SQL Server provides various tools and methods to maintain a secure environment and several methods to involve tracking and logging of events that occur in the system. It is essential for DBAs and System Administrators to implement a defensive strategy to avoid any breach of security and meet the necessary compliance to audit the data platform.

The security is an integral part of SQL Server 2005 and 2008. SQL Server 2008 introduces the native capability of auditing from instance level to database-scoped activity in addition to C2 audit mode. In this recipe, we will go through the essential steps to implement auditing and service level security features using SQL Server 2008 R2.