How to Enable, Suspend, and Resume TDE Encryption Scans in SQL Server Always On

 

Transparent Data Encryption (TDE) is a crucial security feature in SQL Server that protects data at rest by encrypting database files. In an Always On availability group, managing TDE encryption scans efficiently is essential to ensure minimal performance impact and seamless data protection. This guide will walk you through the process of enabling, suspending, and resuming TDE encryption scans in SQL Server Always On, helping you maintain security while optimizing system performance. Whether you need to temporarily pause encryption scans for maintenance or resume them after an interruption, these steps will ensure smooth database operations.

For encrypting an SQL Server database, please review Encrypt an Existing MS SQL Server 2019 Database in an Always On Environment Using TDE

How to Decrypt a TDE-Enabled Database in a SQL Server Always On Environment

 

There could be various reasons for removing an existing TDE (Transparent Data Encryption) implementation from SQL Server databases. You may be considering an alternative encryption solution, experiencing performance issues, or needing to share a copy of the database or its backup with other business units that do not support TDE. Regardless of the reason, properly decrypting a TDE-enabled database in a SQL Server Always On environment requires careful execution to ensure data integrity and minimize downtime. In this guide, we will walk through the steps to safely remove TDE encryption from a database while maintaining availability and security.

For encrypting an SQL Server database, please review Encrypt an Existing MS SQL Server 2019 Database in an Always On Environment Using TDE

Configuring a Second Listener on EXACC ASM Cluster to fix Cluster ASM monitoring Issues in Oracle OEM

1. Introducing the Issue

Recently, we encountered an issue in our OEM while trying to monitor the EXACC ASM Cluster. This is my EXACC cluster configuration in OCI.

The OEM displayed the cluster status as down, despite all configurations being correct. The error was as follows: 

"failed to connect: java.sql.sqlrecoverableexception: listener refused the connection with the following error: ora-12514, tns:listener does not currently know of service requested in connect descriptor"

Enhancing Query Performance: Leveraging In-Memory Optimized Dates in Oracle 23ai

In-Memory Column Store

Unlike traditional row-based storage, The In-Memory Column Store (IM column store) stores tables and partitions in memory using a columnar format optimized for rapid scans. This columnar format is optimized for analytical workloads, allowing for efficient scanning of specific columns without needing to read entire rows. 

In-Memory Optimized Dates

To enhance the performance of DATE-based queries DATE components (i.e. DAY, MONTH, YEAR) can be extracted and populated in the IM column store leveraging the In-Memory Expressions framework. This approach enables faster query processing on DATE columns, significantly improving the performance of date-based analytic queries.

Enhancing Efficiency in Oracle 23ai: Using the Automatic SQL Transpiler

 

What is Context Switching between PL/SQL and SQL?

The PL/SQL engine is a virtual machine that resides in memory and processes the PL/SQL m-code instructions. When the PL/SQL engine encounters an SQL statement, a context switch is made to pass the SQL statement to the Oracle server processes. The PL/SQL engine waits for the SQL statement to complete and for the results to be returned before it continues to process subsequent statements in the PL/SQL block. 

In other words, context switching in Oracle databases refers to the overhead incurred when control shifts between the SQL engine and the PL/SQL engine during the execution of mixed SQL and PL/SQL code. The two engines operate in different runtime environments, so when you run SQL statements within PL/SQL code, the database has to 'switch' between these environments. This switching can cause performance degradation.

Automatic PL/SQL to SQL Transpiler

PL/SQL functions within SQL statements are automatically converted (transpiled) into SQL expressions whenever possible.

Exploring Bigfile Tablespaces with Default Settings in oracle 23ai

BIGFILE Tablespace

A bigfile tablespace is a tablespace with a single, but large datafile. Traditional small file tablespaces, in contrast, typically contain multiple datafiles, but the files cannot be as large. Making SYSUAX, SYSTEM and USER tablespaces bigfile by default will benefit large databases by reducing the number of datafiles, thereby simplifying datafile, tablespace and overall global database management for users.

Securing Your Oracle Database: Step-by-Step Guide to Configuring and Using DBSAT

Oracle Database Security Assessment Tool (DBSAT) is a popular command-line tool that helps identify areas where your database configuration, operation, or implementation introduces risks and recommends changes and controls to mitigate those risks. This tool is essential for database administrators and security professionals who want to ensure their Oracle environments are protected against both internal and external threats.