The choice of database server is an important consideration in the security of an OpenStack deployment. While security considerations are not the only basis on which a database server must be chosen, security considerations are the only ones within the scope of this book. In practice, OpenStack only supports two database types: PostgreSQL and MySQL. PostgreSQL has a number of desirable security features such as Kerberos authentication, object-level security, and encryption support. The PostgreSQL community has done well to provide solid guidance, documentation, and tooling to promote positive security practices. MySQL has a large community, wide-spread adoption, and provides high availability options. MySQL also has the ability to provide enhanced client authentication by way of plug-in authentication mechanisms. Forked distributions in the MySQL community provide many options for consideration. It is important to choose a specific implementation of MySQL based on a thorough evaluation of the security posture and the level of support provided for the given distribution.

Those deploying MySQL or PostgreSQL are advised to refer to existing security guidance. Some references are listed below: MySQL: OWASP MySQL Hardening MySQL Pluggable Authentication Security in MySQL PostgreSQL: OWASP PostgreSQL Hardening Total security in a PostgreSQL database