**13 Common Mistakes Database Administrators Make that Compromise Security – And How to Avoid Them**

The reason most database administrators face severe breaches is because they overlook simple yet crucial practices. This happens because most administrators focus on possessing advanced knowledge and solving complex problems while ignoring basic security procedures. These lapses in action leave the database exposed to attacks, leading to massive data loss and possible regulatory violations.

The solution is to understand and avoid common mistakes made regarding database security.

We’re going to walk you through:

• The importance of regular software updates
• The role of regular audits
• The risks of using default settings

By understanding these points, you can effectively shield your database from breaches, ensure operational efficiency, and maintain robust data integrity, ultimately leading to a secure and dependable database.

Now let’s dive into the first point.

Ignoring Regular Software Updates

Highly effective security starts with keeping your database software updated.

Database software, like any other software, has vulnerabilities. These vulnerabilities could be exploited by attackers to gain unauthorized access or disrupt your database. Regularly updating your software means these vulnerabilities are patched, guarding against any known threats. In fact, according to Digital Guardian, 60% of breaches involved vulnerabilities for which a patch was available but not applied.

Updated software eliminates these known weak points, making your system less prone to attacks. But many admins make the mistake of delaying software updates, often due to concerns about disrupting operations or lack of time.

To avoid falling into this trap, adopt a regular update and patching schedule. Set monthly reminders to check for and install database software patches and updates. By doing this, you ensure that your software isn’t left with known vulnerabilities that can be exploited.

Remember, staying proactive in updating your software is the first line of defense in maintaining system security.

Next, we'll discuss the importance of regular audits.

Bypassing Regular Audits

Performing regular audits is a vital part of database security.

Audits play a crucial role in identifying vulnerabilities and ensuring compliance within your database. They reveal security holes and verify compliance with external regulations and internal data-handling policies. However, over 30% of organizations never audit their databases, according to CISA.

Neglecting to conduct routine audits poses a real threat to your database's security. Regular audits can uncover issues before they escalate into severe problems – but only if they're performed.

To improve your systems' security posture, perform regular audits using built-in database tools or trusted third-party applications. Scheduling quarterly audits to review user access rights, database settings, and incident response plans is a good way to start. It enables you to attend to possible issues timely - before they turn into real problems.

In sum, maintaining a clear picture of your database’s security happens through regular audits, not one-off checks.

Moving forward, let’s talk about the risks of using default settings.

Using Default Settings

Default configuration settings are a weak link in database security.

Although software comes with some form of default security, these settings are not usually tailored towards your unique operations. Unfortunately, about 40% of breaches involve servers, often due to unchanged default configurations, states Netwrix.

Relying on default settings means your system's defenses are predictable, making them easier to break. It also exposes the system to vulnerabilities that the defaults were not designed to counter.

Avoid serious compromises by spending a sensible amount of time understanding and modifying the default settings. This way, you can align your security configurations with your operations and enhance the security of your database. Remember, reviewing and revising default configurations should always be part of your new software installation routine.

Understandably, security is not a one-size-fits-all, which is why you should never rely on default settings to keep your database secure. Always customize.

To sum up, maintaining and enhancing your database’s security ultimately requires a combination of regular software updates, consistent audits, and personalizing default settings.