Database security is the umbrella term for the multiple steps businesses like yours take to safeguard their databases from both internal and external threats. The different applications that access a database as well as the database itself, the data it holds, its database management system, and other components are all protected by database security. Databases must be protected by organizations against intentional attacks, such as cybersecurity risks, as well as from users who have access to the databases misusing the data and databases.
Data breaches have become more frequent over the past few years. Aside from the significant harm these risks cause a business’s brand and clientele, there are also a rising number of rules and penalties for data breaches that businesses must comply with, such as those in the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), some of which are very expensive. Maintaining compliance, safeguarding your reputation, and retaining customers all depend on having an effective database security system.
A complex and difficult task, database security covers all facets of information security technology and procedures. Naturally, it also conflicts with the usability of databases. The security of a database depends on how easily it can be accessed and used; the easier it is to access and use, the more exposed it is to security concerns. Often, this conundrum is referred to as Anderson’s Rule.
How are Companies Welcoming Database Security?
According to research analysts at Extrapolate, the Global Database Security Market is anticipated to grow from USD 6.3 billion in 2021 to USD 13.44 billion by 2030, recording a CAGR of 12.6% during the projection period. The compound annual growth rate number is a clear indication that database security is poised for robust growth. This is further proved by the growing acceptance and demand of companies to integrate database security to safeguard their information. The use of database security solutions is predicted to increase over the forecast period as more industries employ cloud-based database monitoring and data loss services to safeguard an enterprise’s operational and confidential data.
Now that we have a brief idea about database security, let’s have a peek at the challenges faced by database security.
Challenges of database security
The greatest enduring difficulties in database security are security-related worries about internet-based assaults. Nearly every day, hackers come up with new techniques to hack databases and steal data worth millions. In order to fend off these assaults and prevent a security breach, you must make sure your database security procedures are robust enough.
Certain cybersecurity vulnerabilities, such as phishing scams in which user credentials are stolen and misused without consent, might be challenging to spot. Another common cybersecurity danger is ransomware.
Keeping an eye out for workers, partners, and contractors who have access to databases poses a serious threat to database security. Occasionally, this is regarded as an insider threat. It is challenging to protect against these exfiltration issues since authorized personnel with proper access can steal sensitive information for their own use. A notable illustration of this difficulty is the National Security Agency (NSA) hack caused by Edward Snowden.
Additionally, businesses must make sure that users who have authorized access to database systems and applications have access to only the protected data they require to do their jobs. If not, there is a higher chance that they will jeopardize data security.
What Drives the Database Security?
Since databases contain sensitive and valuable data, database security is a crucial component of IT infrastructure security. This information must be kept confidential and abide by the regulations; it is obtained from a range of sources, including clients and suppliers. Businesses may gather customer data during the purchase of a product, such as an email account, mobile number, postal address, credit card details, and so forth. Both the frequency and sophistication of cyberattacks have significantly increased in recent years.
Hackers are increasing the sophistication of cyberattacks by employing technology like machine learning, AI, and analytics. Such complex intrusions typically remain undetected, and even when they are, they need more time to address. The complexity of these attacks has increased, ranging from virus attacks that cause data loss or damage to illegal access to databases. Due to the increased severity of cyberattacks, a complete security solution is increasingly required to protect personal information and data.
Conclusion
Database security is critical for the safe and smooth running of any business that stores valuable or sensitive information. Monitoring log files, implementing intrusion detection, encrypting data at rest, and adhering to appropriate security policies on the user end are some of the recommended best practices for ensuring database security (such as running sessions over HTTPS). It’s crucial to concentrate on attack surfaces, account security, system hardening, versioning and patching, and integrity issues when maintaining database security.
Data security can also be improved by adopting a risk-based approach, creating suitable security processes, and utilizing built-in security measures (such as those provided by Azure Database). Ultimately, establishing and sustaining consumer trust as well as defending against potential data breaches and cyberattacks depend on robust database security procedures.