Connect to remote mySQL database via ODBC?

Is this possible?

[sun818]

I am looking to populate a local table with some data from a remote mySQL on demand via ODBC (Windows). Is this standard feature for mySQL? This access would only be allowed from one static IP (mine) and no one else could have remote access.

[txbakers]

Sure is.

But it's not a great idea to open the database up across the big bad internet.

You just set the ODBC name to find the remote server.

[sun818]

I see - I take the connection would not be encrypted so any data passing over TCP/IP could be sniffed by anyone. It is customer data (address details, credit card stuff), but I would want some security in the transmission method.

[txbakers]

The database is by default listening on port 3306, and I suppose it might be possible to send it through an SSL, but a VPN might be a more secure solution.

Databases are easy targets when opened to the internet that way.