In a world where data breaches, ransomware, and targeted attacks are no longer hypothetical, securing your SQL Server data platform requires more than a checklist; it demands a strategy.

This full‑day workshop takes you on a practical, end‑to‑end journey through designing, hardening, and defending a secure SQL Server environment, whether on‑premises or hybrid.

We begin by establishing the foundations of security by design: understanding threat models, compliance requirements, and architectural decisions that shape a resilient data platform. From there, we dive deep into real‑world hardening techniques across every layer—network, infrastructure, operating system, and SQL Server itself—showing you how to reduce your attack surface and build a platform that’s secure by default.

As the day progresses, we shift from theory to hands‑on implementation. You’ll learn how to enforce strong authentication, secure network paths, apply encryption effectively, and configure SQL Server to withstand modern external threats. We’ll explore monitoring strategies, auditing approaches, and how to maintain ongoing compliance without drowning in alerts or paperwork.

Finally, we tackle one of the most overlooked aspects of database security: the human element. You’ll discover how to guide developers toward secure coding practices, prevent accidental data exposure, and build a culture where security is part of everyday development—not an afterthought.

By the end of the workshop, you’ll walk away with a clear blueprint for securing your SQL Server data platform from design to implementation, along with practical steps you can apply immediately to make your environment a harder target than the one next door.