Website Database Security

When people think of commodities things like gold, oil, or diamonds usually come to mind. However, in today?s world of online networks and globalization the most valuable commodity is in fact data. Recently, companies have been targeted by hackers resulting in massive data thefts and loss of consumer information. Securing your databases is a crucial part of shoring up your online security and protecting your company and consumers.

Types of Attacks

Website database security is a critical step in ensuring that you data is protected from hackers. The most common types of database attacks are as follows:

SQL Injection: This is one of the most dangerous and damaging attacks that can be done. SQL injection is a code injection technique which exploits holes in the database layer of an application. It usually occurs when an input value supplied to an application is sent directly to its database. A hacker can take advantage of this and create an input that allows them to access and view the database at their leisure.

Weak Passwords: One important practice among all levels of website security is to make sure you have a strong password. In some cases, two-factor authentication is necessary if dealing with sensitive information. Ensuring that you have proper authentication practices is a simple way to improve your online security.

Denial of Service: DoS attacks happen at multiple layers including network and application levels, so prevention should be built into your website at every level. DoS attacks occur when an attacker uses systems to overload your websites resources and tie it up with fake queries and users.

Excessive Privilege and Privilege Abuse: If your website grants users and applications database privileges that they do not have clearance for, these privileges can be used to gain access to confidential information. It is important to specify exactly what privileges are granted to users and to how data can be accessed so that confidential information is protected.

Steps you can take

There are several practices that you should incorporate to implement?website database security and combat these attacks

Encrypt Data: Encrypting data allows you to keep your data secure even if it does happen to be accessed with your permission. An attacker must access the key to decrypt the data as well for it to be of any use.

Firewall: Firewalls are used to protect web servers, however they are useful in repelling database attacks. A robust application firewall can stop SQL injection attacks as well and keep your database safe.

Keep website current: This includes running security audits and maintaining patches and plug ins. Old software is more vulnerable to attacks.

Strong Passwords!: This is the easiest way to thwart attackers. Don?t let something as trivial as a weak password bring down your databases.

Please contact us today if you need more information about securing your website database.

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