Microsoft EA and MPSA Online Services are moving to standardised pricing. This change could impact costs and make CSP a better option for flexibility and value.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
VENDOR RELATIONSHIPS
FROM THE DESK OF THE MD
Why 24/7 DB Admin Outsourcing Outperforms In-House DBAs
Partner with Ascent Technology for 24/7 Managed DBA Services backed by certified expertise, guaranteed response times, and ISO 27001 governance. Key Takeaways Database management is now a 24/7 responsibility, with performance, security, and compliance requiring...
From Complexity to Clarity – Why Microsoft Fabric Matters Now
Discover why Microsoft Fabric is central to Microsoft’s Data & AI strategy, and how Ascent Technology helps organisations unify data, simplify operations, and achieve AI-driven success. Key Takeways Microsoft Fabric unifies data on a single platform, eliminating silos...
Building the Microsoft Cloud Foundation for AI Success
Discover how Ascent Technology’s Modernise–Optimise–Protect framework, powered by Microsoft Fabric, OneLake, and Copilot, builds secure, AI-ready platforms that unlock business value. Key Takeways AI success starts with a modern, unified foundation – Microsoft Fabric...
CAMPAIGNS
Azure by Credit Card vs CSP: Why Finance & IT Prefer CSP
Still paying Microsoft for Azure by credit card? Discover why finance and IT leaders prefer the CSP model for predictable billing, built-in partner support, cost optimisation, and long-term value. Key Takeways Credit card billing creates risk - Failed or expired...
Prepare for SQL Server 2014 End of Support
On July 9, 2024, support for SQL Server 2014 ended. That means the end of regular security updates. Don't let your infrastructure and applications go unprotected. We're here to help you migrate to current versions for greater security, performance and innovation....
Prepare for SQL Server 2012 End of Support
On July 12, 2022, support for SQL Server 2012 ended. That means the end of regular security updates. Don't let your infrastructure and applications go unprotected. We're here to help you migrate to current versions for greater security, performance and innovation....
NEWSFLASHES
Microsoft Tiered EA/MPSA Pricing Ends – Explore the CSP Advantage
Standardised pricing will replace Microsoft’s long-standing tiered discount model - prompting many organisations to review the CSP programme for its cost savings, licensing flexibility, and simplified management. Microsoft Tiered EA/MPSA Pricing Ends Microsoft will...
Ascent Technology’s clients benefit from Data Platform Modernisation
Facing platform ‘end of life’ issues together with increasing pressures to digitise processes, increase profitability and innovate on product and service, organisations are finding Data Platform Modernisation projects can deliver significant value by enabling IT cost...
CLIENT CASE STUDIES
DB Administration, Security and Compliance for First Distribution
First Distribution’s Database Administration, Security and Compliance needs lead it to trusted advisor, Ascent Technology. For any large organisation, Database Administration (DBA) is a vital part of maintaining their Data Platform Operations effectively. As it has...
Ascent Technology helps Bidfood SA migrate to Microsoft Azure
When Bidfood SA chose to modernise and migrate its data platform to Microsoft Azure, it turned to Ascent Technology for help. In a world that is digitally transforming, it is more vital than ever to an organisation’s success to utilise the latest platforms to drive...
Ascent Technology helps migrate Phumelela Gaming to Azure
A Windows Server and SQL Server consolidation, optimisation and migration to Microsoft Azure enables the company to reduce costs, modernise its data platform and boost its innovation capabilities. As an operator running two distinct betting businesses, Phumelela...
AWARDS AND ACCOLADES
Microsoft Data and Analytics Partner of the Year Finalist
Ascent Technology continues its strong showing in the Microsoft Partner of the Year awards, as a finalist in the Data and Analytics Partner of the Year award. Finalist Data and Analytics Partner of the Year "It is always gratifying to be recognised by Microsoft as one...
Database Security and Compliance with DB Shield
DB Shield delivers continuous protection, monitoring, and compliance reporting for your mission-critical databases – ensuring your data stays secure, auditable, and always under control.
