Major Database Security Threats & How You Can

Prevent Them
his article will discuss the major database security threats, and how you can prevent
them.

1. SQL Injection Attacks

SQL injection is the most common threat. This attack is performed by entering a query
into a SQL form, and if the database interprets the result as “true” it enables access to
the database. These attacks usually target relational database management
systems (RDBMS) based on the SQL programming language.

Databases not based on SQL (NoSQL) are not susceptible to such attacks. Instead,
NoSQL databases are targeted by queries delivered by an end-user that uses
commands to execute malware.

Both methods are equally threatening, getting around verification systems by obtaining
credentials and then exposing the structure and content of the database. A successful
attack would give an attacker free reign of everything contained within the database.

2. Malware
Malware is designed to target vulnerabilities on a network, granting access to a
database, or causing damage to it. These vulnerabilities relate to unprotected endpoints
on a network that can be exploited via a range of different attacks.

For IT teams to protect against malware attacks, it is important to identify the attack
surface of a network. The attack surface refers to the number of vulnerabilities on a
network that a cybercriminal could target.

3. Denial of Service (DoS/DDoS) Attacks

A Denial of Service (DoS) attack occurs when a database server receives more
requests than it can process, causing the system to become unstable or crash. These
erroneous requests can be created by an attacker and directed at a specific target. The
volume of fake requests overwhelms the system, resulting in downtime for the victim.

A Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attack uses a botnet (a very large network of
computers) to create a huge amount of traffic that even the most advanced security
systems would struggle to prevent. The best defense against these types of attacks is to
employ a cloud-based DoS protection service that can help to limit high and suspicious
traffic volume.
4. Poor Permission Management
Many organizations fail to change the default security settings from when a database
server is initially installed. Just a few years ago, as many as 20% of companies were
not even changing default passwords on privileged accounts. This leaves them
vulnerable to an attack from attackers who know the defaults and, more importantly,
how they can be exploited.

Criminals may obtain log-in details of privileged accounts when accessing the database.
Inactive accounts can also present a risk if an attacker is aware of their existence. This
is why permissions management should be at the forefront when developing the
cybersecurity portion for your business as a whole, using zero trust protocols to prevent
unauthorized access.

Occasionally, a user can be accidentally given permissions to the database that they
shouldn’t have access to. This presents an opportunity for hackers to target such users
with phishing scams or other tactics that attempt to launch malware on their devices.

Cybercriminals can also attempt to seize control of the organization’s data management
system, altering privileges so they can gain database access at any time.

5. Database Backup Exposures

Backing up a database regularly is obviously recommended, but often, many of these
backups are left unprotected, making them a common target for attackers. Securing
backups is especially vital for industries that hold vital customer information, such as
healthcare providers or banks and financial institutions.

To prevent database exposures, you should:

 Encrypt your database and any backups that are made.

 Conduct regular audits of databases and their backups to record who has been
accessing this data.

6. Inadequate Auditing
Poor auditing can present a golden opportunity to cybercriminals, rendering your
database non-compliant with data security regulations. Organizations are required to
register all events that take place on a database server and conduct regular auditing.
Of course, such auditing is best using automated systems.

A failure to implement effective auditing procedures increases the chances of a

successful cyberattack. However, it is also important that any automated auditing
software does not impact the overall performance of the database.
7. Unprotected Databases Due to
Misconfiguration
Attacks resulting from misconfiguration are also commonly caused because of
unprotected databases when some parameters and accounts are left unchanged from
their initial default settings. Using these defaults, an experienced attacker can gain
access. This is why businesses should always ensure their databases are being
managed correctly, using thorough procedures and audits. Database management
should be conducted by an expert, whether this is an in-house professional or an
external cybersecurity firm.

8. Credentials
Social engineering attacks, such as phishing or click-bait advertising can be used to
obtain log-in credentials that an attacker can use to access a network and database.

