Data powers every modern company. Data is also incredibly sensitive, and any data security breach can lead to terrible losses. With security breaches increasing by 11% this year and cybercrime damages reaching $6 trillion annually, the issue of data security is as vital as ever.
Even if you are sure about your database security, it always pays to double-check and see whether you missed anything. For those looking for professional assistance with database development and security, you can find solutions tailored to meet your needs if you’re willing to search for them.
Below are the top five pieces of advice on securing your database that every business should implement.
1. Store the data on separate servers
One of the most efficient practices for enhancing security is to host the company’s site on one server and store data on the other server. In this case, even if someone hacks the website server, they still won’t have access to your database.
You can also use stronger security controls for the data-storing server and create a few permissions to limit access to it.
2. Ensure a sufficient level of protection
Once you have separate servers, make sure they are protected well. Here is a quick checklist:
- Check the firewalls,
- Check for the anti-malware software,
- Limit the access to the database server,
- Generate one-time passwords.
These are the most essential things you need to do to secure your server. However, do not hesitate to use any additional practices—they will enhance security.
3. Do not forget encryption
The data encryption makes it unreadable for the hackers – and your employees as well!
It may happen that an employee wishes to access a file that they do not have permission for. In this case, the encrypted data will prevent them from doing so. Encryption is basically the final defense line between your data and hackers or unwanted users. So encrypt everything important, from documents to backups to keep your data safe. You can do so either automatically (once the data is entered, it gets encrypted) or ask your system administrator to manage that.
4. Perform regular updates
Many companies use different third-party widgets or plugins for their website or database, which are perfect target points for hackers. Even if you have excellent internal defense, these external plugins may become the point of attack.
To eliminate this problem, make sure to update the patches on a regular basis. This will add security to your system and will prevent hackers from getting into the database.
5. Comply with GDPR
You must remember about GDPR – the General Data Protection Regulation, rolled out by European Union last year. The new regulation takes a strong focus on the users’ right to manage and delete their data and also their consent about data collection.
So in order to comply with GDPR, you have to anonymize all the data from the server before giving it for further processing and work. The anonymized data cannot be re-identified and is not a subject to the GDPR.
You can use the following techniques to anonymize the data:
- Directory replacement,
- Scrambling,
- Masking,
- Blurring,
- Personalized anonymization.
Conclusion
These are the most essential steps that any company needs to take in order to provide a secure environment for data storage. Of course, there are more security practices that can help you prevent the database from being hacked. It is highly recommended to consult an experienced software development company that will analyze your level of security and provide recommendations on its enhancement.
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