What is the best/secure way to backup a mysql database on windows server (2008)? I have "MySQL Administrator" but that requires that you save passwords for backup project. I'm not keen on doing as anyone gaining access to the server would then have easy access to the database. Can you do anything similar to SQL Server like using Windows authentication. If not what is the most secure (and practical) way of backups. Lastly, what are the privileges needed to backup a database? I have created a single user just for this task. Please advise.