9. Unencrypted data
Data encryption is a fundamental and crucial component of any cybersecurity policy,
and especially when it comes to the protection of financial information. All account and
financial data that is stored within your financial institution should be encrypted. This
way, even if any of the data is stolen, encryption guarantees that it is unusable. In fact,
at least one cybersecurity law prescribes data encryption for compliance with the
regulation

How To Prevent Database Security Threats

Below are preventative measures to reduce your database’s vulnerability regarding
cybersecurity threats:

 Better employee training so best practices are used daily.

 Determining the attack surface of your network and database.
 Using a zero trust system.
 Deleting inactive accounts and limiting privileges for standard users.
 Encrypting the database and all backups.
 Blocking potentially malicious web requests.
 Monitoring who accesses the database and analyzing usage patterns.
 Using masking to hide database fields that contain sensitive information.

Conclusion
There are many different security threats that can pose a significant risk to the data of
your organization and clients. The most common database threat is SQL injection, but
attacks such as Denial of Service and malware are equally dangerous. Training your
employees, using encryption, and managing user privileges are some of the best ways
to protect your database from a cyberattack.

. Database Security
Database security measures are a bit different from network security practices. The
former involves physical steps, software solutions and even educating your employees.
However, it’s equally important to protect your site to minimize the potential attack
vectors that cyber criminals could exploit.

Let’s look at 10 database security that help you to bolster your sensitive data’s safety.

1. Deploy physical database security

Data centers or your own servers can be susceptible to physical attacks by outsiders or
even insider threats. If a cybercriminal gets access to your physical database server,
they can steal the data, corrupt it or even insert harmful malware to gain remote access.
Without additional security measures, it’s often difficult to detect these types of attacks
since they can bypass digital security protocols.

If you house your own servers, adding physical security measures such as cameras,
locks and staffed security personnel is highly suggested. Furthermore, any access to
the physical servers should be logged and only given to specific people in order to
mitigate the risk of malicious activities. Standards for the physical security of server
rooms include:

 ISO 27001
 ISO 20000-1
 NIST SPs (SP 800-14, SP 800-23, and SP 800-53)
 Department of Defense Information Assurance Technical Framework
 SSAE 18 SOC 1 Type II, SOC 2 Type II and SOC 3

2. Separate database servers

Databases require specialized security measures to keep them safe from cyberattacks.
Furthermore, having your data on the same server as your site also exposes it to
different attack vectors that target websites.

Suppose you run an online store and keep your site, non-sensitive data and sensitive
data on the same server. Sure, you can use website security measures provided by the
hosting service and the eCommerce platform’s security features to protect against
cyberattacks and fraud. However, your sensitive data is now vulnerable to attacks
through the site and the online store platform. Any attack that breaches either your site
or the online store platform enables the cybercriminal to potentially access your
database, as well.

To mitigate these security risks, separate your database servers from everything else.
Additionally, use real-time security information and event monitoring (SIEM), which is
dedicated to database security and allows organizations to take immediate action in the
event of an attempted breach. Additionally, vulnerability management solutions are
effective for providing an accurate assessment of the security risks of each of your
network assets.

3. Set up an HTTPS proxy server

A proxy server evaluates requests sent from a workstation before accessing the
database server. In a way, this server acts as a gatekeeper that aims to keep out non-
authorized requests.

The most common proxy servers are based on HTTP. However, if you’re dealing with
sensitive information such as passwords, payment information or personal information,
set up an HTTPS server. This way, the data traveling through the proxy server is also
encrypted, giving you an additional security layer.

4. Avoid using default network ports

TCP and UDP protocols are used when transmitting data between servers. When
setting up these protocols, they automatically use default network ports.

Default ports are often used in brute force attacks due to their common occurrence.
When not using the default ports, the cyber attacker who targets your server must try
different port number variations with trial and error. This could discourage the assailant
from prolonging their attack attempts due to the additional work that’s needed.

