is not very convenient way to manage passwords as at the time of changing passwords, you have to immediately access this list. If in that case you are not in the situation to access this list. Then this list might become incomplete or become wrong over the time. Therefore, it is recommended that you should opt this method only if you have a reliable and diligent person to take care of this list.

Use Cloud storage

If your organization distributes teams with a rich number of users then, it would be difficult for you to manage all the passwords in the hard copy format. Therefore, to manage such large number of password list you can use several cloud based password management systems that let you to share passwords with the entire team. Many password management tools allow you to your passwords locally so that no one can access your passwords except authenticated users, ever if any other organization using the same password management service.

Local Password storage

Some people do not believe on cloud systems, if you are the one, then a local password store like KeePass, Password Safe, might make more sense to you. Such local password store facilitates multiple powerful features, which make them most trustable and secured ways to manage passwords.

With these tools the password store in encrypted format on a local system. To encrypt the stored password keys, tool uses powerful algorithms that make it infeasible for the attacker. These passwords are handled in such a manner that the system memory will also never store an unencrypted password.

However, these tools also have some shortcomings as well, but in terms of security they are much better.

Enterprise Password Managers

If you belongs to a really big enterprise and have number of servers to manage then enterprise password management tools might be the best thing you are looking for.

An Enterprise password manager not only used to store the passwords, however, they provide various other features as well. This tool can automatically manage access auditing and temporary access. This tool can also allow people to quickly access in case of emergency at the time of creating a 'loud' audit entry as well as sending relevant notifications to the authenticated people.

These tools can also schedule the time for regular password change. For example, you can use this feature to change your SA passwords on monthly or quarterly basis without any user interaction.

Do not use Password

In case you do not feel that there is a requirement of any password, so for this SQL Server also has a feature to disable its Authentication. If this is what you required then your all the authentication and password management system completely depends upon Active Directory. In this mode, you are allowed to control anyone's access up to a particular limit by just including the account into the appropriate AD group, this action can be easily analyzed. Additionally, You will also have a simple process to take all those accounts back out of those groups after a particular interval.

The best advantage of this approach is, that you do not have to manage multiple passwords therefore do not have any risk of security in terms of loss passwords. Here you can easily disable SQL Authentication, therefore, can say that it is the most secured way to handle sysadmin access to your SQL Server instances. Although it is not applicable in every case but this option is surely a considered to a good one.

Conclusion:

In the above mentioned information, you can see various ways to manage your SQL Server SA passwords. Each technique has its own pros and cons, so you have to choose the one according to your requirements. However, in case after following a proper way you have lost your password due to any reason then there are professionalSQL password recovery tools available that can access SQL master database file and allow you to reset your lost or forgotten SQL SA and other individual user passwords. You can choose a reputed and reliable product if you are facing any of such problems. 

About Jyoti Prakash

Jyoti is a Sr. DBA - SQL Server at Stellar Data Recovery and has written several article on SQL Server disaster recovery planning & fixing. In addition, she spend her time on Technical forums helping people with the issues related to SQL server.

Review on SysTools Master SQL Server Database Recovery Tool - A Guest Post by Andrew Jackson

Many might be aware of SysTools Software Company, which is a brand name in data recovery industry. Since its start in the year 2007 it has developed multiple software applications and served people all over the world with its highly sophisticated tools by online marketing. One of its key and highly talked about utility is SQL Recovery that is said to recover corrupt MDF and NDF files of MS SQL Server database (DB) and then export it into the database of server. It has been designed and redesigned quite a few times to provide users with new characteristics with its each new release.
Each edition of the SQL Server database recovery tool comes equipped with more enhanced and advanced features as compared to the previous one. The current version of the recovery tool that is being offered is 6.0. It is said to possess quite a number of amenities so as to facilitate people in recovering database and the compatible scripts too. However, the characteristics of the application need to be discussed in detail so as get a complete and overall understanding. The product review in fact is a step forward towards the same purpose. So, here goes a description of the key facilities and are mentioned in the section below:

Key Characteristics

This section of the review contains a detailed explanation of the multiple features of the SQL Server database recovery tool:   

1. SQL Server DB File Recovery - The database of Structured Query Language server stores Tables, Rules, Stored Procedure, Functions, Views, Triggers and its associated Primary Key, Unique Key and many others  components. Each and every part is said to be recoverable on corruption be it regardless of the fact whether it is minor or major corruption.
2. Primary & Secondary File Recovery – The primary files are the ones with .mdf as the extension while the secondary with .ndf file extension and both of them form the crucial part of server database in which data items are stored. Even when they get damaged the utility recovers it successfully without any difficulty.
3. Recovery of Permanently Deleted Data - Sometimes data items of the server database gets removed permanently, knowingly or unknowingly, from the files. With Advance scan option both .mdf as well as .ndf file gets deeply scanned and with this even the permanently deleted data gets retrieved.
4. Ability to Fix Major SQL Errors Also – When the level of corruption that affects the files of SQL server database is very high, then the damage caused to the primary and secondary files are also severe in nature and major errors prompt up. Even in such cases of rigorous damage, the tool fixes the errors while easily recovering both the file and its data. 
5. Supports SQL Server 2012 and All below Versions – The tool is devised to recover corrupted files of almost all editions of the SQL server like 2012, 2008, 2008 R2, 2005 and also 2000 database files. However, the latest release is 2014 but it is not supported by the recovery application.
6. Supported on All Releases of Windows Operating System – The most new version of MS Windows operating system is 8.1 and many users possess it. Therefore, the utility should be and is supported on all editions like Windows 8, 7, Vista, etc. including the latest one. 

Other Significant Properties of the Recovery Tool  

• Multiple secondary files (with .ndf extension) can be scanned and recovered at a time. This helps in reducing time for recovery.  
• Can export and save recovered file into both SQL Server database and also as SQL Server Compatible Scripts which is indeed a good feature. 
• Offers choice of selection to export and save file with either only Schema or both schema and data as well. This is a highly advantageous as it gives user the power to follow his/ her needs.
• Quick scan is provided to recover files from minor corruption issues. This is important because this form of scan takes less time to be executed as compared to Advance Scan mode of recovery.
• Has the power to detect the version of SQL server automatically. This is indeed a great feature as it recovers damaged file even when the user is unaware of the edition of SQL server.
• Minimum system requirements in terms of hard disk space, RAM and processor to install the software.
• Secured by two powerful anti-malware technologies that are Norton and McAfee that protects the machine on which the tool is run.

Overall Performance Review 

As per the discussion on the characteristics of the SQL Recovery version 6.0 that functions as SQL Server database recovery tool, it can be concluded that the application is an appropriate selection to recover any kind of corruption issue in either the primary or its associated secondary files. With its extremely high tech design, the functionalities that it renders are matchless as compared to the ones developed by other companies. But the point where it lacks is that it does not support the most new release of SQL Server by Microsoft i.e. edition 2014. This drawback will restrict some users in making use of the utility but sidelining this point the software proves to be an apt solution.

About Andrew Jackson

Andrew is a SQL Server DBA at SysTools and he is based out of New York City.

He has nearly 7 years of rich experience on SQL Server Database administration skills.