What is Database Security? Common Threats & Best Practices

What is Database Security?

Database security refers to the tools, technologies, and processes involved in protecting databases from internal and external security threats. However, it also applies to the data itself, which may find itself in various unsanctioned locations, making it hard to secure. Database security also involves protecting the database management system, and the various apps that connect to it.

Common Threats to Database Security

In reality, any kind of vulnerability, whether a software vulnerability or human error, will pose a threat to your database. However, since a complete guide to data security is beyond the scope of this article, below are some of the most common database security threats organizations should watch out for.

Insider Threats

Insider threats are not typically motivated by malice but are generally caused by negligence. Employees have a tendency to accidentally expose, corrupt, or delete sensitive data. To make matters worse, employees are frequently granted too much access to sensitive data, and they often use weak passwords, as well as re-use and share passwords, which attackers can exploit.

Database Software Vulnerabilities

Database management software, as with other types of software, will contain bugs that attackers will try to exploit. Database management software vendors frequently issue security patches, which need to be installed as soon as they become available in order to keep your data secure.

SQL Injection Attacks

SQL injection attacks are when an attacker is able to extract data from a database by inserting malicious SQL code into query strings that are used to query the data. They are usually caused by improper validation of web form fields, in addition to poor server-side coding practices. Organizations must carry out regular vulnerability testing on their database and applications.

Buffer Overflow Attacks

A buffer overflow attack is where a program overruns a buffer’s boundary and overwrites adjacent memory locations. Buffers are frequently used by operating systems, including database applications, to hold data, sometimes executable code. Attackers can overwrite these buffers with malicious code, which can help them elevate their privileges in order to gain full access to the computer’s resources.

Denial of Service (DoS/DDoS) Attacks

A denial of service (DoS) attack is where the attackers overwhelm a target with traffic in an attempt to make it unavailable. DoS attacks usually target servers, although they are also sometimes used to target databases. Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks are even harder to defend against as they use a botnet (a distributed network of compromised devices) to launch the attack.

Database Security Best Practices

Below are some of the best practices for database security:

• Secure web forms
• Physical security
• Database firewall
• Database encryption
• Manage passwords and permissions
• Isolate sensitive databases
• Database auditing

Secure web forms

All public-facing web forms must be thoroughly tested to ensure that attackers are not able to execute SQL statements that would allow them to extract protected data.

Physical database security

Use physical security measures to protect your database, which is likely stored on a server, in a server room. Ensure that you have the necessary locks, alarms, CCTV cameras, and ID badges to prevent unauthorized access. As always, you should have reliable backups and disaster recovery measures in place.

Database firewall

A database firewall is used to monitor database traffic in order to detect database-specific attacks. They can be used for both on-premise and cloud-based environments to identify anomalous database activity.

Database encryption

Encryption is a simple, yet very effective way to protect data stored in a database. After all, were an adversary to gain access to your network and take a copy of your database, they will not be able to read the contents without the decryption key(s).

Manage passwords and permissions

Organizations must have a password policy in place that enforces the use of strong passwords, and access to the database should be restricted according to the Principle of Least Privilege (PoLP). You should also use multi-factor authentication (MFA) whenever possible, set a limit on the number of times a user can enter an invalid password, and monitor all logins for suspicious activity.

Isolate sensitive databases

Database isolation strategies are an effective way to prevent unauthorized access to sensitive data. An isolated database could exist in a location that unauthorized users might not be aware of. Database isolation will also help to protect against zero-day attacks.

Database auditing

Having visibility into who is accessing which databases, what they are doing, and when, is a crucial part of any data security strategy. While it is theoretically possible to access and read the log files associated with a given database or application, most companies choose to use a dedicated change auditing solution that can aggregate event data from multiple sources, and display a summary of events via a centralized dashboard. They can also deliver real-time alerts to your inbox or mobile device anytime sensitive data is accessed or used in a suspicious manner.

If you’d like to see how the Lepide Data Security Platform can help secure your databases, schedule a demo with one of our engineers or start your free trial today.

FAQs

How can I identify and assess the specific security risks to my organization’s databases?

Identifying and assessing your organization’s database security risks involves a multi-pronged approach:

• Vulnerability assessment: Run automated scans and manual tests to pinpoint weaknesses like unpatched software, outdated configurations, and weak passwords. Look for common vulnerabilities like SQL injection and buffer overflows.
• Penetration testing: Simulate an attack by ethical hackers to discover exploitable weaknesses that automated scans might miss. This helps validate your defenses and expose blind spots.
• Access control review: Analyze user access privileges to ensure only authorized personnel have access to specific databases and data within them. Review the “principle of least privilege” and implement it strictly.
• Audit and monitoring: Enable database auditing features to track user activity and identify suspicious behavior. Implement real-time monitoring systems to detect and respond to potential threats promptly.
• Employee training: Educate your employees on cybersecurity best practices, including phishing awareness, password hygiene, and reporting suspicious activity. This reduces the risk of human error and social engineering attacks.

What are the costs and benefits of implementing different database security measures?

Implementing database security requires careful balancing of costs and benefits. While initial investments exist in tools, training, and specialists, long-term benefits outweigh them for most organizations. Initially, integrating security might impact workflows and resource allocation, demanding time and effort. Maintaining robust security adds complexity, requiring ongoing management.

However, the benefits are substantial. Strong security significantly reduces the risk of data breaches, which can be financially devastating due to penalties, legal fees, and reputational damage. It also ensures compliance with industry regulations, avoiding legal consequences. Protecting customer data builds trust and loyalty, improving brand reputation and potentially boosting business. Additionally, while adding initial complexity, security can ultimately enhance operational efficiency by minimizing disruptions and streamlining data management.

Finding the right balance involves analyzing your organization’s risk profile, data sensitivity, and budget to determine cost-effective solutions. Free or open-source options exist, and security measures can be scaled based on your needs. Remember, neglecting data security is far more costly than the initial investment. By understanding both costs and benefits, you can make informed decisions to protect your valuable data.

How can I stay up-to-date on the latest database security threats and best practices?

Staying abreast of the ever-changing landscape of database security threats and best practices requires a multi-pronged approach.

Firstly, actively seek reliable information sources. Subscribe to reputable cybersecurity publications or follow security vendors’ blogs for insights on emerging threats and best practices. Additionally, national cybersecurity agencies often publish valuable alerts and advisories on critical vulnerabilities and ongoing threats.

Secondly, participate in online communities. Engaging in online forums and following security professionals on social media allows you to connect with others, share experiences, and gain valuable insights from ongoing discussions about emerging threats and solutions.

Thirdly, consider attending industry events and conferences. These events provide opportunities to learn from experts, network with professionals, and gain valuable knowledge about the latest security trends and best practices. Additionally, many organizations offer webinars and online training sessions focused on database security, keeping you updated on the latest threats and mitigation strategies.

Fourthly, stay vigilant by continually monitoring and testing. Regularly scan your databases for vulnerabilities using available tools and services. Additionally, consider periodic penetration testing to identify exploitable weaknesses in your defenses by simulating real-world attacks.

Finally, staying informed about regulations is crucial, especially if your organization operates in a regulated industry. Understanding relevant data security regulations ensures you implement appropriate security measures to comply and avoid legal consequences.

By actively engaging with these resources and practices, you can build a comprehensive understanding of evolving database security threats and stay informed about the best practices to safeguard your organization’s valuable data.