11 Core Insights into How Top Database Administrators Handle Developer Access Security

The reason most businesses with databases suffer data breaches is because they fail to correctly manage developer access security. In most instances, this occurrence is due to a lack of meticulousness in granting data access rights to developers, thereby exposing sensitive data. But this doesn't have to be the bone of contention anymore.

Which is why we're focusing on how to secure developer access in this post.

We’re going to walk you through:

• Understanding Developer Access Security
• Implementing Principle of Least Privilege (PoLP)
• Using Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
• Segmenting Database Access
• Maintaining an Access log

Mastering these practices will help you increase data security, mitigate unauthorized access, and control internal threats, ultimately leading to a robust and secure database environment.

So, let's begin by comprehending what developer access security is all about.

Understanding Developer Access Security

Understanding the importance of developer access security in DBA operations is critical to maintaining a secure environment. With over 30% of breaches emanating from misuse by authorized users according to the Verizon 2020 Data Breach Investigations Report, it becomes essential to manage and limit developer access. By doing so, the risk of malicious activities or accidental data breaches can be significantly reduced.

However, a common mistake many businesses make is allowing internet-trimmed access to all developers, hence increasing the vulnerability of their databases to potential security breaches. Therefore, it's important to conduct periodic reviews and audits of developer access levels. For instance, a cloud-based company once found a security breach traced to a developer without proper access restrictions, causing significant data loss and remediation costs. The overarching lesson here is: understanding the importance of developer access security is the first step in mitigating potential harm to databases.

Let’s now turn our attention to the Principle of Least Privilege.

Implementing Principle of Least Privilege (PoLP)

The Principle of Least Privilege (PoLP) posits that users should only have the minimum levels of access necessary to complete their tasks. Following this principle not only reduces the likelihood of unauthorized data access and modification but also helps secure databases. In fact, Centrify’s 2020 Privileged Access Management Report indicates that 74% of breaches involved access privileges.

Contrary to this principle, over-provisioning access rights can lead to a likelihood of unauthorized data alteration or access. Therefore, what each developer needs, and his or her responsibilities should be used to evaluate and limit access rights. For example, an e-commerce company once was able to pinpoint and mitigate a security issue by limiting access. By doing so, they saved themselves potential reputation and financial damage. So remember, the PoLP can serve as a fundamental tool to secure a database.

At this juncture, we will pivot to Multi-Factor Authentication.

Using Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) is a security system that requires multiple methods of authentication from independent sources. By using MFA, you can prevent unauthorized access even when one factor, like a password, is compromised. Microsoft even posits that enabling MFA helps block 99.9% of automated attacks.

But relying solely on passwords for authentication can be easily exploited by hackers. Thus, it would help if you considered implementing MFA for all developer accounts. In fact, a tech firm was once able to successfully thwart a cyberattack thanks to their MFA implementation, even though one of their developer's credentials had been compromised. In essence, you can increase database security by leveraging MFA.

Let's now weigh in on the idea of segmenting database access.

Segmenting Database Access

Access segmentation involves classifying users based on their roles and providing access permissions accordingly. This can limit potential damage if a user’s credentials get compromised. Inside attacks, Symantec suggests, cause 25% of all data breaches, a significant portion of which could be prevented by access segmentation.

Merging all developers under a single group with similar permissions is a common mistake that can pose database vulnerability. Thus, create different permission groups for individual developer roles and tasks. A real-world example here is a financial company that was able to control a data breach from spreading by limiting the access of certain developers. Thus, remember, segmentation reduces the impact of credentials getting into the wrong hands.

Lastly, let's delve into the importance of maintaining an access log.

Maintaining an Access log

An access log should record who accesses data and when, providing an essential record for audit purposes. Maintaining detailed access logs can prove crucial in tracking unauthorized access or alteration. However, a recent study by IBM indicates that about 77% of organizations do not have a cybersecurity incident response plan, which includes maintaining access logs.

Failing to maintain detailed access logs can hinder breach investigation and mitigation. Hence, maintaining an automated, timestamped, and user-specific access log system is necessary. A healthcare company, for instance, was able to identify a breach and the responsible parties through access logs, which significantly aided damage control. Thus, maintaining an access log is an effective way to trace and tackle potential security issues.

Now that you know these essential insights, it's time to reassess your developer access security practices and apply this knowledge.