With the world increasingly digitized, protecting valuable information has become more important than ever. Unfortunately, as the number of cyber-attacks continues to rise, so does the sophistication of these attacks. In response, organizations must continuously adapt their security measures to ensure that their data is protected.
One of the most important parts of a data protection strategy is securing its databases. A database breach can have devastating consequences, including losing sensitive customer information, financial data, and trade secrets. To prevent such breaches, organizations must take steps to secure their databases.
This article will discuss 10 of the best database security measures organizations can take to prevent breaches. These measures include:
1. Encrypting Sensitive Data
With the increase in data breaches, encrypting sensitive information in your database is more important than ever. Encrypting this data makes it much more difficult for hackers to access and misuse it. Also, encryption may be required if you comply with certain regulations (like HIPAA or PCI). Try to use a tool that supports multiple encryption algorithms to choose the most appropriate one for your needs.
2. Implementing Role-Based Access Control
Role-based access control (RBAC) is a security measure that restricts access to certain areas of the database based on an individual's role within the company. This helps to ensure that only authorized individuals can access sensitive information. RBAC can be implemented through software or hardware, so again, be sure to discuss the best option for your organization with your database administrator.
3. Using Firewalls and Intrusion Detection/Prevention Systems
A firewall is a hardware or software device that helps to protect your network from unauthorized access. It does this by screening incoming traffic and only allowing the traffic that you've specified. An intrusion detection/prevention system (IDS/IPS) works similarly but takes proactive measures to stop attacks before they happen. Also, keep your firewalls and IDS/IPS up to date with the latest security patches.
4. Conducting Regular Backups
Regular backups are essential for any database, as they provide a way to recover data in the event of a loss or corruption. Backups should be conducted regularly and stored in a safe location that is not accessible to unauthorized users. The frequency of backups will depend on the data and how often it changes, but daily or weekly backups are typically sufficient.
5. Monitoring Activity Logs
Activity logs can provide valuable information about who is accessing the database and what they are doing. These logs should be monitored regularly to look for suspicious activity, such as excessive failed login attempts or unusual querying patterns. Also, keep logs for at least 6 months so you can review them if there is a security incident.
6. Install a Proxy Server with HTTPS Access
One way to improve database security is to install a proxy server in front of it that requires HTTPS access. This will add an extra layer of protection and ensure that all communication with the database is encrypted. Also, keep the proxy server updated with the latest security patches. With this measure in place, even if someone were to gain access to the database management systems, they would not be able to view or modify any data without going through the proxy server or separate database servers.
7. Implement an Encryption Protocol
With the increase in data breaches, it's become more important than ever to encrypt sensitive data. One way to do this is to implement an encryption protocol, such as the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES). AES is a symmetric-key algorithm that uses the same key for both encryption and decryption. The same key must be used to encrypt and decrypt the data.
AES is a strong encryption algorithm used by various government agencies, including the US Department of Defense. AES is also used by many large organizations, such as banks and financial institutions, to protect their data. AES can also encrypt your data and enhance physical database security.
8. Applying Security Patches Promptly
It's important to apply security patches as soon as they are released promptly. Cybercriminals are always looking for new vulnerabilities to exploit. By patching your database management system, you can close any potential entry points they could use to gain access to your data. Also, make sure to keep your software up to date, as new versions often include data security enhancements.
9. Training Users on Security Policies
All users should be trained on your organization's security policies and procedures. This will help them to understand the importance of security and how to protect your database server. Regular training should ensure that everyone is up-to-date on the latest security threats and how to avoid them.
10. Running Malware Scans Regularly
Malware can infect databases and wreak havoc on your systems. Run malware scans regularly and update your security software to the latest version to prevent this. Also, install a reliable anti-malware program on all your devices. Furthermore, update your operating system and default database user accounts regularly.
11. Reviewing Access Permissions Regularly
Reviewing access permissions regularly ensures that only authorized users can access the sensitive database servers. If you add new users or change roles, update the permissions accordingly. Also, consider using a tool that can automate this process.
