6 Cybersecurity Tools You Should Know
Experts in the information security industry make use of cybersecurity tools to defend against threats to data. In this article, you’ll get an overview of cybersecurity, why it’s necessary and the top 9 tools to ensure security in an organization. What are cybersecurity tools? Cybersecurity tools have one primary purpose: to identify potential security risks to data and assets. Considering the high rate of cyber insecurity, such tools are a necessity for organizations and individuals alike. These tools ensure that organizations are at least one step ahead of the opposition since they send alerts of potential risks in real-time. Some tools take it a step further; in addition to the identification and assessment of risks, they also protect against identity theft, password trafficking, and other cybercrimes. Basically, cybersecurity tools are used to protect an organization, data, network, systems, and intellectual property from cyber threats. Overview of Cybersecurity Cybersecurity, although different, is sometimes called data security. It is the process by which organizations protect their networks, computer systems, and other devices against external threats. There are different types of cybersecurity: network security and application security. Often times, people mistake the terms cybersecurity and data security for each other. However similar they are, there are still major differences. Data security encompasses all procedures for the protection of data directly, while cybersecurity protects the sensitive information, the computer system, and every other device that can access it. Still confused? It’s simple: data security is a type of cybersecurity that safeguards data only. Why is cybersecurity important? Every business, organization, and what have you thrive on the importance of data. Further made important by the digital era we’re in now, data faces constant threats to its integrity. The relationship between organizations and data makes the former a sitting target for cybercriminals. According to Forbes, cyberattacks on organizations increased steadily in recent years. Why don’t businesses just fight back? Cyberattacks constantly change their mode of attack, and they employ technologies beyond what organizations can handle. So, businesses must use several technologies to protect their hardware and software from data breaches. Now, cybersecurity saves the day! Businesses are free from the financial and reputational costs of a successful data breach. Check here for the importance of data security. Top cybersecurity tools you should know. Starting a business is a tedious yet exciting process. You have to conduct market analysis, kickstart production, and push digital marketing. In all of these, cybersecurity ranks low on the to-do list of many entrepreneurs. Probably it’s the complex nature, or they just don’t know how. To help you achieve maximum cybersecurity, here are the top cybersecurity tools you’ll need for your business. Network security monitoring tools These tools are used to identify external threats to the organization’s network. By using network monitoring software, a network can be assessed for chinks in its system and potential risks are identified. Besides that, through the evaluation of past data, these tools can detect threats from inside the organization. Network monitoring tools give a bird’s eye view of the network, devices connected, and the general flow of data. Below are some types of network monitoring protocols. ICMP (Internet Control Message Protocol): Routers, servers, and other network devices use the Internet Control Message Protocol to send IP operations information and generate messages when devices fail. SNMP (The Simple Network Management Protocol): This protocol checks the status of devices such as switches and printers and can be used to watch the status and configuration of systems. ThousandEyes Synthetics: An internet-aware synthetic monitoring system that detects problems in the performance of modern networked applications. Vulnerability scanners To get a clear picture of how to fight, organizations must clarify the nature of threats. Vulnerability scanners help figure out the kinds of vulnerabilities in the IT infrastructure. They scan websites, dissect the files, and expose the chinks found. These help organizations reduce the cost of compliance with data security laws, amongst others. Some examples of cybersecurity scanners are: GFI Languard: This type of vulnerability scanner is for network and web applications. It can send patches across web browsers, operating systems, and third-party applications. Tripwire IP360: A scanning tool that can scan the entire environment of an organization, including assets discovered previously. some other examples are: Acunetix and Nessus. Encryption Tools Encryption tools play a vital role in safeguarding personal and sensitive data from unauthorized access. These tools scramble up data such that it makes no sense, rendering it unreadable and thus safe from unauthorized persons. Meanwhile, the intended recipient can read it but once it’s in transit or storage, it reverts to the unreadable state. Some examples of encryption algorithms used are: Triple DES RSA TwoFish Advance encryption standard (AES) Firewalls Hardly can you say you’ve never heard of firewalls, even