9 Ways to Maintain Safety Database Security

Database security is a very crucial element in maintaining data integrity and confidentiality in the current digital era. Every company, both large and small, must ensure that the data they have is protected from various security threats. So, how to maintain database security?

Don’t worry if you don’t know yet, because on this occasion Adins will guide you to understand the safety of databases as a whole, from the threats that lurk, to the way to protect it with a precise. In order to understand it better, see the full article below!

Types of database security threats

Knowing the various types of threats that can threaten database security is the first step in an effort to protect it. One concrete example of the threat is a data leakage incident from the National Data Center (PDN) that occurred in Indonesia, where personal data, software license security systems, and contract documents from 2021 to 2024 were sold at USD 121,000.

Upload in Breachforum attaches sensitive sample data. This incident results in the spread of personal data of millions of users and highlights the importance of data protection against various threats that can exploit the weaknesses of the system. Reflecting on this case, here are some other forms of threats that can occur in a database.

1. SQL Injection attack

SQL Injection is an attack that utilizes vulnerability in web applications to inject dangerous SQL codes. The attacker can get access to the database and take various actions such as reading, changing, or deleting data. This attack usually occurs when the input from the user is not validated properly.

2. Denial of Service (DOS) attack

Denial of Service (DOS) attack is an attack that aims to create a database or server inaccessible by legitimate users by flooding servers with excessive requests. This attack can cause system performance to decrease dramatically or even crash, until it ultimately results in significant operational disorders.

3. Malware and Virus

The next type of attack is malware and virus. These two attacks are evil programs that can access sensitive data, encrypt data to ask for ransom, or destroy important data. Both of these programs can spread through various channels such as email, unsafe downloads, or infected networks.

4. Insider Threats

Insider Threats is an attack originating from employees or users with valid access to the database and abusing the access for evil purposes. This can be in the form of data theft, sabotage, or data use for personal gain. This threat is often difficult to detect because the perpetrators have the authority to access the data.

5. Phishing

The common type of attack is phishing. This attack is a fraud effort to get sensitive information such as a password or credit card detail by disguising as a trusted entity. Attackers often use email or fake messages that appear valid to deceive users to express personal data to them.

6. System Failure and Natural Disasters

Apart from the five attacks above, hardware damage, software failures, or natural disasters such as fires can also be a threat to database security. Events like this can interfere with business operations that require time and great resources to restore them.

Read Also: Understanding Cyber Security: Types, Threats, and How to Strengthen Them

How to Maintain Database Security

The PDN data leak incident that occurred in Indonesia has recently highlighted how important it is to maintain database security. This leak invites various risks such as data abuse and privacy violations. This case shows that without strict security measures, the database that stores sensitive information is very vulnerable to cyber attacks. Therefore, it is important for every organization to implement effective database security strategies to protect their data from threats such as hacking, malware, and other cyber attacks.

To protect the database and increase data security from the various threats above, there are several steps that can be taken. The following strategies can help ensure your database security. Listen carefully!

1. Using Encryption

Encryption is a very effective technique for protecting data. Encryption will create data that is stored into unique codes and only those who have decryption locks that can read the data. This method can be applied to the data being transmitted or data stored (data-at-rest). Thus, you can ensure that even though the data falls into the wrong hands, the contents cannot be read.

2. Routine Update and Patch

Be sure to continue to update all database software and related applications regularly with the latest security patches. This patch often includes repairs for the newly discovered vulnerability. Therefore, delaying the update can open up opportunities for attackers to exploit known vulnerability.

3. Implement strict access control

Limit access to the database only for those who really need it by applying the principle of minimum access rights (Least Privilege). The trick is to give users the right to access the data they need to do their duties and no more. The use of Identity and Access Management (IAM) can help in managing and monitoring this access rights.

4. Monitoring and Logging

Don’t forget to monitor and logging on database activity continuously. Doing this method allows you to detect and respond to suspicious activities that can be an indication of an attempt or security of security. Logging also provides audit traces that can be used to investigate security incidents.

5. Using Firewall and Intrusion Detection System (IDS)

Use a firewall and Intrusion Detection System (IDS) to protect company data. Firewall is a tool that filters network traffic that comes in and out. While the Intrusion Detection System (IDS) can monitor the network to detect and respond to suspicious activity in real-time. Therefore, the use of the two simultaneously can significantly increase network security.

Read Also: 8 Types of Firewalls You Need to Understand

6. Implementation of a Strong Password Policy

Strong password policy is an important step in database security. Make sure the password you use has a combination of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. In addition, try to change the password regularly and avoid using the same password for several accounts.

7. Train Employees About Security

Employee education and training about the practice of protecting data well is also an important step in maintaining database security. Employees must be able to recognize phishing efforts, understand the importance of maintaining the confidentiality of passwords, and knowing the actions that must be taken if they suspect a violation of data security.

8. Routine Data Backup

Data backup is an important step in the disaster recovery plan. For this reason, do the backup regularly and save the data in a safe location and separate from the main system. This method will ensure that data can be recovered quickly in the event of a system failure or security incident.

9. Using Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

Cara selanjutnya adalah menggunakan Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) yang memberikan lapisan keamanan tambahan. Ketika pelaku mengakses database, pelaku harus memberikan dua atau lebih bentuk verifikasi identitas sebelum dapat mengakses database. Ini bisa berupa kombinasi kata sandi, token fisik, atau biometrik seperti sidik jari maupun pengenalan wajah.

Read Also: Jenis Autentikasi, Contoh dan Fungsinya untuk Keamanan Data

Those are the nine ways to maintain the security of the database. Broadly speaking, maintaining database security is a sustainable process that requires attention and proactive action. By understanding various types of threats and applying the right protection steps, you can ensure that the data will remain safe and protected.

To increase your data security, consider using Network Monitoring System from AdIns. This system offers complete monitoring server management, including alarm indications if an error occurs, analyzes the resources used (monitoring bandwidth, use of disk, predicting memory remaining, to monitor UPS), and compatibility with various network performance tools.

Dengan demikian, Anda dapat memantau dan melindungi database dengan lebih efektif, mengurangi risiko gangguan, dan memastikan operasional bisnis berjalan dapat berjalan lancar. Tunggu apalagi, ajukan demo di sini untuk merasakan berbagai manfaatnya!