Share Database Access Safely: Read-Only Roles, IP Allowlists, Temporary Credentials

Principles first

• Least privilege: start with read-only; elevate only if needed.
• Network guardrails: restrict by IP, VPN, or a bastion host—don’t open to the world.
• Short-lived secrets: time-box credentials and rotate often.

Practical workflow

1. Create a read-only role/user for the recipient (per person, not shared).
2. Allowlist their IP or require VPN/bastion. Avoid 0.0.0.0/0.
3. Deliver credentials via a one-time, expiring link and send the access code by a different channel. Basics: The Safe Way to Share Passwords in 2025 (No Email).
4. Set a review date: rotate or revoke after the task ends.

Operational hygiene

• No root/admin sharing. Keep privileged users few and logged.
• Store secrets in a password manager; never in repos or tickets. Dev tips: Share API Keys and .env Files (Safely).
• Audit access logs; if anything looks off, run a quick incident response: Leaked Passwords Playbook.

Useful external references

• OWASP: Authentication Cheat Sheet 🔗
• PostgreSQL: Role & user management 🔗
• MySQL: User account management 🔗

Related reading

Verify links before you click: Verify Links Like a Pro

Replace risky folders for one-off file delivery: Share Sensitive Photos and Documents Safely

Sweep old threads for exposed secrets: Audit Your Old Messages (90-Minute Sweep)

Bottom line

Per-user, read-only access with network guardrails—and secrets delivered ephemerally—beats “DM me the DB password” every time.

Secure One-Time Messages - Send confidential messages that self-destruct after being read once. Your privacy is our priority. →.