Managing Users and Security in Oracle Database 12c
Effective management of users and security is crucial for maintaining the integrity and confidentiality of data in an Oracle Database 12c environment. This section will cover key concepts related to user management, roles, privileges, and security policies.
1. Users and Schemas
In Oracle Database 12c, a user is an account that allows an individual to connect to the database. Each user has a corresponding schema, which is a collection of database objects (tables, views, indexes, etc.) owned by that user. The schema name is typically the same as the username.
Example: If you create a user named "HR_Manager," a schema named "HR_Manager" will be automatically created. All objects created by this user will belong to the "HR_Manager" schema.
2. Roles
Roles are a collection of privileges that can be granted to users or other roles. They simplify the management of privileges by allowing administrators to assign a set of permissions to a role, which can then be easily assigned to multiple users. Common roles in Oracle include "CONNECT," "RESOURCE," and "DBA."
Example: The "CONNECT" role typically includes privileges like creating sessions and basic database access. By granting the "CONNECT" role to a user, you enable them to connect to the database and perform basic operations.
3. Privileges
Privileges are permissions that allow users to perform specific actions on database objects. There are two types of privileges: system privileges and object privileges. System privileges allow users to perform actions at the database level (e.g., creating tables, dropping users), while object privileges allow users to perform actions on specific objects (e.g., selecting from a table, updating a view).
Example: The system privilege "CREATE TABLE" allows a user to create tables in their schema. The object privilege "SELECT" on a table named "Employees" allows a user to query data from that table.
4. Security Policies
Security policies define how access to database resources is controlled and monitored. Oracle Database 12c provides several built-in security features, such as password policies, auditing, and data encryption. These policies help ensure that only authorized users can access sensitive data and that all actions are logged for auditing purposes.
Example: A password policy can enforce rules like minimum password length, complexity requirements, and expiration dates. Auditing can track all actions performed by users, providing a detailed log for security analysis.
By understanding and implementing these concepts, you can effectively manage users and security in an Oracle Database 12c environment, ensuring that your data remains protected and accessible only to authorized individuals.