There are millions of businesses in the United States. While these businesses are different in a number of different ways, there is one thing they all share: the need for iron-clad database security. Failing to properly secure the sensitive information on your business network can lead to lots of problems in the future.
Last year, over 49 percent of the cyber-attacks experienced by business owners were web-based. Over 42 percent of these attack were considered phishing or social engineering-based breaches. Ignoring the need for increased database security is a recipe for disaster. This is why investing in tools like DataSunrise database security software is so important.
The following are some great database security tips that will help you keep hackers at bay.
Your Database Needs to be Monitored and Audited Regularly
Keeping an eye on your network and database activity can help you stay one step ahead of cyber-attacks. With the help of an IT professional, you can monitor both the behaviors and access present on your network. When things like unfamiliar IP addresses pop-up, you can take action immediately to prevent a network infiltration.
You will also need to have routine audits performed on your database and network. Often times, IT professionals will run penetration tests to see just how hard it is to infiltrate your database. If security issues are found during these audits, they can be fixed immediately before they cause any real problems.
Make Sure Password Policies are in Place
Each of the employees or third-party vendors that have access to your network and database should have a username and password combo. Making these individuals change their passwords on a monthly basis is a great way to keep your network totally secure. Be sure to set some guidelines when it comes to what should be included in these passwords.
Requiring employees and vendors to include numbers and special characters in their passwords is a great idea. By requiring frequent password changes, you can keep hackers guessing.
Segmenting Your Database is a Good Idea
The more wide open your existing database is, the easier it will be for hackers to infiltrate it. By taking the time to segment your network, you can make it harder for cyber-criminals with malicious intent to gain access. Not every employee or vendor will need unfettered access to the sensitive information on your network. Restricting this access will make your network safer and will make it easier on your to pinpoint neglect when data breaches do occur.
Instead of trying to segment your database and assign permissions on your own, you should work with network security professionals. With their help, you can figure out which team members need administrative level access to sensitive data.
Data Encryption is a Must
Are you looking for a way to add an increased amount of security to your database? If so, using the power of data encryption is a great idea. With the use of encryption, you can rest assured hackers can’t use your sensitive information even if it is intercepted during transit.
While encrypting all of the data on your network may seem a bit overwhelming and intimidating, it is definitely worth the effort you invest. Once you have encryption tools in place, you can let information flow freely without fear of data breaches.
Trying to handle the security and maintenance needs of your network alone is a bad idea. Hiring an IT professional will take a lot of stress off your plate.
