Today, we worked on a service request where our customer needs to know the TLS version that their application are using.
Thanks to Azure SQL Auditing, we have the ability to access highly valuable information for our day-to-day work. We can identify details such as the application name, event type, IP address, TLS version, connection ID, user, and more. This article specifically focuses on the client_tls_version_n field, exploring how Azure SQL Auditing not only aids in monitoring database connection security but also plays a crucial role in maintaining regulatory compliance and identifying potential vulnerabilities associated with outdated TLS versions.
Understanding TLS and Its Role in Database Security
Transport Layer Security (TLS) is the cornerstone of secure data transmission over the internet. It safeguards data integrity and confidentiality during communication between clients and servers. In the context of Azure SQL Database, TLS plays a vital role in encrypting and securing connections, thereby thwarting potential eavesdropping and data tampering attempts.
The client_tls_version_n Field in Azure SQL Auditing
This field records the version of the TLS protocol used by the client when establishing a connection to the Azure SQL Database. Monitoring this field is crucial for several reasons:
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Ensuring Compliance with Security Standards: Many industries mandate the use of specific TLS versions to meet security guidelines. The
client_tls_version_nfield helps verify compliance with these standards. -
Identifying Outdated TLS Versions: Older TLS versions, like TLS 1.0 and 1.1, are considered less secure. This field helps in identifying connections that use these outdated protocols, signaling a need for upgrades to maintain robust security.
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Troubleshooting Connection Issues: Sometimes, connection failures can result from TLS version mismatches. The
client_tls_version_nfield aids in diagnosing such issues.
