The developments made so far in information technology has increased the rate of internet crimes which may target crucial information stored in server hosting databases. Organizations and business have confidential information in their databases which may lead to losses if illegally accessed.
It is therefore, important to ensure that the database is secure. The security measures should focus on prevention of attacks, detection and immediate response to any insecurity incidents.
The first entry point that is a threat to stored data is the physical access of a server by unauthorized persons. It is important to ensure that security measures are put in place to deter attackers from gaining access to the server. Door locks, employee identification techniques and surveillance systems can be installed to ensure that access to the server is strictly a reserve of authorized employees. This way, an organization ensures that even when an attack occurs, it is only external thus, less damage is done.
The use of a firewall is effective in reducing the amount of traffic through the database host. The database can be used by malicious individuals to access the host. Firewalls block viruses and any foreign plug-ins that may be used to access the host. Most server systems come with pre-installed firewalls which are installed as part of the system. These firewalls are easy to configure since they are adapted to the particular system.
Round the clock monitoring of the network will ensure timely detection and prevention of possible attacks. Computer personnel can manually monitor the network or use automated tools known as packet sniffers to detect any malicious access attempts. An advancement of packet sniffers combines with automatic firewalls in what is called intrusion detection systems. The systems decode every access code and try to match it with known patterns of harmful or normal behavior.
Encryption techniques are used by system administrators to protect stored data or data in transit in the database. Encryption makes it difficult to decode protected data even when it has been accidentally accessed by an unintended user. The encryption codes are only known to the administrator thus, reserving access to the administrator only and any other users that are granted access. Encrypting software is available and administrators should choose what is compatible with the browser used in the server.
Host based control methods provide an identifiable track of the activities by the various users of the server. This helps to ensure that only authorized users can access the server thus, any attack can be traced to its source. Simple methods such as a username- password control provide effective authentication of the user. More advanced methods are available for high data security servers and use biometrics such as smart cards to identify the users.
Data loss or corruption can result if a system experiences interruption in power supply or a broken network. These incidents may be accidental or come about as a result of attacks. System administrators can maintain detailed back-up systems for data recovery such as tape drives and external hard drives. The server can also maintain distributed network back-up solutions which are commercially available. Protecting data loss through server hosting secures business information for reliability and efficiency.
