Mark, if you're looking for a REAL SECURE database to keep out people who KNOW what they're doing (like me), then Access ULS is not going to work for you. You need a database server like SQL SERVER. If you are looking for "good enough" security on semi-sensitive information - just to keep out Joe from Accounting who isn't necessarily tech-savvy, then ULS is just fine. You're right, there are some extra steps you can take to keep people out of the tables too, but again, it's not 100% secure. It's like a lock on a screen door.