6 Simple Steps Everyone Can Take to Improve Database Security

The reason most companies face frequent data breaches is because of lax database security.

This happens because most organizations neglect the important aspect of database security, often considering it a complicated and resource-draining endeavor. This apathetic attitude, coupled with ignorance, allows malicious cyberattacks to find a way into the system, leading to improbable loss of valuable data and potential financial and reputational damage.

But it doesn't have to be this complicated.

Which is why we are going to talk about 6 simple steps to improve your database security.

We’re going to walk you through:

• Understanding your Database
• Updating Your Database Regularly
• Implementing Strong Access Controls
• Encrypting Data
• Regularly Backing Up and Testing your Database
• Conducting Regular Audits and Monitoring

By mastering these steps, you'll not only safeguard your valuable data from malicious threats but also ensure business continuity, protection of intellectual property, and customer trust. These small but essential steps can ultimately lead to a more profitable and secure business environment.

So, let's start with understanding the importance of deeply knowing your database.

Understand your Database

Knowing your database is the first step to protecting it.

Deeply understanding your database is invaluable for your organization. The more you familiarize yourself with the warm and cold corners of your database, the stronger your fortification becomes. Apart from giving you in-depth knowledge about the working mechanism, it can also highlight where your sensitive data is and how it can potentially be exploited. As IBM's Cost of a Data Breach report reveals, data breaches in 2020 alone cost companies an average of $3.86 million, a clear indicator of the devastating implications of neglecting this step.

By understanding your database, you position yourself in the shoes of potential attackers, allowing you to raise defenses to the common vulnerabilities they look to exploit.

Now that we understand this fact, let's see why updating your database regularly is equally essential.

Update Your Database Regularly

Regular updates can keep your database safe from threats.

Software developers are always in a constant battle with cyber attackers. As a result, they frequently release updates that not only improve the performance of your database but also patch up existing security vulnerabilities. According to the Cyentia Institute’s IRIS Risk Index, 60% of data breaches involve vulnerabilities for which patches were available but not applied. Your regular software updates can throw these cybercriminals off their stride.

Neglecting these updates can be your Achilles heel, offering attackers easy access to your valuable database. To avoid this, it’s advised to automate the update process or set regular reminders to ensure that you're always using the latest, most secure version.

Now that we’re in sync with software updates, let's move on to the next big thing – access controls.

Implement Strong Access Controls

Restricting who has access to your database is crucial for maintaining its security.

Giving access to the right people can help avert most internal attacks. As surprising as it may sound, the Verizon Data Breach Report points out that 34% of all database breaches involve internal actors. Implementing strong access controls not only restricts the access points of potential cyber attackers but also minimizes the risks posed by internal members of the organization.

Separating duties and limiting the privileges is the key here. This way, you ensure only the necessary people get access to specific areas of the database.

With access controls in place, let's see how encryption can further secure your data.

Encrypt Data

Encryption is a powerful tool in the fight against data breaches.

Encrypting your data can be the difference between 'normal operations' and 'company shut-down' scenarios. When data in its raw form falls in the hands of cyber attackers, the outcome can be devastating. However, encryption turns readable data into an unreadable format. According to the Global Encryption Trends Study, alarmingly only 48% of enterprises have an overall encryption strategy.

Not having your data encrypted both while on rest and transit leaves it susceptible to thefts. To avoid this, ensure industry-standard encryption methods are applied to your data.

Now, let's shift our focus to data backup and testing.

Regularly Backup and Test your Database

Backing up and testing your database can help prevent catastrophic data loss.

Though often overlooked in the grand scheme of things, backups act as an insurance policy for your data. According to StorageCraft, 58.2% of companies found backup failures when they tested their systems. Regularly backing up your data ensures that you have a fail-safe for your data, ready and waiting should any disaster strike.

Establish a comprehensive backup and recovery plan and ensure that it’s regularly tested for efficiency.

With data backups understood, let's look at our last step of maintaining continuous audits and monitoring.

Conduct Regular Audits and Monitoring

Regular auditing and monitoring can assist in the timely detection of any possible threats.

Auditing your database will give you an upper-hand in understanding the ongoing activities in your database. This constant vigilance helps identify any irregularity early, enabling preemptive action to contain it. Sadly, only 44% of companies use real-time monitoring (Ponemon Institute, 2018).

Not having a proper auditing system leaves your database open for illicit activities. Implement real-time auditing and monitoring systems to keep tabs on all database activities.

By following these six simple steps, you're arming your business with the most potent defense against database threats.