Have I Done Enough to Protect the Objects in My Database?

This chapter is one fundamentally for developers, even though there are some topics that may be relevant to DBAs and IT managers. Nevertheless, I will once again provide alternate overviews about what's important to the developer, the DBA, and the IT manager.

Overview for the Developer

If you are a developer, then you should enjoy the different solutions presented in this chapter. The solutions described will aid in protecting all the object types in the database, and they include concepts that are applicable to other topics.

• A refresher course on securing objects and producing a developer workgroup file by using the User -Level Security wizard.

• A special query, called a remote query, that can replace linked tables.

• Using RWOP (Run with Owner Permissions) queries to protect the design of your queries.

• Hiding queries in code.

• Protecting the forms and reports in your database by using them as class objects.

• Adding passwords to the VBA project.

• Discussions on code cracking and VBA project passwords.

• Using data access pages with workgroup file-protected databases.

• Access data project protection.

• Detailed discussions on the MDE format.

As you can see, a number of developer goodies are in the chapter, and I suggest that you adopt the technologies at a gentle pace in case they don't suit the way you and your users like to work.

Overview for the DBA and the IT Manager

In the beginning of this chapter, I once again demonstrate the User-Level Security wizard. In particular, this section includes a rundown on the permissions that you should give to users of your databases to protect your objects. In addition, you will find useful information on the VBA project password and its fallibility to password-cracking software, plus the full story on the MDE database format. You may also gain from reading about data access pages (DAP), an Internet-based option that may provide a useful and cheap alternative for users who require limited access to the database.