In the previous article, we learnt about what is database security and what are the key database threats and vulnerabilities. In this article, we’ve listed down few measures/key practices to ensure security of your database and the data…

Best practices and measures to combat database threats:

1. Ensure Physical Database Security: Refrain from sharing a server for web applications and database applications, especially if your database contains sensitive data. If you manage your database in an on-premise data center, keep in mind that your data center is also prone to attacks from outsiders or insider threats. Ensure that you have physical security measures, including locks, cameras, and security personnel in your physical facility. Any access to physical servers must be logged and only granted to authorized individuals.
2. Avoid Using Default Network Ports: Default ports are often used in brute force attacks due to their common occurrence. When not using the default ports, the cyber attacker who targets your server must try different port number variations with trial and error. This could discourage the assailant from prolonging their attack attempts due to the additional work that’s needed.
3. Encrypt All Files and Backups: An encryption algorithm should be applied to the data, using a user-specified encryption key. The output of the algorithm is the encrypted version. Setting up data encryption protocols lowers the risk of a successful data breach. This means that even if cybercriminals get a hold of your data, that information remains safe.
4. Use Strong User Authentication: Access to the database is a matter of authentication. It provides the guidelines how the database is accessed. Every access should be monitored.
5. Use Real-Time Database Monitoring: Actively scanning your database for breach attempts bolsters your security and allows you to react to potential attacks and enables you to react swiftly to possible attacks.
6. Use Web Application and Database Firewalls: Firewalls are the first layer of defense for keeping out malicious access attempts. On top of protecting your site, you should also install a firewall to protect your database against different attack vectors. It’s also essential to keep your firewalls updated.
7. Regularly Patch Database Servers: Effective database patch management is one of the crucial security practices as attackers are actively seeking out new security flaws in databases, and new viruses and malware appear on a daily basis.
8. Take Regular Backups: Regular backups should be taken so that in case of any disaster, organizations can retrieve their data. This mitigates the risk of losing sensitive information due to malicious attacks or data corruption. Following a 3-2-1 rule for backup is a good idea.

Wrapping Up

There are many aspects of database security that fall beyond security measures such as backups and firewalls. To deal with database security risks resulting from system vulnerabilities, organizations should use latest tools and technologies that protect against viruses, malware, and other threats. The above-mentioned security measures shall help to fortify your organization to a great extent.

If you wish to know more about Clover Infotech’s database security services, please write to us at marketing@cloverinfotech.com and our team of experts will be glad to assist you.