How to Check Last Password Change in SQL Server

In SQL Server, tracking the last password change of a user is crucial for maintaining security and compliance. This process involves querying system views and functions that store information about user logins and their password history. Understanding how to retrieve this data can help administrators ensure that passwords are updated regularly and in accordance with security policies. This guide will walk you through the steps to check the last password change in SQL Server, using various methods and tools available within the database management system.

To check the last password change in SQL Server, follow these methods:

1. Using SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS): SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) is a powerful tool for managing SQL Server instances. To find the last password change date for a specific user:

   a. Connect to your SQL Server instance using SSMS.

   b. Open a new query window.

   c. Run the following SQL query:

   sql
   SELECT name, password_last_set_time
   FROM sys.sql_logins
   WHERE name = 'your_username';
   

   Replace 'your_username' with the username of the account you are investigating. This query will return the date and time when the password was last set.

2. Using the sys.sql_logins View: The sys.sql_logins system view contains information about SQL Server logins, including the date of the last password change. To retrieve this information:

   a. Execute the following SQL query:

   sql
   SELECT name, password_last_set_time
   FROM sys.sql_logins;
   

   This will provide a list of all SQL logins along with their respective last password set times.

3. Using the sys.server_principals and sys.sql_logins Views: If you need to cross-reference the login information with other principal details:

   a. Execute this query:

   sql
   SELECT sp.name AS PrincipalName, sl.password_last_set_time
   FROM sys.server_principals AS sp
   INNER JOIN sys.sql_logins AS sl
   ON sp.sid = sl.sid
   WHERE sp.type = 'S'; -- 'S' stands for SQL Server login
   

   This query joins the sys.server_principals view with sys.sql_logins to provide a comprehensive list of SQL Server logins and their last password set times.

4. Using T-SQL Scripts for Specific User Accounts: For detailed tracking of a specific user or group of users, you might use more complex T-SQL scripts:

   a. Create a stored procedure or script to automate the checking process. For example:

   sql
   CREATE PROCEDURE GetPasswordChangeDetails
   @username NVARCHAR(128)
   AS
   BEGIN
       SELECT sp.name AS PrincipalName, sl.password_last_set_time
       FROM sys.server_principals AS sp
       INNER JOIN sys.sql_logins AS sl
       ON sp.sid = sl.sid
       WHERE sp.name = @username;
   END;
   

   You can then execute this procedure with the desired username to get the last password change details.

5. Understanding Password Expiration Policies: SQL Server allows administrators to set password expiration policies. To check these policies and understand their impact on password changes:

   a. Query the password policy settings:

   sql
   SELECT name, is_policy_checked, is_expiration_checked
   FROM sys.sql_logins;
   

   This will help you understand if password policies are enabled and whether they affect password expiration.

6. Using SQL Server Audits: For organizations requiring detailed auditing of login activities, SQL Server provides auditing features:

   a. Set up SQL Server Audit:

   sql
   CREATE SERVER AUDIT PasswordChangeAudit
   TO FILE (FILEPATH = 'C:\AuditLogs\', MAXSIZE = 10 GB, MAX_FILES = 5, FILE_FALLBACK = ON)
   WITH (ON_FAILURE = CONTINUE);
   
   CREATE SERVER AUDIT SPECIFICATION PasswordChangeAuditSpec
   FOR SERVER AUDIT PasswordChangeAudit
   ADD (DATABASE_OBJECT_CHANGE_GROUP);
   
   ALTER SERVER AUDIT PasswordChangeAudit WITH (STATE = ON);
   

   This audit will track changes to database objects, including password modifications.

Additional Tips:

• Regular Monitoring: Regularly monitor password changes and review the logs to ensure compliance with security policies.
• Security Policies: Enforce strong password policies and change management procedures to minimize the risk of unauthorized access.
• Documentation: Maintain detailed documentation of all queries, scripts, and procedures used for tracking and managing passwords.

By utilizing these methods, SQL Server administrators can effectively monitor and manage password changes, ensuring robust security and compliance across their database environments.