Connecting from outside the server.
WHAT IT IS
Permitting a connection to your database from an address other than the server itself.
WHY YOU MIGHT WANT IT
Connecting a desktop database tool A reporting tool on another machine Development against the live database, which is rarely advisable
SETTING IT UP
cPanel > Remote MySQL. Add the IP address permitted to connect.
Then connect using your domain or server hostname as the host, rather than localhost, with the database username and password.
THE SECURITY POSITION
This exposes your database to the internet, restricted to the addresses you list.
Add specific addresses only. Never use a wildcard permitting everything, which is an invitation.
If your address changes, you must update the entry, which is inconvenient by design.
THE SAFER ALTERNATIVE
An SSH tunnel, where available. The database stays closed to the internet and the connection travels inside SSH.
Most database tools support this directly.
WHEN TO REMOVE IT
When the work is finished. Leaving remote access permitted indefinitely is an unnecessary exposure.