when you don’t know exactly what it means. Sci-fi movies ensure their fans know a bit about fire walls. Firewalls are cybersecurity tools that monitor the flow of data in and out of a network. It prevents unauthorized users from accessing a private network—more like its name, Fire Wall. Using a set of predetermined requirements, firewalls act as filters for data packets and block packets that don’t meet security requirements. There are different types but these are the 3 common types of firewalls. Packet filter: This is the most basic type of firewall cybersecurity experts use. It scrutinizes the packets exchanged between computers based on a provided list. The list contains the criteria with which packets be investigated, rejected, or accepted. This type of firewall is outdated and no longer guarantees concrete cybersecurity. Connection tracking: Connection tracking firewalls, also called second generation firewalls, work similarly to the first generation. This type of firewall records the port number the IP address uses to receive and send information. So, the exchange of data is monitored in addition to the packet content. Application/layer 7: Application firewalls are more intense than the packet filter and connection tracking types. They identify non-standard ports and toxic applications thanks to their ability to understand various applications. Such as File Transfer Protocol (FTP) and HyperText Transfer Protocol (HTTP).
The 7 Types of Cybersecurity You Must Know in 2024
What are the types of cybersecurity? Cybersecurity is so important that it can’t be overemphasized. According to Forbes, in 2023, there were 2365 cyberattacks with approximately 343,000,000 victims. How does that affect your organization? A large percentage of the cyber attacks reported were aimed at businesses—small, medium, and large. Actually, 71% of Nigerian businesses faced ransomware attacks in 2021. So, you need to take cybersecurity seriously for your organization’s sake. In this article, you’ll learn the different types of cybersecurity in 2024. What is Cybersecurity All About? Cybersecurity is the necessary process of shielding an organization in its entirety from cyberattacks. In recent times, there has been a rapid growth in the number of cyberattacks on organizations. To further complicate matters, businesses have a hard time fighting back. Some of the factors affecting the strength of the counterattacks are: Remote work: the era of brick-and-mortar work has long since passed and a new work mode has taken over. In fact, the majority of companies at one point or another employed the services of remote workers. An important enabler is the internet, which makes it easier for cyberattacks to take root. Sophisticated attacks: cyberattacks have evolved from what they used to be into a more complex and organized structure. They now operate with better technology, the likes of which most organizations aren’t prepared against. Complex environment: cybersecurity would’ve been more effective if only modern corporate networks worked on just one environment. Instead, it spans over multiple cloud environments and infrastructures. The results of cyberattacks can be devastating. Such breaches lead to loss of intellectual property and customer trust, in addition to the financial and reputational costs. That aside, there’s the matter of identity theft, fraud, and targeted attacks that follow data breaches. Bottomline is that every organization needs to up their cybersecurity game. What Are the Types of Cybersecurity? To effectively battle against cyber threats, you need to understand the different types of cybersecurity. There are basically 7 broad categories, which are: Network Security Of the types of cybersecurity, this is the first line of defense. Network security involves securing the channels of communication between computers in an organization. Since most attacks happen over the internet, it makes the most sense to secure that angle first. First, we have the basic methods of network security, which are encryption, implementing firewalls, and intrusion detection systems. Second, there are access control solutions like identity access management (IAM) and data loss prevention (DLP). Additionally, there are more advanced network security solutions, for example, NGAV (Next Generation Antivirus), sandboxing, and IPS (Intrusion Prevention System). Application Security Otherwise known as cloud security, this type of cybersecurity involves protecting the applications, devices, and infrastructure of an organization against attacks. To do that, a cloud security strategy must be implemented. Sure, cloud providers give security to an extent, but third-party security solutions will still be necessary to provide all-round application security. Mobile Security Data is stored on several devices, mobile devices included. Most times, mobile security is overlooked, which shouldn’t happen. With the constant increase in the use of mobile devices (tablets, smartphones, etc.) to access corporate data, it is important that this end is secured. Mobile security, among the types of cybersecurity, protects against cybercrimes and secures operating systems from jailbreaking and rooting. One solution is to use a mobile device management solution to grant access to authorized mobile devices only. End-user Education The types of