Database security is a crucial aspect of information security, focusing on protecting databases from unauthorized access, misuse, and threats. It encompasses a range of practices and technologies designed to safeguard data stored in databases from various risks such as cyberattacks, data breaches, and accidental loss or corruption.
Database security protects data from unauthorized access, breaches, and loss through several key mechanisms:
1. Authentication: Verifies user identity using credentials and multi-factor authentication.
2. Authorization: Controls user access and permissions based on roles and access control lists (ACLs).
3. Encryption: Secures data at rest and in transit using encryption algorithms and key management.
4. Data Integrity: Ensures data accuracy and consistency with checksums, validation rules, and integrity constraints.
5. Backup and Recovery: Regularly backs up data and defines procedures for restoring data in case of corruption or loss.
6. Auditing and Monitoring: Tracks database activity through logs and real-time monitoring to detect and respond to anomalies.
7. Patch Management: Applies updates and patches to address vulnerabilities in the database software.
These practices collectively safeguard the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of data.
1. Access Control: Manages who can access the database through authentication (e.g., passwords, MFA) and role-based permissions.
2. Authorization: Defines what authenticated users can do with data using granular permissions and access control lists (ACLs).
3. Encryption: Secures data at rest and in transit with encryption algorithms like AES and protocols like TLS.
4. Data Integrity: Ensures data accuracy and consistency through checksums, hash functions, and integrity constraints.
5. Backup and Recovery: Regularly backs up data and allows restoration to specific points in time to protect against data loss.
6. Auditing and Monitoring: Tracks and reviews database activities through audit logs and real-time monitoring to detect anomalies.
7. Patch Management: Regularly updates and patches the database software to fix vulnerabilities.