Johnson _ Assignment1
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American Military University *
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Course
290
Subject
Information Systems
Date
Dec 6, 2023
Type
docx
Pages
5
Uploaded by marineson21
Week 1 Assignment
Timothy Johnson
ISSC290: Securing Databases
10 June 2023
Week 1 Assignment
Creating a security policy for a database is crucial for protecting valuable data's
confidentiality, integrity, and availability. This policy establishes guidelines and procedures for
responsible data management and safeguards against potential threats. It should cover access
controls, database activity monitoring, patch management, encryption, and incident response. A
strong security policy serves as a foundation for maintaining the database's security posture,
managing risks, and preserving data integrity.
Ensuring that only authorized individuals can access sensitive databases is a critical issue,
and implementing strong access controls is key to achieving this. To minimize risks, it is
recommended to restrict the number of users with access and grant permissions based on their
job functions. Authentication mechanisms such as strong passwords, multi-factor authentication,
and role-based access control should be employed to provide appropriate permissions based on
users' roles and responsibilities (“What is database security?,” n.d.). By implementing these
measures, organizations can enhance the security of sensitive databases and mitigate
unauthorized access risks.
It is crucial to establish a solid process for ongoing monitoring and auditing of the
database. This means recording all logins to the database server and operating system, as well as
tracking any operations involving sensitive data (“What is database security?,” n.d.). By keeping
comprehensive logs, it is possible to review access patterns and detect suspicious activity in a
timely manner. A clear security policy should outline the frequency and scope of audits, along
with procedures for responding to security incidents. Regular audits of database security
standards are essential for maintaining compliance and ensuring a high level of security.
To ensure the safety and security of all systems, applications, tools, and firmware, it is
crucial to monitor for newly released patches and disclosed vulnerabilities (Kime, 2020).
Regularly applying security patches and updates to the database management system and
associated software is necessary to mitigate any known vulnerabilities. The security policy
should outline the procedures for patch management, including testing patches in a controlled
environment before deployment. By following these practices, organizations can improve their
system security and reduce the risk of exploitation through unpatched vulnerabilities.
Enhancing overall security posture involves implementing encryption measures for
sensitive data, both at rest and in transit. To significantly reduce the risk of unauthorized access
and maintain data confidentiality, it is crucial to employ a strong encryption algorithm and
ensure proper management of encryption keys. Adhering to best-practice guidelines when
handling encryption keys upholds their integrity and effectiveness in protecting sensitive
information ("What is database security?," n.d.). By diligently implementing encryption
protocols, organizations can fortify their defenses and mitigate potential vulnerabilities in data
storage and transmission.
Having a detailed incident response plan and disaster recovery strategy is essential in
reducing the impact of security breaches and unexpected events. These plans must include
precise procedures for quickly detecting and addressing security incidents, as well as methods for
restoring the database to a secure state. To boost server resilience, companies can use active-
passive redundancy for fail-over recovery or distribute potential loads across multiple servers by
utilizing load-balancing servers (Kime, 2020). Through the implementation of these measures,
organizations can efficiently reduce the impact of security incidents, guarantee business
continuity, and safeguard the integrity of their database infrastructure.
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To ensure the safety of a sensitive database, a comprehensive approach is necessary. This
includes implementing strong access controls to restrict access to authorized personnel and
prevent unauthorized entry. Consistent monitoring and auditing are crucial to promptly detect
and respond to security incidents and maintain the integrity of the database. It is also essential to
regularly update the database management system and associated software to address known
vulnerabilities and protect against potential exploits. Encrypting data at rest and in transit adds an
extra layer of protection to safeguard the confidentiality of sensitive information. Lastly, a well-
defined incident response plan and disaster recovery strategy can effectively handle security
breaches and minimize their impact, ensuring the resilience and security of the sensitive
database.
References
Database security: An essential guide
. IBM. (n.d.). https://www.ibm.com/topics/database-
security
Kime, C. (2023, April 26).
7 database security best practices: Database security guide
.
eSecurityPlanet. https://www.esecurityplanet.com/networks/database-security-best-
practices/