cybersecurity list isn’t complete without the end users education. Organizations should raise proper awareness amongst their staff and other individuals about the importance of cybersecurity. Regular training programs will get the job done. Operational Security This is basically the implementation of policies and procedures to ensure proper security of systems and networks. Under this umbrella, regular assessments of existing cybersecurity systems and upgrading where necessary are covered. Also, regular employee training on best security practices in addition to establishing incident-response plans is included. Data Security As has been noted, data security is different from cybersecurity. Data security includes all methods used to protect the integrity, confidentiality, and accessibility of important information from external threats. Such methods include encryption, access controls, and backup systems to prevent unauthorized access, loss, and compromise. Note: Importance of Data Security Critical Infrastructure Security. This is straight to the point. It is everything you can do to protect the computer system in your organization. This includes all technologies, processes, etc. you use to ensure the systems continue to work properly. Data security vs. Cybersecurity Often times, cybersecurity is mistaken for data security. Although they are used interchangeably, they aren’t the same. Data security includes methods by which data (personal) is protected from loss, compromise, or threats, while cybersecurity guards all the digital networks and systems used to collect, transit, process, and store data. For example, if you run a healthcare facility for HIV/AIDS patients, for records-keeping, you’ll definitely collect and store a ton of sensitive information like patients names, medical status, home address, etc. Now, the methods you employ, e.g., encryption, tokenization, etc., to protect them from external threats are data security. Also, you’ll need to secure the computer and every other hardware used to input and store the data from unauthorized access, hence cybersecurity. In summary, data security is a type of cybersecurity. Conclusion In present times (2024), understanding the different types of cybersecurity is beyond important for proper data protection from ever-evolving threats. By implementing all-round security measures, from network and data security to end-user education, businesses can safeguard their systems, data, and reputation. At Johan Consults, we help you achieve maximum security for your data and assets. Contact us for a free initial consultation.
Top Data Security Certifications that Can Improve Your Career
The world is at a revolutionary point. Gone are the days when transactions always happened physically; now, every activity occurs online. Presently, you can meet new people, explore lands you haven’t visited, pay bills, and conduct business all on the internet. In the midst of all these, data is the crux. So professionals who know how to protect data in compliance with data protection laws are needed. In this article, the value of data security certifications is explained. Also, you learn about the top 7 certifications. Importance of Data Security With the spike in internet activities comes an increase in the generation and exchange of data. This value spells doom in the wrong hands. In the 1st quarter of 2024 alone, the number of data breach casualties in the U.S. totalled 28.5 million. That’s not all; companies large, medium, and small are constantly targeted by hackers. Why? Businesses use personal and sensitive information like name, credit card details, address, etc. for lots of reasons. So, organizations must secure data from loss, compromise, and unauthorized access to prevent reputational damage. Additionally, data security helps with compliance with data protection laws. How Earning a Data Security Certification Is Important According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for data protection officers and information security may grow by 33% by 2030. This shows that more businesses will need the services of data security experts in the coming years. Earning a data security certification places you right in the spotlight. It gives you additional leverage in the workforce and angles you for better pay and exposure. With a certification, your confidence level increases and you work better. Additionally, you get to connect with professionals in related fields. Overall, you become a valuable asset in the workforce. Top 7 Data Security Certifications Here are some of the best certifications for data security you can get—in no particular order. Certification Information Privacy Management The International Association of Privacy Professionals offers this course. The CIPM is more relevant to people working in the following fields: It teaches the various strategies to implement data privacy laws and regulations in every part of a business. These are the skills you learn with the CIPM certification. Healthcare Information Security and Privacy Practitioner The International Information System Security Certification Consortium (ISC)2 as a program grants participants a healthcare information security and privacy practitioner certification. Patients’ information is extremely valuable so it’s important to secure it. This program teaches individuals