Best Practice for Anti Virus on SQL Server

Best Practice for Anti Virus on SQL ServerIn this post, let’s take a look at Best Practice for Anti Virus on SQL Server. Before we jump into the terms, let’s talk about some general thing to get the idea. Security!! It is the utmost priority when it comes to deal with data.It is super important. There are many areas that one will look for and tighten up all the areas from where a trace passes can be possible i.e. Deploying guards. This is similar to kind of care one will take for his or her belongings or property. The same is very true for Data. In computers, Anti Viruses is proven to be such guards that can take care the trace passes of Virus.

It isn’t always recommended to install Anti Virus on a dedicated SQL Server machine, however, it is not a rule or compulsion that one can’t. But it is imperative that one knows the implication of what can happen in case an Anti Virus is present. In most of the cases, when anti-virus scan is kicked off, it would like to access the database files (MDF, LDF, binary or dll etc.) that are already in use by SQL Server software. And, then, it is the clash, sometimes, it can cause a corruption to the SQL Server files. That is the reason, it is not always recommended.

Best Practices for Anti Virus on SQL Server

  • Exclude database files (MDF, LDF, and NDF)
  • Exclude the binaries / executable files (sqlservr.exe, SSAS, SSRS, SSIS etc.)
  • Exclude the library files
  • Backup files (full, differential or log )
  • Audit and trace files
  • Full-Text Catalog
  • Analysis, Reporting or Integration Services files
  • File Stream

I assume you have enjoyed reading it so far. It may interest you to browse through the configuration category and explore few more tips.

photo credit: Michael VH Bugs via photopin (license)

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Hemantgiri Goswami

Hemantgiri Goswami

Throughout my extensive 24-year tenure in the IT industry, I have honed my expertise in SQL Server and cloud technologies. My qualifications include certifications in ITIL, Azure, and Google Cloud, and my professional journey boasts a consistent record of delivering top-notch, dependable, and efficient solutions across diverse clients and domains. In recognition of my dedication and impact, I am honored to have received the Microsoft MVP award for SQL Server on six occasions. Additionally, I actively contribute to various online forums and blogs, acting as a moderator and facilitator of meaningful discussions. My ultimate mission revolves around empowering organizations to enhance the reliability and efficiency of their SQL Server implementations while fostering a culture of continuous learning and growth within the SQL Server community.