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Database Security

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Sapna Sharma
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90 views

Database Security

Uploaded by

Sapna Sharma
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Database Security: Introduc on, Threats, and Countermeasures

Introduc on:

Database security refers to the protec on of data stored in a database from unauthorized access,
tampering, and other malicious ac vi es. Databases hold sensi ve and cri cal informa on for
organiza ons, making them a rac ve targets for cybera acks. Effec ve database security involves a
combina on of technological, procedural, and administra ve measures to ensure the confiden ality,
integrity, and availability of data.

Threats to Database Security:

1. Unauthorized Access: Unauthorized users gaining access to the database, either by exploi ng
vulnerabili es or using stolen creden als.

2. Data Leakage: Sensi ve informa on being leaked to unauthorized par es, o en due to poor
access controls or misconfigura ons.

3. SQL Injec on: Malicious SQL statements are injected into user inputs to manipulate or access the
database.

4. Malware and Ransomware: Malicious so ware can infect databases, steal data, or hold it ransom.

5. Insider Threats: Authorized individuals with malicious intent accessing, manipula ng, or leaking
data.

6. Data Tampering: Unauthorized modifica on of data to manipulate records or disrupt business


opera ons.

7. Denial of Service (DoS): A ackers overwhelm the database with excessive requests, leading to a
slowdown or complete outage.

8. Weak Authen ca on and Authoriza on: Poorly managed user access privileges that can lead to
unauthorized ac ons within the database.

9. Insecure Configura ons: Poorly configured databases with default se ngs or unnecessary services
enabled.

10. Lack of Encryp on: Data transmission and storage without encryp on can lead to data
intercep on and the .

Countermeasures:

1. Access Control:

- Implement strong authen ca on mechanisms like mul -factor authen ca on (MFA).

- Use role-based access control (RBAC) to assign specific privileges based on user roles.

- Regularly review and update access permissions.


2. Encryp on:

- Employ encryp on for data at rest and data in transit using protocols like TLS/SSL.

- Implement encryp on mechanisms for sensi ve fields within the database.

3. Patch Management:

- Keep database management systems and so ware up to date with the latest security patches.

- Regularly review and apply security updates to the opera ng system and related so ware.

4. Intrusion Detec on and Preven on:

- Implement intrusion detec on and preven on systems to monitor database ac vi es and detect
suspicious behavior.

- Set up alerts for poten al security breaches or anomalies.

5. SQL Injec on Preven on:

- Input valida on and parameterized queries to prevent SQL injec on a acks.

- Use web applica on firewalls (WAFs) to detect and block malicious SQL queries.

6. Backup and Recovery:

- Regularly back up the database and test data restora on procedures.

- Store backups in secure loca ons to mi gate data loss due to a acks.

7. Audi ng and Monitoring:

- Implement audi ng to track user ac vi es and changes to the database.

- Monitor logs and set up alerts for unusual or suspicious ac vi es.

8. Training and Awareness:

- Educate employees about best prac ces in database security and the poten al risks of data
breaches.

- Promote a security-conscious culture within the organiza on.

9. Vendor Security Assessment:


- Assess the security prac ces of third-party vendors providing database-related services.

10. Data Masking and Redac on:

- Mask sensi ve data so that it remains confiden al even to authorized users who don't need to
see the full informa on.

- Implement data redac on to selec vely show parts of sensi ve data.

Database security is an ongoing process that requires a combina on of technical solu ons, policies,
and user awareness. By implemen ng a robust security strategy, organiza ons can effec vely
safeguard their valuable data from a variety of threats.

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