EoL software and MSP insurance requirements
Here at Automation Theory, we advocate for keeping Automate’s MySQL database patched for typical security/performance/stability reasons. However, we’ve recently seen clients purchase our MySQL maintenance packages for cyber insurance reasons — a trend we hadn’t seen before. One client explained that his insurance carrier added a clause that claims wouldn’t be covered if the software […]
MySQL 5.7 End of Life: What Connectwise Automate admins need to know
The MySQL 5.7 end-of-life date is October 21, 2023. Many Connectwise Automate partners are on MySQL 5.7, so here at Automation Theory, we wanted to clarify what that means for the day-to-day operations of Automate and how to take action. End of Life: Just like Windows Software end-of-life with Oracle is the same as with […]
How to pwn an Automate server: Connectwise Automate LAN Security
ConnectWise Automate security is something at the forefront of discussion for every MSP. Previously we’ve discussed security from the WAN angle, and how reverse proxy technology can be implemented to reduce the attack surface. However, internal LAN communications can also be an attack vector, and here at Automation Theory, we wanted to give proper attention […]
Connectwise Automate MySQL 8 Support: What it means for Automate administrators
Connectwise Automate MySQL 8 support is scheduled to arrive in October 2021. This will also introduce formal support for Windows Server 2019 to Automate. Here at Automation Theory, we wanted to clarify what that means for the day-to-day operations for Automate, and how to take action. MySQL 8: What’s new? MySQL has a long and […]
Breaking Database Permission Changes in Automate 2021.1
After applying the Connectwise Automate 2021.1 patch, several partners reported different issues, unrelated to the database authentication changes. The symptoms varied from plugins not functioning to certain SQL queries not working, to issues with custom tables, all the way to major application issues. The cause of these issues can be traced back to permission changes. […]
Connectwise Automate MySQL user changes in patch 2021.1
Automate patch 2021.1 includes major changes to application user authentication and the interactions with MySQL. Below we describe what changed and what Automate administrators need to know. What changed? Previously each user in Automate had a matching user in MySQL with the same password. This allowed for integrations and administrators to authenticate to the database […]
MySQL 5.6 End of Life: What Connectwise Automate admins need to know
The MySQL 5.6 end of life date is February 5, 2021. Many Connectwise Automate partners are on MySQL 5.6, so here at Automation Theory, we wanted to clarify what that means for the day-to-day operations for Automate, and how to take action. End of Life: Just like Windows End of life in the Oracle world […]
Top 5 myths about the Automate Database
As we begin discussing myths about the Connectwise Automate database, we’d like to go on record and say that most of the published information is wrong or misleading. Databases are extremely complex, and most of the existing tuning or maintenance advise is not holistic in nature — it treats symptoms and not the root causes. […]
Automate Security: Prevent unauthorized users from being created
In light of the recent security vulnerabilities, many Connectwise partners are starting to monitor Automate for the creation of user accounts in Automate (among other security layers). Like all parts of IT security, more is generally better, and prevention is better than cure. With regards to SQL injection of privileged accounts, we can handle this […]
MySQL for Automate 101: Building Reports
Leveraging the database of Automate can be intimidating, especially for partners who don’t have previous database experience. With the release of our new plugin Database Commander, we wanted to create an introductory guide to using MySQL in Automate, and simultaneously demonstrate the features of the plugin. Please note that you can use any MySQL query […]