After years working with PostgreSQL, one of the first things we install on any serious project is a trio of extensions that strengthen security, traceability and efficiency. If you need to know exactly who does what and how it impacts your database, these are our favourites:

credcheck

This extension lets you set robust password policies and credentials. You can require complex passwords, block common patterns and prevent password reuse. It’s essential in environments with strict authentication rules.

pgAudit

The PostgreSQL Audit extension provides detailed session and object logging. It records exactly what each user does—what queries they run, on which objects and when. Such detail helps reconstruct operations, detect unauthorised access and comply with auditing requirements.

pg_stat_statements

Knowing who did what is of limited value if you don’t know how it affects performance. The pg_stat_statements module tracks the planning and execution statistics of every SQL statement executed on the server . It lets you see which queries consume the most time and resources so you can prioritise optimisation.

Used together, these three extensions give you extraordinary visibility into your database: real‑time security and audit information, plus a solid foundation for performance tuning. If you need assistance installing them or interpreting the data they provide, get in touch—we’re happy to analyse your environment and help you get the most from PostgreSQL.