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Sql server access via security groups

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Secure and Simplify SQL Database Access with Entra ID Security Groups

Managing database access for a team can be a hassle—granting individual logins, keeping track of permissions, and ensuring security best practices. Fortunately, with Entra ID Security Groups, we can streamline access management while keeping things secure.

Why Use Entra ID Security Groups for SQL Access?

Instead of assigning permissions per user, you grant access to a group. Add or remove team members in Entra ID, and their database access updates automatically. This means no more manual user management in SQL Server.

This approach gives us:

  • Centralized access management – Control access in one place (Azure Entra ID).
  • Security best practices – No direct user logins, reducing exposure to credential theft.
  • Scalability – Easily onboard and offboard team members without touching SQL.

How to Set It Up

1. Create an Entra ID Security Group

Before configuring SQL access, create a security group in Azure Entra ID:

  1. Go to the Azure Portal (https://portal.azure.com).
  2. Navigate to Microsoft Entra ID → Groups.
  3. Click New group and select:
    • Group type: Security
    • Group name: jef-meijvis-demo-group (or your preferred name)
    • Membership type: Assigned or Dynamic (for automated membership)
  4. Add the necessary team members and create the group.

2. Create a Login for the Security Group in SQL Server

Run the following command to register the security group as a login in your SQL Server:

// SQL //

3. Grant Database Access and Assign Roles

Within each database, create a user for the security group and assign roles:

// SQL //

Now, everyone in jef-meijvis-demo-group has the necessary permissions to read, write, and modify database objects. These roles and permissions of course need to be adjusted to your specific needs.

Why Configure Access Like This?

Manually managing database users is inefficient and insecure. With security groups, you:

  • Avoid separate credentials – Users don’t need separate SQL logins.
  • Reduce overhead – Control access at the group level, not per user.
  • Consistency – All team members get the same permissions instantly.

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