As the sme server is only used as mysql database server, we consider now to remain with v9. Hope.a similar solution as in the previous versions of sme server will become avaiable in v10, as I also understand that not upgrading poses risks as well.
Don't. Upgrade. For your own safety. v9 is CentOS 6 is EOL. No further updates of any kind. No support from us either.
As JP said:
sme 10 will do the same as sme9 in term of network access for mysql.
The same options are available on v10.
The ONLY thing we have said is DO NOT expose MySQL over an open network unless you either use a VPN OR use Mysql encryption which is outside of scope for us currently.
That is because all database access is in plain text and easy to read.
So if you want hackers to read all your passwords, just expose it to rest of the world.
So never, ever, set the access as public unless you want your server hacked and your data stolen.