ways to secure healthcare data. The following professionals will find this certification useful: CompTIA security+ This certification provided by CompTIA is accredited by the International Organization Standardization (ISO) and ANSI. This program teaches participants how to monitor and secure hybrid environments in compliance with regulations. In addition, it teaches how to analyze and respond to threats. This certification is especially useful to beginner professionals who want to hone their data security skills. While it’s an entry-level data security certification, certain requirements are advised for qualification. GDPR-certified Data Protection Officer One of the platforms offering this certification is the Professional Evaluation and Certification Board (PECB). It focuses on the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) compliance. This certification aims to teach participants how to advise and monitor GDPR compliance in organizations. Basically, you learn how to steer organizations towards maximum compliance with the GDPR. Certified in Data Protection For those interested in learning about best data protection practices for organizations, the Identity Management Institute (IMI) offers the certified in data protection certification. This certification addresses risk analysis and other important concepts in data security. It’s highly recommended for professionals who want to learn how to meet international security and privacy laws. Certified Ethical Hacker This is provided by the EC-council . This data security certification teaches hacking principles to identify weaknesses in the system and combat cyberthreats. The exam tests skills such as cryptography, cloud computing skills, and hacking strategies for various applications, platforms, and devices. To be eligible for the CEH certificate, professionals need to complete an official EC-Council training course—for those with no prior experience and 2 years of information security experience. Certified Information Privacy Technologist The IAPP offers this certificate to professionals aiming for data protection proficiency. This program focuses on the technological aspects of data protection in particular. While it’s open to anyone, informational technology and information security professionals will find it useful the most. This program teaches the following: Conclusion Credible data security certifications are not limited to the mentioned ones above. As an enthusiastic learner, you can explore the internet for a wide variety of courses. Also, register for courses that offer the best in terms of value and convenience. Pro tip: Never take on more courses than you can handle.
The Importance of Data Security in 2024
Introduction An organization comprises several sectors or departments. And the synchronization of all their activities makes the organization functional. How does the importance of data security come into play?. Data is an important part of every business and organization. It‘s use is versatile and broad. Organizations make use of data to know the pain points of their target audience, scope out the competition and do marketing. This article reveals the basics of data security and highlights its importance. Read on. What is Data Security? Data security is the process an organization takes to keep data safe from compromise, cyber attacks, mishandling, and other woes. All businesses, whether large, medium, or small, are at constant risk of data breaches—emphasis on ‘constant’. While SMEs think they aren’t on the target list, that couldn’t be more false. Small and medium businesses have proven to be easier targets of cyberattacks because they don’t have a comprehensive data security system. As a matter of fact, statistics show that SMEs will make up a large percentage of the total victims of attacks in 2024. Large corporations are not left out either, but they usually have better ways of securing data. Regardless, the financial implications of a successful data breach frustrate the big guns. The importance of data security goes beyond the one stated above. It is a legal requirement under several data protection laws, like the GDPR, NDPR, and the Data Protection Act of 2023. These laws mandate organizations to secure the personal data of employees and clients against unauthorized access, loss, and compromise. Failure to comply with the data security requirements of these laws incurs severe penalties. Differences Between Data Security and Cyber Security While the application of these terms overlaps, they cannot always mean the same thing. Data security is simply concerned with safeguarding data; on the other hand, cyber security protects the entire digital assets and computer system of an organization. For better comprehension, cybersecurity is the fence protecting the building (digital assets and computer systems) and data security is the door protecting a room (databases) in the building. Types of Data Security There are several ways you can safeguard data as an organization. You can use any combination of these methods you find suitable for your business. Below are some of the most common types of data security. Data encryption Data encryption is the logical scrambling of a dataset to prevent unauthorized parties from understanding it. This is perfect because hackers and other vile people cannot read it without