Best Practices for Azure MS SQL Server Authentication

This guide provides detailed instructions for configuring Azure MS SQL Server authentication for compliance scans using Qualys. It outlines the importance of authentication in achieving thorough assessments and accurate results, emphasizing that authentication is required for compliance scans. The document explains how to set up an Azure MS SQL Server authentication account, including creating a SQL Server authentication login and user account, and verifying privileges. It also describes the necessary steps for adding Azure MS SQL Server authentication records and launching compliance scans. Additionally, the guide covers the integration with third-party password vaults for secure credential management. It specifies the database information required for authentication and highlights the option for auto-discovery of database instances on target hosts. The document concludes with recommendations for selecting target compliance hosts for authentication, ensuring a comprehensive approach to security posture assessment.