secure db access

[Bob Ababurko]

hello-

I am looking to hear from people how they secure their databases for admin access. I hope you dont have your databases exposed to the world....well I know that some people choose to do it this way, but I am looking to implement a firewall. I want to know what methods people are using to securely access the database from the world(read Internet) to provide access to the db for admin pruposes, such as the Mysql Administrator.

If you have implemented software, vpn, or hardware, please specify what so I can investigate these ideas.

TIA,
Bob