Why Database Security and Compliance Matter
Data is the lifeblood of every organisation – and databases remain the primary target for both external attacks and insider misuse. Yet, many businesses still lack the visibility and control needed to detect unauthorised access, prevent data leakage, or prove compliance with regulatory standards.
As cyber threats evolve and data privacy laws tighten, database security and compliance have become business-critical priorities. Failing to secure sensitive information not only increases the risk of data breaches and downtime, but also exposes organisations to reputational damage, financial penalties, and legal consequences.
Ascent Technology’s DB Shield Service addresses these challenges head-on. It delivers continuous monitoring, advanced threat detection, and automated compliance reporting – helping you secure your databases, protect sensitive data, and demonstrate adherence to regulations such as GDPR, POPIA, PCI DSS, and ISO 27001.
As a certified ISO 27001 Information Security Management organisation, Ascent Technology applies the same governance and control principles internally that we help our clients achieve – ensuring every DB Shield engagement aligns with the highest standards of data protection and operational security.
With over two decades of proven expertise, Ascent Technology has been helping organisations modernise, optimise, and protect their database environments since 2003.
Positioned under Ascent’s Modernise – Optimise – Protect framework, DB Shield forms the “Protect” pillar of your database and data-platform strategy – safeguarding critical information across on-premises, virtual, and cloud environments.
How DB Shield Works
DB Shield provides a layered approach to database protection – combining continuous monitoring, vulnerability detection, and compliance automation within a single, unified service.
It safeguards your data by detecting unauthorised access, assessing configuration and patch status, enforcing policy controls, and generating the reports auditors need to verify compliance.
| Stage | What It Does | Business Value |
|---|---|---|
| Discovery & Classification | The first step in securing any database environment is knowing exactly what you have and where sensitive data resides. Automatically identifies all databases and classifies sensitive data across on-premises, virtual, and cloud environments. | Creates visibility for compliance, governance, and risk-management initiatives. |
| Activity Monitoring & Threat Detection | Once visibility is established, continuous monitoring ensures that every login, query, and configuration change is accounted for. Continuously monitors logins, queries, and configuration changes to detect unauthorised or abnormal activity in real time. | Prevents breaches, privilege misuse, and policy violations before they escalate. |
| Vulnerability & Configuration Assessment | Security is only as strong as your configuration and patch posture. Evaluates patch levels, configuration settings, and known vulnerabilities, applying “virtual patching” when updates can’t be immediately deployed. | Reduces exposure to exploits and zero-day threats without downtime or vendor dependency. |
| Policy Enforcement & Access Control | Once vulnerabilities are addressed, DB Shield ensures governance through controlled access and policy enforcement. Applies fine-grained rules to restrict high-risk operations, enforce segregation of duties, and ensure compliance with least-privilege principles. | Strengthens governance and accountability across database environments. |
| Automated Reporting & Compliance Evidence | Finally, every monitored action and enforced control is captured in structured audit reports for ongoing compliance validation. Generates scheduled reports, alerts, and audit trails aligned with major compliance frameworks such as GDPR, POPIA, PCI DSS, and ISO 27001. | Simplifies audits and ensures continuous regulatory readiness. |
Benefits of DB Shield
DB Shield provides tangible business and technical benefits that safeguard data, simplify compliance, and improve database performance.
- Immediate Visibility – Gain a unified view of all database activity, access, and changes – across every supported platform and environment.
- Real-Time Threat Detection – Identify and block suspicious or unauthorised actions before they compromise data integrity or availability.
- Stronger Compliance Posture – Maintain alignment with GDPR, POPIA, PCI DSS, and ISO 27001 through automated audit trails and scheduled compliance reporting.
- No Capex Required – DB Shield is delivered as a flexible subscription service – rapidly deployed with no additional infrastructure investment.
- Cross-Platform Protection – Supports Microsoft SQL Server, Oracle Database, MySQL, MariaDB, MongoDB, PostgreSQL, EnterpriseDB and Amazon RDS.
