Jan
21
2012

What is Database Auditing?

Database auditing is the method done by database administrators in order to see the actions of its users. This procedure is often done to make sure that the database is accessed only by those who are allowed. The security of the database is, of course, the main priority of the administrator, thus, the need of database auditing. Database auditing can be based on a single or a combination of actions. Security measures will be activated once you, as the administrator, emphasize the keys that will need to be secured at all times.

Importance of Database Auditing

Most companies most often ignore the security of the database since they are more concerned with the security of the network. This should not be so. Databases should always be protected since it is here that most of the company’s information is stored. Any personnel having access to the company’s database may prove hazardous to the company itself since they may change it at whim. Most companies don’t have any idea on the dangers of this unless a database auditing is done. Letting other employees have access to the database may cost the company a lot of money.

Programmers would recommend to the companies that they establish a secure audit trail for their databases. This way, they will know what activities were happening around the database and know who has been accessing the files in the database. Securing the database can limit the possibilities of identity theft in most companies, which is one of the main concerns of every company. Programmers who are proficient in creating security programs for databases also recommend having encryption so as to give those who need to access the database enough control to enter it. This is to ensure that only a few employees can indeed enter the database.

Uses of Database Auditing

Auditing of database has many uses. This includes accounting for all the actions that are happening within the database. It can also stop unwanted persons from altering the contents of the database. Aside from this, database auditing can also be used to investigate unwanted activities within the database. One advantage of having a database auditing is that it immediately alerts the system administrator that there is an illegal activity happening. The administrator can respond quickly once he receives the alert.

These are only some of the uses of a database auditing. There are still lots of benefits that you can have in your company when you use database auditing. Imagine all of your important data being accessed by anyone within your company and being vulnerable without the help of the audit trail.

Database security is composed of four parts. These are the server security, database connection, table access control and restricting database access. The server security is the one responsible in preventing unauthorized personnel from accessing the database. In terms of database connections, the administrator should also check whether the updates done on the database are done by authorized personnel. The table access control shows the access keys of each authorized personnel and what tables within the database can they handle. Restricting database access is important especially for those who have their database uploaded in the internet. This will help prevent any outside source from entering or getting access to your database.

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