What configuration must be done to allow access to a SQL database through a public endpoint?

To allow access to a SQL database through a public endpoint, updating the firewall access list is essential. This configuration enables specific client IP addresses or IP address ranges to connect to the SQL database over the internet. By default, many database services have their firewalls configured to deny all traffic except for specified sources. Therefore, modifying the firewall rules to include the IP addresses that require access is a crucial step in granting permission for connections from external sources.

This approach enhances security by ensuring that only authorized users or systems, identified by their IP addresses, can reach the database, while all other traffic remains blocked. It is a fundamental practice to safeguard databases from unauthorized access while still allowing legitimate traffic.

On the other hand, while encryption settings, VPN connections, and active directory authentication are important components of database security and user authentication, they do not directly relate to the initial step of allowing access through a public endpoint. Each of those components serves a distinct purpose—such as securing data in transit (encryption), creating secure private network connections (VPN), or managing identity and access (active directory authentication)—but they do not enable access in the absence of proper firewall configurations.