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Database Security

Databases are frequently targeted by attackers seeking unauthorized access, data theft, or damage. Threats can come from external hackers, employees, or contractors and include unauthorized access, SQL injection, malware, and data breaches. Recent major attacks include the 2020 SolarWinds hack, 2021 Facebook and Colonial Pipeline breaches, and Accellion and LinkedIn data leaks. Key security methods to protect databases involve access control, encryption, regular updates, backup/disaster recovery, and data anonymization.

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Hisham Hish
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9 views

Database Security

Databases are frequently targeted by attackers seeking unauthorized access, data theft, or damage. Threats can come from external hackers, employees, or contractors and include unauthorized access, SQL injection, malware, and data breaches. Recent major attacks include the 2020 SolarWinds hack, 2021 Facebook and Colonial Pipeline breaches, and Accellion and LinkedIn data leaks. Key security methods to protect databases involve access control, encryption, regular updates, backup/disaster recovery, and data anonymization.

Uploaded by

Hisham Hish
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Database Security

Thursday, 30.03.2023
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Introduction:
Databases are critical components of IT infrastructure and are often targeted by attackers
for unauthorized access, data theft, or damage. Security threats can come from various
sources, such as external attackers, internal employees, or third-party contractors.
Therefore, it is essential to understand the various types of database threats and
implement appropriate security measures to protect databases from attacks.

Threats to Databases:
Unauthorized Access:
Unauthorized access is a common database threat where attackers gain access to the
database without proper authorization. This can happen due to weak passwords,
unsecured network connections, or unpatched vulnerabilities. Attackers can steal or modify
data, launch attacks on other systems, or perform denial-of-service (DoS) attacks.

SQL Injection:
SQL Injection is a type of database attack where attackers inject malicious SQL code into
the application, which then executes on the database server. This can lead to data theft,
data modification, or complete system compromise.

Malware:
Malware is another database threat where attackers install malicious software on the
database server or the client's computer. Malware can steal data, modify data, or perform
DoS attacks.

Data Breaches:
Data breaches occur when attackers steal confidential data from the database. This can
happen due to weak passwords, unsecured network connections, or unpatched
vulnerabilities.
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Recent Attacks on Databases:


SolarWinds Hack:
In December 2020, a massive cyberattack on SolarWinds Corporation compromised the
company's database, affecting hundreds of organizations. The attackers gained access to
SolarWinds' network and injected malware into the company's software updates, which
were then downloaded by SolarWinds' customers.

Facebook Data Breach:


In April 2021, a data breach at Facebook exposed the personal information of over 500
million users. Attackers exploited a vulnerability in Facebook's API to access users' data,
including their phone numbers, email addresses, and birth dates.

Colonial Pipeline Ransomware Attack:


In May 2021, a ransomware attack on Colonial Pipeline, a major US fuel pipeline operator,
disrupted fuel supplies to several states. The attackers gained access to the company's
network and demanded a ransom payment to restore access to the encrypted data.

Accellion Breach:
In January 2021, the file transfer company Accellion announced that its file transfer service
had been hacked. The attackers stole data from several of Accellion's customers, including
law firms, universities, and government agencies.

LinkedIn Data Breach:


In April 2021, a database containing the personal information of over 500 million LinkedIn
users was posted for sale on a hacking forum. The data included users' full names, email
addresses, phone numbers, and work histories.

Security Methods to Protect Databases:


Access Control:
Access control is an essential security measure to prevent unauthorized access to the
database. Access control can be implemented through the use of strong passwords,
multi-factor authentication, and role-based access control.
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Encryption:
Encryption is a security measure that can be used to protect data at rest and in transit.
Encryption can be implemented through the use of SSL/TLS protocols, disk encryption, or
database encryption.

Regular Updates and Patching:


Regular updates and patching are essential to protect databases from known
vulnerabilities. It is essential to keep the database software and applications up-to-date to
avoid known vulnerabilities.

Backup and Disaster Recovery:


Regular backups of the database and a disaster recovery plan can ensure that data can be
recovered in case of an attack or accidental loss.

Data Masking and Anonymization:


Data masking and anonymization can be used to protect sensitive data by replacing it with
fictitious data, while still preserving the structure and format of the original data.

Conclusion:
Databases are a critical component of IT infrastructure, and their security is of utmost
importance. Security threats to databases can come from various sources, and it is
essential to understand the various types of threats and implement appropriate security
measures to protect databases from attacks. The threats to databases are numerous and
can result in serious consequences for organizations. However, implementing strong
security measures such as access control, encryption, regular security audits and updates,
backup and disaster recovery, and data masking and anonymization can help protect
databases from attacks.

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