[BreachExchange] How to Create And Maintain a More Secure Database

[Audrey McNeil]

https://www.digitaldoughnut.com/articles/2017/december/
how-to-create-and-maintain-a-more-secure-database

The damage done to a business's reputation and the long-term financial
consequences of a data breach are never a concern that should be treated
lightly. While extending an existing database into the cloud can allow
users to access sensitive files and information with far greater ease,
failing to address potential security concerns or underlying
vulnerabilities could be a catastrophic error. Learning more about ways to
enhance security or to protect data within the cloud will allow businesses
to minimize the potential risks to their network, data and systems.

Establishing Effective Security Protocols

Even basic security protocols can make a real difference when it comes to
keeping sensitive, data and information stored within the cloud safe and
secure. Poorly selected passwords, sloppy efforts to update and patch
software or browsing habits that could increase the risk of exposure to
malware or lead to other types of network intrusion. Ensuring that all
security efforts, resources and processes extend to the cloud ensures that
digital security can be maintained even for digital working environments
that rely on cloud-based storage and computing services.

Limiting Data Use and Exposure

Partitioning different processes and limiting user and account access is
another effective way to ensure that data stored within the cloud is less
likely to become compromised. Even the most diligent security efforts may
not always be sufficient to prevent a breach or cyber attack from taking
place, but businesses may still be able to protect themselves and their
data by limiting access and compartmentalizing their records and archived
information. Minimizing the size, scope and potential impact of a breach
may turn a potentially disastrous security problem into a far more minor
concern.

Utilizing Security Applications

There are a range of software options, programs and digital security
applications that may allow businesses to minimize prospective threats.
>From applications that automatically monitor software patches to those
designed to detect and respond to potential threats as quickly as possible,
investing in quality security software may be of tremendous benefit.
Full-featured security applications and network monitoring systems can go a
long way towards reducing or even eliminating many of the most common
security threats.

Monitoring Data Transfers and Network Activity

Keeping an eye on account traffic, data being exchanged and other network
activity that may be taking place can be a worthwhile effort. Automating
cloud monitoring efforts or contacting with a security or IT service to
handle such a task ensures that small businesses can enhance their security
without having to hire existing staff or burden their existing employees
with additional responsibilities. Staying alert and vigilant ensures that
security vulnerabilities and situations that may pose an inherent risk may
be identified, addressed and resolved with minimal delay. Keeping an eye on
their network, data and user activity means that businesses are much less
likely to overlook a potential security concern.

Seeking Professional Security Services and Solutions

The resources needed to secure a database or protect the network from an
intrusion or a breach may not always be available in-house. Seeking out
professional assistance can allow businesses to better assess their current
infrastructure, outline any issues or concerns which may place them at
increased risk and implement any resources that may be better suited to
their needs, budget or situation. Working alongside the right security
professional or a third-part IT service provider may also alleviate the
need to hire new personnel or expand the size of an existing staff.

Addressing Future Security Threats

Security concerns are not a static issue and the efforts and protocols that
may keep a business safe today could be far from sufficient when it comes
to dealing with future threats. Possessing a better understanding regarding
the potential security risks and benefits of cloud services will allow
business owners to make more educated and effective decisions. When it
comes to securing any sensitive data that may be stored in the cloud, no
organization can afford to fall behind the times.
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