What the database hardening checklist covers
The checklist is vendor-neutral: the control questions apply to any database engine, and a dedicated command reference gives you the exact query or console path to collect the evidence on each platform. The ten control domains are:
- Governance, inventory, hardening baseline and environment segregation
- Identity & authentication — default accounts, directory integration, MFA for DBAs
- Privilege & access control — least privilege, roles, named admin accounts, break-glass
- Network exposure & segmentation — no internet exposure, TLS in transit, bastion access
- Encryption & key management — encryption at rest, HSM/KMS, field-level protection
- Patch & vulnerability management — supported versions, patch SLA, authenticated scanning
- Secure configuration & attack-surface reduction — features, OS-exec functions, file permissions
- Auditing, logging & monitoring — audit policy, central SIEM, alerting, time sync
- Backup & recovery — encrypted, immutable/offline copies, tested restores
- Data protection & retention — discovery, classification, masking/RLS, secure deletion
Which databases it applies to
One checklist, every engine. The command reference spells out how to pull each item of evidence on:
- Oracle Database
- Microsoft SQL Server
- MySQL and MariaDB
- PostgreSQL
- MongoDB
- IBM Db2 (equivalent controls)
How auditors use it
Work top to bottom, set each control to Pass, Fail, Partial, Not Applicable or Not Tested, and attach an evidence reference. The Excel workbook includes a live dashboard (pass rate, open findings by priority), a findings register, an evidence-request list and a weighted risk-scoring model — so a database configuration review becomes a repeatable, evidence-based exercise.
Framework mapping built in
Every control carries practical mappings to CIS Benchmarks and CIS Controls v8.1, NIST CSF 2.0, ISO/IEC 27001:2022, PCI DSS v4.0.1 and the UAE IA / KSA ECC regional controls — so one review evidences several obligations at once. The mappings are practical audit mappings, not a substitute for the licensed text of each standard.
Frequently asked questions
What is a database hardening checklist?
A database hardening checklist is a structured list of security controls used to reduce a database’s attack surface and configure it securely — covering identity and access, privilege, network exposure, encryption, patching, auditing, backup and data protection. This one contains 41 controls, each with a test method, the evidence to collect and the risk if it is missing.
Which database engines does it cover?
The control questions are vendor-neutral and a dedicated command reference gives the exact query or console path for Oracle Database, Microsoft SQL Server, MySQL/MariaDB, PostgreSQL and MongoDB (with equivalent controls for IBM Db2).
Is it aligned to CIS Benchmarks and PCI DSS?
Every control is mapped to CIS Benchmarks and CIS Controls v8.1, NIST CSF 2.0, ISO/IEC 27001:2022 and PCI DSS v4.0.1, plus UAE IA and KSA ECC — so a single database review supports several compliance obligations.
What format is the download?
You get a 12-sheet Excel working checklist (with a live dashboard, findings register and per-database command reference) and a matching PDF narrative workbook. Both are free.
Can CyberSigma run the database hardening review for us?
Yes — our CERT-In empanelled auditors perform independent database configuration reviews and hardening assessments against this checklist, with a prioritised findings report and remediation support.
This checklist is provided for educational use and is not a substitute for the licensed text of the referenced standards or a formal audit opinion. © Cyber Sigma Consulting Services LLP.