However, when assigning a new port, check the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority’s
port registry to ensure the new port isn’t used for other services.

5. Use real-time database monitoring

Actively scanning your database for breach attempts bolsters your security and allows
you to react to potential attacks.

You can use monitoring software such as Tripwire’s real-time File Integrity
Monitoring (FIM) to log all actions taken on the database’s server and alert you of any
breaches. Furthermore, set up escalation protocols in case of potential attacks to keep
your sensitive data even safer.
Another aspect to consider is regularly auditing your database security and organizing
cybersecurity penetration tests. These allow you to discover potential security loopholes
and patch them before a potential breach.

6. Use database and web application firewalls

Firewalls are the first layer of defense for keeping out malicious access attempts. On
top of protecting your site, you should also install a firewall to protect your database
against different attack vectors.

There are three types of firewalls commonly used to secure a network:

 Packet filter firewall

 Stateful packet inspection (SPI)
 Proxy server firewall

Make sure to configure your firewall to cover any security loopholes correctly. It’s also
essential to keep your firewalls updated, as this protects your site and database against
new cyberattack methods.

7. Deploy data encryption protocols

Encrypting your data isn’t just important when keeping your trade secrets; it’s also
essential when moving or storing sensitive user information, defending against
ransomware, or staying compliant with data privacy laws like GDPR.

Setting up data encryption protocols lowers the risk of a successful data breach. This
means that even if cybercriminals get a hold of your data, that information remains safe.
This also means that your data is kept secure not only at rest, but in transit, where it
often is the most vulnerable.

8. Create regular backups of your database

While it’s common to create backups of your website, it’s essential to create backups for
your database regularly, as well, and to keep one copy encrypted. This mitigates the
risk of losing sensitive information due to malicious attacks or data corruption. Best
practice recommends the 3-2-1 backup rule:

 Store three copies of the data

 Use two types of storage
 Store one in an offsite location

CIS Control 11:Data Recovery outlines the steps of a data recovery plan and prioritizes
the importance of not only creating backups but testing the team’s ability to get them
back online. As we stated in a previous blog, “Backups for mission critical infrastructure
should be tested on a regular basis. This isn’t just to verify the integrity of the backups.
It also ensures that staff has the know-how and experience to restore in a timely matter,
as well.”

9. Keep applications up to date

Research shows that 88% of codebases contain outdated software components.
Furthermore, outdated plugins are a magnet for malware exploits and create open
vulnerabilities that hackers could use to pivot to other areas of your network. Together,
this creates a serious security risk when thinking about software that you use to manage
your database or even run your website.

While you should only use trusted and verified database management software, you
should also keep it updated and install new patches when they become available. The
same goes for widgets, plugins and third-party applications, with an additional
suggestion to avoid the ones that haven’t received regular updates. Steer clear of them
altogether.

10. Use strong user authentication

According to the Verizon 2022 Data Breach Investigations Report, 67% of data
breaches last year resulted from compromised credentials. Single-factor authentication
(SFA) methods are known to be unsafe, and it has been argued that the password is
dead. A bare-minimum two-factor authentication (2FA) is suggested for even social
media sites, and multi-factor authentication (MFA) is generally accepted as the standard
for secure user authentication today. It also plays a critical role in helping
organizations qualify for cyber insurance.

However, even that is changing as criminals are bypassing MFA checkpoints to

gain access to cloud resources, and a passwordless future might be in the cards for
most organizations soon.

Also, consider only allowing validated IP addresses to access the database to mitigate
the risk of a potential breach further. While IP addresses can be copied or masked, it
requires additional effort from the assailant.

Enhance your database security to mitigate

the risks of a data breach
Securing your database with industry standard best practices provides one more
defense-in-depth layer to your zero-trust approach.
As breaches continue to rise, the chances of threat actors in your network becomes an
ever-greater possibility. Organizations that have prepared ahead of time with stored and
encrypted data will be the ones most likely to recover.