- Peace of Mind – Continuous monitoring, expert oversight, and recurring operational reports keep you informed of current risks and actions.
Ready to see how DB Shield can protect your data?
Contact Us About DB Shield.
How DB Shield Complements Other Ascent Services
DB Shield forms part of Ascent Technology’s integrated database and data-platform service suite – working seamlessly alongside our Database Administration and Support Service (DB Admin) and Database System Health Check Service (DB Health) to deliver complete data assurance.
With DB Admin: DB Shield adds a continuous layer of security and compliance monitoring, strengthening the resilience of your managed databases.
With DB Health: DB Shield ensures performance optimisation and configuration tuning are backed by verified protection and compliance enforcement.
Together: These services deliver end-to-end database excellence – ensuring your systems are modernised, optimised, and protected for long-term success.
Positioned within Ascent’s Modernise – Optimise – Protect framework, DB Shield represents the Protect pillar – safeguarding the data foundation that powers your organisation’s most critical systems.
Typical Compliance Frameworks Supported
DB Shield supports compliance with the world’s most recognised data-protection and governance standards. By aligning database activity monitoring, access control, and reporting to these frameworks, organisations can confidently demonstrate due diligence and maintain continuous regulatory readiness.
Ascent Technology is an ISO 27001-certified organisation, maintaining a comprehensive Information Security Management System (ISMS).
This certification underpins our commitment to protecting client data, enforcing strong access controls, and maintaining continuous compliance across all DB Shield deployments.
| Regulation | Key Requirement Addressed | How DB Shield Helps |
|---|---|---|
| GDPR / POPIA | Mandates data protection by design, accountability, and breach prevention. | DB Shield tracks all database access and changes, helping ensure data privacy, auditable controls, and rapid incident response. |
| PCI DSS | Requires protection of cardholder data and continuous logging of access to sensitive systems. | DB Shield captures and monitors all database activity, maintaining secure audit trails and real-time alerts for high-risk events. |
| ISO 27001 | Specifies controls for information-security management and audit logging. | DB Shield enforces access policies, ensures traceability, and provides documented evidence for audits and ISMS certification. |
| NIST SP 800-53 | Defines security and privacy controls for system and data protection. | DB Shield strengthens Access Control (AC), Audit (AU), and Configuration Management (CM) control families through continuous monitoring and reporting. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
| What types of databases does DB Shield support? |
| DB Shield Supports Microsoft SQL Server, Oracle Database, MySQL, MariaDB, MongoDB, PostgreSQL, EnterpriseDB and Amazon RDS. |
| Does DB Shield impact database performance? |
| No. The service uses lightweight, non-intrusive monitoring with minimal resource overhead, ensuring production systems remain stable and unaffected. |
| Can DB Shield help with compliance audits? |
| Yes. Automated audit trails, alerts, and scheduled reports provide verifiable evidence for GDPR, POPIA, PCI DSS, and ISO 27001 compliance assessments. |
| How quickly can DB Shield be deployed? |
| Most environments can be onboarded within days. The service provides immediate visibility and reporting from the moment monitoring begins. |
| Is DB Shield available as a managed service? |
| Yes. DB Shield is delivered as a fully managed subscription service, supported by Ascent’s expert database consultants and security specialists. |
| Does DB Shield integrate with other Ascent services? |
| Absolutely. DB Shield complements our Database Administration and Support Service (DB Admin) and Database System Health Check Service (DB Health) as part of Ascent’s Modernise – Optimise – Protect framework. |
Enterprises across multiple sectors trust Ascent Technology’s DB Shield Service to maintain compliance, strengthen audit readiness, and protect sensitive data around the clock.
Start Securing Your Databases Today
Don’t wait for a security incident or audit finding to expose vulnerabilities in your environment. Ascent Technology’s DB Shield Service gives you the visibility, control, and confidence to protect your databases and maintain continuous compliance.
Contact Us today to schedule a consultation and discover how DB Shield can help safeguard your critical data assets – on-premises, in the cloud, or across hybrid environments.