Logins

The Logins Report provides a summary of all logins configured on a SQL Server instance. This report helps database administrators review authentication methods, identify privileged accounts, and ensure security compliance by monitoring login activity.

Login Summary Counters

At the top of the report, key statistics provide an overview of login distribution:

  • Total Logins – The total number of logins configured on the SQL Server instance.
  • Windows Logins – The number of logins authenticated via Windows Authentication.
  • SysAdmin Logins – The count of logins that have sysadmin privileges, indicating full administrative access.
  • SQL Logins – The number of logins authenticated using SQL Server Authentication.
  • Disabled Logins – The count of logins that have been disabled, preventing them from accessing the server.

Understanding the Report

  • Windows vs. SQL Logins – Windows Authentication is generally recommended for security, as it integrates with Active Directory. SQL Authentication logins should be monitored closely, especially those with high privileges.
  • SysAdmin Logins – Logins with sysadmin privileges have full control over SQL Server. Minimize the number of sysadmin accounts to reduce security risks.
  • Disabled Logins – If any logins are disabled, they cannot be used to access SQL Server. Review disabled accounts to ensure they are appropriately restricted.
  • Audit Login Changes – The Date Updated column can help track login modifications, identifying recent security changes.

Recommended Actions

  • Review Privileged Accounts – Regularly audit sysadmin logins and remove unnecessary administrative access.
  • Disable Unused Logins – If a login is no longer needed, disable it to prevent unauthorized access.
  • Monitor Login Changes – Track login modifications to detect unauthorized account changes.
  • Ensure Compliance – Verify that logins follow security best practices, such as enforcing password policies for SQL logins.

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