The database is among the most important assets in your business, as it is critical to your daily operations. But because it can store confidential and sensitive data, it makes sense to ensure that it is properly protected and secure at all times. Anything that could compromise your data or cause it to leak can be costly and disastrous. Knowing the most common database security issues can also help you prepare and set up appropriate defenses and protective solutions against them. Here are some of the issues to know:
1. Flaws in the database – Hackers can take advantage of flaws on the features of the database. You can prevent this with regular monitoring and security testing.
2. Unprotected backups – Sensitive backup data can be stolen and sold for profit or used against your organization. You can prevent these database security issues by encrypting even your backup files and applying stringent security standards.
3. Lack of security testing prior to deployment – Security issues can occur right on the database’s development stage when functional testing is not prioritized. You need to test the security of the website with different tests prior to deployment, too.
4. Broken database – Failing to update and apply regular patches to your systems and database can leave them prone to data leaks and other problems.
5. Data breaches and poor encryption – Some database security issues would arise from placing the database in the backend, so you can focus on preventing threats from the internet. However, with poor software security, network interfaces in your database can easily be found by hackers. This makes encryption an utmost priority.
Malicious and unauthorized users are able to steal data directly from your database files and backup files, but they can consider intercepting traffic or use the access permissions of an authorized user. They can also consider taking advantage of existing database security issues, like vulnerabilities within the RDBMS. Measures like restricting remote and physical access, applying data encryption, limiting network access, and encrypting network traffic can already make a difference in improving your security. Database audits and analysis and monitoring of access logs and any activity occurring within the database can also help. For this, you will need a good web-based secure database management tool.