Implementing user-level security

[Dee]

I am working for the first time on a database for a group
of users outside my immediate group and need to implement
security so that only a certain group of users can modify
and delete data. I'm not sure I know the right steps and
would appreciate some help. I have some documentation from
a class I took that tells me I should start by creating a
new Workgroup Information file. I'm using Access 2000 and
when I go to the Tools,Security menu I don't see a
Workgroup Administrator option. ??

 

[Jeff Conrad]

I'm being as serious as possible here. Please get these
study materials on Access User Level Security BEFORE
proceeding with setting this up!

-Download the Security FAQ here (the Security Bible):
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=207793

-Download Jack Macdonald's Security Document:
http://www.geocities.com/jacksonmacd/AccessSecurity.html

Read Lynn Trapp's Ten Security Steps:
http://www.ltcomputerdesigns.com/Security.htm

I also found the security chapter in the Access
Developer's Handbook very useful:
http://www.developershandbook.com

Read ALL this material. Sleep on it. Read it again. Then
practice on some trial databases until you're really
comfortable with it. Always keep lots of backups!! The
Security Wizard in all versions seems to always miss an
important step or two so that's why it may be better to do
this on your own. It is a challenge and you will most
likely make mistakes along the way, but keep at it! If
you're running into problems, post back in this newsgroup.

There is a steep learning curve with *properly* setting up
User Level Security and I do not recommend just "jumping in."
You could very likely lock yourself out!

Good luck,
--
Jeff Conrad
Access Junkie
Bend, Oregon
Install the latest Windows Updates:
http://www.microsoft.com/security/security_bulletins/200404_windows.asp

 

[Joan Wild]

Hi Dee,

I am working for the first time on a database for a group
of users outside my immediate group and need to implement
security so that only a certain group of users can modify
and delete data. I'm not sure I know the right steps and
would appreciate some help. I have some documentation from
a class I took that tells me I should start by creating a
new Workgroup Information file. I'm using Access 2000 and
when I go to the Tools,Security menu I don't see a
Workgroup Administrator option. ??

The workgroup administrator didn't appear in that menu until Access 2002.
Prior to that you started it by using Start, Run, wrkgadm.exe

Before you get too far, I'd suggest you backup your database, download and
study the security FAQ. Follow every step outlined and practice on a copy
of your database. Also don't use the security wizard in 2000 - it's
useless. Follow the steps in the FAQ. It's available from

http://support.microsoft.com/?id=207793

Other good reading is the Security Whitepaper
http://support.microsoft.com/?id=148555

Lynn Trapp's
http://www.ltcomputerdesigns.com/Security.htm

Jack MacDonald's
www.geocities.com/jacksonmacd

 

[Dee]

Thanks Joan.
Serious business huh? I'll read up on it some more before
I begin.
-Dee

 

[Dee]

Thanks Jeff.
From your response and another I received, I guess I
better do a little more research/testing first.
-Dee

 

[Immanuel Sibero]

Hi Dee,

Serious business huh?

Yes, very serious You only need to browse a few messages on this forum
to see that. Missing a step or two can result in either the database still
being wide open (no security at all despite all your efforts) or totaly
closed where even you are locked out. The only way to do it right is to
follow the Security FAQ word for word. Train a lot, and back up a lot.

Immanuel Sibero

 

[Jeff Conrad]

Definitely!
Lots of extra coffee and aspirin doesn't hurt either.
;-)

Post back if you have problems when you start getting your feet wet.

--
Jeff Conrad
Access Junkie
Bend, Oregon
Install the latest Windows Updates:
http://www.microsoft.com/security/security_bulletins/200404_windows.asp