Microsoft Access databases are not secure by default. Database security features are included in Microsoft Access but different versions of the database have different security weaknesses.

There is no single method of making a secure Access database. If you have the time, Microsoft provide instructions for manually encrypting passwords and enabling security. The security-enabling process can take half an hour per database even if you are technically knowledgeable.

My database security software, MDBSecure, makes the process of securing a database incredibly easy. Using my security utility, you never be put off making your databases secure again. My security software will aid you in closing any security gaps or loopholes in your organisation's data storage.

If you want to find out more about how my security software can help you protect your data, read on below.

Written by Jules Moorhouse.

• Features and functionality
• Background
• How to build / edit the code
• Installation

• An MS Access Security utility, providing protection for your databases.

• MDBSecure follows the recommended approach to securing Microsoft® Access databases, it will encrypt your access database and remove security weaknesses.

• SecFaq - Security FAQ (Recommended approach by Microsoft)

• Although nothing is ever 100% secure in computing, following this approach will make an MS Access Database more secure.

• For more information about the theory behind securing MS Access databases please see the SECFAQ from the internet archive. SECFAQ which is shortened from 'security FAQ' document.

• For more technical information on how MDBSecure works, download my Technical Database Security Information White Paper.

The functionality for MDBSecure was initially written as part of Ideaspad in 2002. I wanted try and make the data used by Ideaspad as secure as possible.

I didn’t want users to modify the data / structure and cause issues with Ideaspad.

Obviously MS Access isn’t bulletproof, however my aim was to make it as secure as possible.

I spent a lot of time researching MS Access security and figuring out the steps required.

Later I put all this functionality into the MDBSecure application.

You’ll need Microsoft Visual Basic .Net 2003, you can download this as part of your MSDN benefits.

You will also probably need to use Windows 7 or earlier.

Perhaps in the future I may upgrade this project if this becomes a popular request.

You’ll also need to install Microsoft Data Access Components 2.8.

I have included a Components folder which includes most of the required DLLs.

You’ll notice there are two project files for Ideaspad and a number of DLLs suffixed with Debug, these are added to one solution for easier debugging. (Why, well there needs to be separate solution to allow for obfuscating / strong name signing, which is used in the batch files.)

So the easiest way to compile the project is to open \CodeLibrary\SharewareProjs\MDBSecure\MDBSecureDebug.sln

However you can also use the batch files in the build folder, start with the DLLs.

You can install the app via MDBSecure.msi which will inform you about any system requirements you don't already have. Once installed, help is provided to guide you through the process.

Contributions for bug fixing or improvements are welcomed. Feel free to submit a pull request.

Usage is provided under the MIT License. See LICENSE for the full details.