7 Compelling Reasons Why Database Administrators Should Prioritize Security of Developers' Access
The reason most Database Administrators overlook the need for regulating developers' access to databases is because of the misplaced trust in developers and underestimation of related security risks. This complacency often leads to unauthorized data manipulation, security breaches, and in worse cases, massive data leaks with companies ending upon dire financial and reputational losses.
Transitioning to a solution-oriented approach, protecting the integrity of your databases is undoubtedly necessary. Which is why we're going to delve into reasons why Database Administrators need to restrict and monitor developers' access.
We’re going to walk you through:
- Risks Involved with Unregulated Developer Access
- Importance of Strict Access Control
- Regular Security Auditing and Monitoring
- Continuous Education and Training of Developers
- DevOps Security Integration
Understanding these aspects will equip you to build more secure databases, prevent unauthorized data access, early detection of potential threats, ensuring updated security practices and integrating security in your development process, all mutations of a robust, secure database system.
Let’s start by discussing the risks involved with unregulated developer access.
Risks Involved with Unregulated Developer Access
Database Administrators need to understand the potential risks associated with granting unhindered access to developers. Recognizing these risks, such as unauthorized data access, data misuse, and potential breaches, is the first step towards creating a secure data environment. According to Cybersecurity Ventures, it is predicted that cybercrime will cost the world $10.5 trillion annually by 2025, and a massive chunk of this figure is associated with poorly managed databases.
Concerning this, a dire example lies with Equifax that suffered a catastrophic security breach in 2017 due to their neglect in managing a weak point in their system. As a result, personal data of over 147 million consumers were compromised.
Steering away from these mistakes, the scenario underlines the importance of being aware of risks and taking preventive actions like continuous training of developers on the importance of database security. The takeaway: Adequate understanding of risks involved in unregulated developer access is crucial for database security.
Now, let's move onto the importance of strict access control.
Importance of Strict Access Control
Implementing a strict control policy on developers' access is vital to maintaining database integrity. It restricts unauthorized access and prevents misuse of sensitive data. A stunning 43% of data breaches involved web applications, according to the 2020 Data Breach Investigation Report by Verizon. These startling figures make a solid case for stricter access controls.
A common mistake is providing developers unrestricted access to all database areas. As a Database Administrator, you should avoid this and implement role-based controls, an approach followed by Facebook that has significantly reduced their vulnerability to internal and external security threats. Restricting access helps in achieving the overall security of the database; it's instrumental in maintaining the overall security of the database.
Let's now shift our focus to regular security auditing and monitoring.
Regular Security Auditing and Monitoring
Regular security auditing and monitoring of developers' activities prove effective in identifying any potential malicious activity. They enable real-time detection and response to any unusual activity, enumerating potential security weak points and allowing for security enhancements. As per a 2019 report by Risk Based Security, real-time monitoring could have prevented 33.3% of reported breaches.
Those who underestimate the power of regular audits and assume that all developer activities are within scope need a re-think. Sony Corporation learned this the hard way in 2011, and now, they've adopted rigorous security auditing and monitoring following a massive breach that caused a $15-billion loss.
Each Database Administrator should look at Sony and understand that catching unusual patterns early on is vital and that that regular security auditing and monitoring is a crucial preventive measure in database security.
And apropos of cementing security, we need to delve into educating and training developers.
Continuous Education and Training of Developers
Continuous education and training of developers on database security are essential in today's high-risk digital environment. It keeps developers updated on the latest security trends and threats. According to a 2019 DevSecOps Community survey, 31% of organizations with no security training for developers suffered from security breaches.
Many Database Administrators make the mistake of counting solely on their developers' initial training. Instead, regular sessions on the latest database security issues and best practices should be implemented. Take it from Microsoft, they have 'Security Champions' within their development teams to promote secure development practices. Thus, continuous education and training of developers prove to be a strategic long-term investment in database security.
Next, we're moving into the realm of DevOps Security Integration.
DevOps Security Integration
Integrating security measures within the DevOps framework can significantly mitigate risks associated with developers' access. Incorporating continuous security checks right from the developmental stages to production ensures that security is not an afterthought.
As per 2020 Google research, 28% of all security bugs could have been prevented with proper DevOps Security Integration. However, a common mistake is implementing security at the production phase, making it tough to rectify mistakes, and as such, security testing tools should be integrated into the DevOps pipeline.
A classic example is Netflix's "Security Monkey", by integrating security within its DevOps framework, Netflix has fortified its streaming environment for millions of users. As a takeaway, note that ingraining security right from the developmental stage makes for robust and secure databases.
To wrap up, following these suggestions will provide safeguards against the damage unregulated developer access can bring, protecting your databases, and ultimately your business.