Security tools
Configure PostgreSQL security and access control
PostgreSQL security operates at multiple layers: network-level access control via pg_hba.conf, role-based permissions with GRANT/REVOKE, row-level security (RLS) policies, and column-level encryption. Getting any layer wrong can either lock out legitimate users or expose data to unauthorized access.
The pg_hba.conf file is PostgreSQL's first line of defense, controlling which hosts can connect, which users they can authenticate as, and what authentication method is used. Common mistakes include using trust authentication in production (anyone can connect without a password), overly broad CIDR ranges, and not enforcing scram-sha-256 over the legacy md5 method. The file is processed top-to-bottom with first-match-wins semantics, so rule ordering matters.
These tools help you generate secure pg_hba.conf configurations, audit existing access rules, and implement the principle of least privilege. The AI assistant understands PostgreSQL-specific security patterns including SSL certificate authentication, LDAP integration, and how to structure roles for multi-tenant applications.
Common problems
- Using `trust` or `md5` authentication instead of `scram-sha-256`
- Overly permissive pg_hba.conf rules allowing unintended network access
- Granting superuser privileges instead of specific role-based permissions
- Missing row-level security on multi-tenant tables
- Not enforcing SSL connections for remote access