12. Establishing an Incident Response Plan
In the event of a security breach, it's critical to have an incident response plan in place. This plan should detail the steps to contain the breach, mitigate its effects and prevent future attacks. An incident response plan should include:
- A list of all stakeholders and their roles and responsibilities
- Clear communication protocols
- A step-by-step guide to containing and mitigating the breach
- Procedures for conducting a post-breach analysis
The plan should be regularly reviewed and updated to ensure it remains effective. An incident response plan can minimize the damage caused by a security breach and help ensure that your organization is better prepared to handle such an event.
Developing Without Coding With Backendless To Improve Security
SQL databases are the most popular choice for web applications. They're easy to work with, reliable, and well-supported by various programming languages. But they're not perfect. One of the biggest drawbacks of SQL databases is that they require a lot of code to keep them secure. Backendless solves this problem by allowing developers to focus on their application's UI instead of writing code to secure their data. Overall, it is a complete solution for building and managing mobile and web applications.
Conclusion
With all of the critical data stored in databases, it is essential to have database security best practices in place to prevent breaches. By following the best practices for database security, you can help keep your data safe and secure.
We hope you enjoyed reading this article. If you have any questions or comments, please let us know.
Online Threat Alerts Security Tips
Pay the safest way
Credit cards are the safest way to pay for online purchases because you can dispute the charges if you never get the goods or services or if the offer was misrepresented. Federal law limits your liability to $50 if someone makes unauthorized charges to your account, and most credit card issuers will remove them completely if you report the problem promptly.
Guard your personal information
In any transaction you conduct, make sure to check with your state or local consumer protection agency and the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to see if the seller, charity, company, or organization is credible. Be especially wary if the entity is unfamiliar to you. Always call the number found on a website’s contact information to make sure the number legitimately belongs to the entity you are dealing with.
Be careful of the information you share
Never give out your codes, passwords or personal information, unless you are sure of who you're dealing with
Know who you’re dealing with
Crooks pretending to be from companies you do business with may call or send an email, claiming they need to verify your personal information. Don’t provide your credit card or bank account number unless you are actually paying for something and know who you are sending payment to. Your social security number should not be necessary unless you are applying for credit. Be especially suspicious if someone claiming to be from a company with whom you have an account asks for information that the business already has.
Check your accounts
Regularly check your account transactions and report any suspicious or unauthorised transactions.
Don’t believe promises of easy money
If someone claims that you can earn money with little or no work, get a loan or credit card even if you have bad credit, or make money on an investment with little or no risk, it’s probably a scam. Oftentimes, offers that seem too good to be true, actually are too good to be true.
Do not open email from people you don’t know
If you are unsure whether an email you received is legitimate, try contacting the sender directly via other means. Do not click on any links in an email unless you are sure it is safe.
Think before you click
If an email or text message looks suspicious, don’t open any attachments or click on the links.
Verify urgent requests or unsolicited emails, messages or phone calls before you respond
If you receive a message or a phone call asking for immediate action and don't know the sender, it could be a phishing message.
Be careful with links and new website addresses
Malicious website addresses may appear almost identical to legitimate sites. Scammers often use a slight variation in spelling or logo to lure you. Malicious links can also come from friends whose email has unknowingly been compromised, so be careful.
Secure your personal information
Before providing any personal information, such as your date of birth, Social Security number, account numbers, and passwords, be sure the website is secure.
Stay informed on the latest cyber threats
Keep yourself up to date on current scams by visiting this website daily.
Use Strong Passwords
Strong passwords are critical to online security.
Keep your software up to date and maintain preventative software programs
Keep all of your software applications up to date on your computers and mobile devices. Install software that provides antivirus, firewall, and email filter services.
Update the operating systems on your electronic devices
Make sure your operating systems (OSs) and applications are up to date on all of your electronic devices. Older and unpatched versions of OSs and software are the target of many hacks. Read the CISA security tip on Understanding Patches and Software Updates for more information.
