For most businesses, collecting data is something they do on a regular basis. Having customer data will allow you to make educated decisions regarding the direction your business needs to take.
While having customer data is a key component of having a successful business in the 21st century, this information has to be protected. Nearly 60 percent of all cyber-attacks perpetrated each year target businesses.
Putting the right database security software in place is something you need to view as a priority. Once you have the right security measures in place, you will need to test them on a regular basis. Finding a database audit solution that is both comprehensive and easy to use is important. The information from these audits can alert you to vulnerabilities that need to be fixed.
Here are some of the areas you need to focus on when conducting these database audits.
The Current User Authentication and Access System in Place
The first thing you need to check when performing a database audit is the user authentication and access system in place. This feature is generally the entry point for consumers and employees looking to access the database. You need to make sure that a user cannot extract any sensitive information from your database.
By auditing the capabilities users have, you can find and fix any vulnerabilities that may exist with this user access system. If you feel that users have too much access to your database, you will need to work on restricting what they can see and interact with. In some instances, getting a new authentication and access system may be needed if your existing one lacks the flexibility you are after.
Assessing the Database Objects
Any objects being used to either old company or user data should also be part of this audit. In order to track information like who has access to these objects and what they are doing with this data is only possible when putting an audit software in the system. Any important views, procedures and database links will need to be audited to ensure the information they are collecting is secure.
The last thing you want is to leave this important part of your data collection system open to attack. With the assistance of a cyber-security professional, you can find the right software and implement it with ease.
Is Your Data Holding Up?
Perhaps the most important thing you need to check during this auditing process is the data you are collecting. If the data in question is particularly sensitive, you will need to think about who needs access to it. Often times, businesses will fail to put restrictions on who can use and see their data, which can create a lot of problems for them.
Looking at the details of the data like when it was collected and what changes have been made to it is important. If you see that all of the data coming into your company is being altered, then chances are you have a problem with hackers. Cyber-criminals can alter your data and leave viruses in it that they can deploy at a later date. Instead of waiting until this disaster happens, you need to get out in front of this issue by performing routine audits.
The time and energy you invest into performing database audits will definitely pay off. Hiring IT security professionals to help with these audits can make this process much easier on everyone involved.
