Percona Server for MySQL Audit Log

Introduction

The Percona Server for MySQL Audit Log offers essential security monitoring for modern database environments. In today’s data-centric landscape, comprehensive audit trails are necessary for organizations handling sensitive information. Percona Server serves as a robust open-source MySQL-compatible solution with powerful audit capabilities for tracking and monitoring database activities. With growing regulatory requirements and security threats, a reliable audit trail system is crucial for data integrity and compliance. Percona’s audit functionality helps organizations meet their audit goals by providing detailed information about database interactions, user activities, and potential security incidents. It also offers a scalable solution adaptable to growing business needs.

Native Percona Server for MySQL Audit Log

The Percona Server for MySQL Audit Log functionality is built-in through its Audit Log Plugin, providing an easy way to track and monitor activities. This native solution captures detailed user actions, connections, and queries with minimal configuration. By using this feature, organizations can ensure robust security and compliance without external tools. It simplifies audit log maintenance, making it accessible for smaller teams.

Enabling the Percona Server for MySQL Audit Log Filter Plugin

Enable the plugin by running this bash command inside of your percona instance:

cd /usr/share/mysql
mysql -u -D database -p < audit_log_filter_linux_install.sql

Verify activation with:

SELECT * FROM information_schema.PLUGINS WHERE PLUGIN_NAME LIKE '%audit%';

This command returns details:

+-------------+----------------+----------------+-----------------+--------------+
| PLUGIN_NAME | PLUGIN_VERSION | PLUGIN_STATUS  | PLUGIN_TYPE     | PLUGIN_LIBRARY |
+-------------+----------------+----------------+-----------------+--------------+
| audit_log   | 1.0            | ACTIVE         | AUDIT           | audit_log.so   |
+-------------+----------------+----------------+-----------------+--------------+

Configuring the Percona Server for MySQL Audit Log

Configure settings as needed:

SET GLOBAL audit_log_policy = 'ALL';
SET GLOBAL audit_log_format = 'JSON';
SET GLOBAL audit_log_file = '/var/log/mysql/audit.log';

Key Advantages of the Percona Audit Log Filter Plugin

1. Low Overhead: Minimizes performance impact for efficient database operation.
2. Seamless Integration: Works natively within existing MySQL infrastructure.
3. Flexible Log Formats: Supports JSON, CSV, and other formats for easy log analysis.

For advanced options, refer to the Percona Server for MySQL documentation. Understanding database activity monitoring can help maximize audit effectiveness.

Audit Log with DataSunrise

While Percona’s native capabilities are solid, DataSunrise enhances them with advanced security, compliance, and analytics. Acting as a transparent proxy, it captures and analyzes SQL traffic without modifying existing infrastructure.

Setting Up DataSunrise with Percona Server for MySQL

Setting up DataSunrise is straightforward. After installation, connect to the Percona database using its intuitive interface.

Enhanced Audit Capabilities with DataSunrise

DataSunrise improves Percona’s audit features with:

• A comprehensive audit rules system for fine-tuning audit setups.

• A Transactional Trails interface for a high-level overview of audit events.

• Detailed event information through audit rule clicks.

Advantages of DataSunrise for Percona Server for MySQL Audit Log

1. Real-time alerting and notification systems.
2. Comprehensive compliance reporting for GDPR, HIPAA, PCI DSS.
3. Advanced analytics and visualization tools.

DataSunrise offers centralized audit log management for easier monitoring across multiple databases. This streamlines compliance and improves overall security posture.

Conclusion

In conclusion, a robust Audit Log strategy is vital for database security and compliance. While Percona provides foundational tracking, DataSunrise extends functionality with advanced security and compliance automation. Combining both offers a comprehensive approach to database auditing.

To explore these capabilities, book a personal online demo or download the trial version of DataSunrise. This proactive approach ensures your Percona Server environment stays protected and compliant while safeguarding data and maintaining stakeholder trust.