What if You Got Scammed?
Stop Contact With The Scammer
Hang up the phone. Do not reply to emails, messages, or letters that the scammer sends. Do not make any more payments to the scammer. Beware of additional scammers who may contact you claiming they can help you get your lost money back.
Secure Your Finances
- Report potentially compromised bank account, credit or debit card information to your financial institution(s) immediately. They may be able to cancel or reverse fraudulent transactions.
- Notify the three major credit bureaus. They can add a fraud alert to warn potential credit grantors that you may be a victim of identity theft. You may also want to consider placing a free security freeze on your credit report. Doing so prevents lenders and others from accessing your credit report entirely, which will prevent them from extending credit:
- Equifax
- Experian
- TransUnion
Check Your Computer
If your computer was accessed or otherwise affected by a scam, check to make sure that your anti-virus is up-to-date and running and that your system is free of malware and keylogging software. You may also need to seek the help of a computer repair company. Consider utilizing the Better Business Bureau’s website to find a reputable company.
Change Your Account Passwords
Update your bank, credit card, social media, and email account passwords to try to limit further unauthorized access. Make sure to choose strong passwords when changing account passwords.
Report The Scam
Reporting helps protect others. While agencies can’t always track down perpetrators of crimes against scammers, they can utilize the information gathered to record patterns of abuse which may lead to action being taken against a company or industry.
Report your issue to the following agencies based on the nature of the scam:
- Local Law Enforcement: Consumers are encouraged to report scams to their local police department or sheriff’s office, especially if you lost money or property or had your identity compromised.
- Federal Trade Commission: Contact the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357) or use the Online Complaint Assistant to report various types of fraud, including counterfeit checks, lottery or sweepstakes scams, and more.
- Identitytheft.gov: If someone is using your personal information, like your Social Security, credit card, or bank account number, to open new accounts, make purchases, or get a tax refund, report it at www.identitytheft.gov. This federal government site will also help you create your Identity Theft Report and a personal recovery plan based on your situation. Questions can be directed to 877-ID THEFT.
How To Recognize a Phishing Scam
Scammers use email or text messages to try to steal your passwords, account numbers, or Social Security numbers. If they get that information, they could get access to your email, bank, or other accounts. Or they could sell your information to other scammers. Scammers launch thousands of phishing attacks like these every day — and they’re often successful.
Scammers often update their tactics to keep up with the latest news or trends, but here are some common tactics used in phishing emails or text messages:
Phishing emails and text messages often tell a story to trick you into clicking on a link or opening an attachment. You might get an unexpected email or text message that looks like it’s from a company you know or trust, like a bank or a credit card or utility company. Or maybe it’s from an online payment website or app. The message could be from a scammer, who might
- say they’ve noticed some suspicious activity or log-in attempts — they haven’t
- claim there’s a problem with your account or your payment information — there isn’t
- say you need to confirm some personal or financial information — you don’t
- include an invoice you don’t recognize — it’s fake
- want you to click on a link to make a payment — but the link has malware
- say you’re eligible to register for a government refund — it’s a scam
- offer a coupon for free stuff — it’s not real
About Online Threat Alerts (OTA)
Online Threat Alerts or OTA is an anti-cybercrime community that started in 2012. OTA alerts the public to cyber crimes and other web threats.
By alerting the public, we have prevented a lot of online users from getting scammed or becoming victims of cybercrimes.
With the ever-increasing number of people going online, it important to have a community like OTA that continuously alerts or protects those same people from cyber-criminals, scammers and hackers, who are every day finding new ways of carrying out their malicious activities.
Online users can help by reporting suspicious or malicious messages or websites to OTA. And, if they want to determine if a message or website is a threat or scam, they can use OTA's search engine to search for the website or parts of the message for information.
Help maintain Online Threat Alerts (OTA).