Enable Database Auditing in oracle

ENABLE AUDITING IN ORACLE DATABASE

Enabling Auditing in Oracle Database

Auditing in Oracle Database helps track and monitor database activities, which is essential for security and compliance. By default, auditing is disabled, but you can enable it and configure its settings based on your requirements.

1. Understanding Auditing Parameters

To begin with, check the current auditing configuration using SQL*Plus:

sql

    SQL> SHOW PARAMETER AUDIT

Expected Output:

NAME                                 TYPE        VALUE
------------------------------------ ----------- ------------------------------
audit_file_dest                      string      C:\ORACLE\PRODUCT\10.2.0\ADMIN
                                                 \DB10G\ADUMP
audit_sys_operations                 boolean     FALSE
audit_trail                          string      NONE

2. Auditing Parameters and Their Values

The AUDIT_TRAIL parameter controls the type of auditing and can be set to one of the following values:

• NONE: Auditing is disabled.
• db: Auditing is enabled, with records stored in the database audit trail (SYS.AUD$).
• db,extended: As db, but includes SQL_BIND and SQL_TEXT columns in the audit records.
• xml: Auditing is enabled, with records stored as XML files in the operating system.
• xml,extended: As xml, but includes SQL_BIND and SQL_TEXT columns.
• OS: Auditing is enabled, with records directed to the operating system’s audit trail.

3. Enabling Auditing in the Database

To enable auditing and store audit records in the database audit trail, follow these steps:

1. Set the AUDIT_TRAIL Parameter:

   Execute the following command to set the parameter:

   sql

   This command updates the AUDIT_TRAIL parameter in the server parameter file (SPFILE).

            SQL> ALTER SYSTEM SET audit_trail=db SCOPE=SPFILE;

1. Restart the Database:

   For the changes to take effect, restart the database:

   sql:
   SQL> SHUTDOWN
   Database closed.
   Database dismounted.
   ORACLE instance shut down.
   
   SQL> STARTUP
   ORACLE instance started.
   
   Total System Global Area  289406976 bytes
   Fixed Size                  1248600 bytes
   Variable Size              71303848 bytes
   Database Buffers          213909504 bytes
   Redo Buffers                2945024 bytes
   Database mounted.
   Database opened.
   

   Note: The auditing changes will only take effect after restarting the database.

4. Verifying Auditing Configuration

After the restart, confirm that the auditing settings are applied:

sql

    SQL> SHOW PARAMETER AUDIT

Expected Output:

NAME                                 TYPE        VALUE
------------------------------------ ----------- ------------------------------
audit_file_dest                      string      C:\ORACLE\PRODUCT\10.2.0\ADMIN
                                                 \DB10G\ADUMP
audit_sys_operations                 boolean     FALSE
audit_trail                          string      DB

5. Additional Considerations

• Auditing Specific Actions: To audit specific actions (e.g., DDL commands, logins), use the AUDIT command in SQL*Plus.

• Review Audit Records: Query the SYS.AUD$ table to review audit records.

  sql:

    SELECT * FROM SYS.AUD$;

• Managing Audit Data: Regularly manage and archive audit data to prevent excessive growth of audit tables.

By enabling and configuring auditing, you can enhance security and ensure that your database activities are properly monitored and recorded.

Note: Enabling and Disabling the auditing in the database will only take effect after a db restart.