Best Practices In Addressing The Database Security

How businesses perform largely depends on how efficiently they can make use of vast amounts of business data. As data changes every second and evolves rapidly, growth opportunities acquire new dimensions and present new challenges for businesses. This is true for companies of all sizes, not just large enterprises, which is why it’s essential to manage databases efficiently by utilising professional database management. Database management companies become the custodians of company databases, ensuring the health and security of the data. In addition to protecting data from breaches, these companies must ensure a proper data recovery system is in place in case of a disaster. This is crucial for business continuity.

Living With Data Breaches

Data breaches of all kinds, major and minor, keep occurring, and organisations have to adapt. The use of cloud computing has increased the need for data security. For smooth business operations, incidences of breaches should be few and far between. Even if they happen, the security measures in place for protecting databases should address the problems. However, if data breaches occur frequently, it suggests the security system is inadequate or the company leadership isn’t doing enough to protect databases.

Data Threats Get Sophisticated

As cloud storage becomes more common, it becomes evident that data breaches and security failures are not isolated incidents. According to a survey conducted in 2014, databases are the most vulnerable corporate data assets and, considering their critical nature, require the most attention for data protection. The information contained in databases is highly valuable, making them targets for hacking by competitors and business rivals. They know that not all companies give databases the necessary attention for secure protection.

The threats to data security are becoming more organised and sophisticated, and companies must act with extra caution to ensure data breaches are minimal. Even if breaches occur, they should not affect the functioning of companies in any way. In this article, we will discuss the security concerns and the preventive measures you should take.

Make The First Move


First, identify the areas where data breaches can occur and which are the most sensitive. Once you secure the environments that contribute to data breaches, you will be addressing the problem at its root and preventing future occurrences.

#1. The Physical Environment

Although the majority of data threats originate at the network level, the physical environment also poses a considerable risk to data. Mischievous users can harm organisations by damaging data if physical devices allow unauthorised access to the system. It’s possible that a disgruntled employee could remove data from the system. Therefore, protect the physical environment by implementing and maintaining proper security measures, ensuring they are updated regularly. Train users to develop good security habits, which can pay off in the long run.

#2. Cloud Environment

Depending on the nature of the database application and operating system, database information can appear in other areas, such as log files. Thus, data protection is necessary not only at the database level but also for other locations where data may appear. This means you need to ensure protection for every file and folder on the system. Restrict access to the database so that only those for whom the data is relevant and essential from the organisation’s perspective can use it. Data falling into the wrong hands is one of the primary causes of data breaches.

#3. Network Security

It is the task of database administrators to understand how company databases connect. This knowledge helps them assess vulnerabilities and deploy suitable antivirus software for the system, which is a basic requirement. Additionally, every server should have adequate firewalls for comprehensive protection. Since hackers target TCP/IP ports, changing the default TCP/IP ports that the attackers might already know is a sensible decision.

#4. Optimise The Features

Software applications that add more features and functionality to the system can be a soft spot for hackers who target them to gain access to the system data. Optimize the services and features of the system to attain the desired functionalities without deploying too many features. The more features you use, the more windows you open, inviting hackers to raid the system. Avoid the lure of using too many applications and only use the features that you need to realize your business goals.

#5. Regular Update of Database

Databases must remain updated, which is a continuous exercise, just like operating systems. Vendors regularly release security updates, service packs, and patches. Ensure that you track these releases closely and patch the system instantly, leaving no room for hackers to find their way into the system.

#6. Encrypt Data For Added Security

Not only does user data need protection, but you also have to protect the back-end databases just like other areas. Although back-end databases are more secure, you cannot be less concerned about them because data access occurs through the same network. Encrypting data creates an additional layer of security, reducing the chances of hacking, as all communication between databases and applications remains encrypted.

As more organizations deploy cloud storage and applications, advanced database security is a non-negotiable agenda for database management companies today.

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