a decryption key. Data erasure Data erasure is exactly as the name implies. After processing data for the intended use(s), you’ll need to get rid of them in accordance with the GDPR and NDPA. This method gets the job done without leaving a trace. Data backup Data backup involves storing another copy of the information on a secure external database. Do not mix it up with data storage. When you lose the original copy, you can easily retrieve the secondary copy as a replacement. This ensures data resiliency (continuity of data after loss or compromise). Data masking Although similar to data encryption, this method is a bit different. Rather than scrambling the data, some characters in the data are replaced with entirely different characters. This makes the information unreadable without the password. Authentication This is probably the most important type of data security. Here’s how it works. To access a particular data or database, authorized users must prove that their identity is accurate. This can be done with a login and password system. Biometrics like fingerprints and rectinal scans are further steps to authentication—two-factor authentication. Firewalls A firewall secures data by blocking access from certain IP addresses. importance of Data Security The importance of data security cannot be overemphasized. These are some reasons why you should take data security seriously in your organization. Unnecessary expenditure Businesses are always on the receiving ends of data insecurity. The reason why is that corporations have to spend significant amounts of money to reverse the damages inflicted during data loss, compromise, and theft. Aside from that, the owners of compromised data can seek to file lawsuits against the institution careless enough to lose data. Such actions take a toll on the company’s pocket. Automated attacks The importance of data security shows itself here. Hackers found an easier way to attack in the form of BOT attacks. It’s an automated system with which they can consistently raid your database without breaking a sweat. To combat this, all businesses need to update their data security systems. Reputational damage Absolutely no one would trust a brand known to always lose their data. Most data held by organizations is very personal and sensitive. Examples are names, bank details, health status, social media passwords, etc. The illegal release of such data is dangerous to its owners, as impersonations, targeted attacks, and online scams will be issued against them. Therefore, organizations need to secure data to protect brand image. Data integrity The integrity of data relies on its reliability and accuracy. This means that for data to maintain its integrity, it must be void of compromises or variations as much as possible. You can maintain data integrity through the centralization of data storage and putting it on various servers. This ensures that uncompromised data is available at all times. GDPR Compliance The General Data Protection Regulation is the law that guides organizations towards data protection in the EU. Although an EU law, the GDPR is regarded as the most comprehensive data protection regulation in the world. organizations In compliance with the GDPR, businesses and organizations have to implement foolproof data security systems. Why? The law penalizes defaulting entities with fines, sanctions, and even outright bans. Conclusion In 2024, data security will be a must for all organizations—small, medium, and large. With it, you can prevent financial loss and reputational damage in addition to complying with legal regulations like GDPR. endeavor to mount more data security methods in your organization; you’ll be better for it. Want more info on
Why Data Privacy Is Important to Businesses: Top Reasons You Should Know
l’ll be the first to admit it— I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve mindlessly clicked ‘agree’ to some lengthy terms of service without reading the fine print. But the truth is, our personal data is scattered all over the internet. It’s even scary to think about who might have access to it. Sadly, it’s not just our own curiosity that gets us in trouble. Companies, hackers, and even governments are all trying to get their hands on our personal information. So, what’s the big deal? The truth is that data privacy is important. This is because, at its core, data privacy helps us gain control over our lives. What is Data Privacy? Data privacy refers to the right an individual has to control their personal information. This includes how it’s collected, used, shared, and protected. It is also about ensuring that sensitive data is handled with care, respect, and transparency. According to Statista, over 60% of the world’s population makes use of the internet. From this research, it’s clear that data privacy is important. Now more than ever, websites, apps, and social media platforms are more involved in collecting and storing personal data of users. This is done to provide quality services to users. However, some websites and platforms collect and use more data than the required data to access. This reduces users’ privacy and exposes them to risk. Aside from accessing more data, some of these platforms don’t invest in safeguarding the data collected. This can lead to a data breach, compromising user privacy. Due to this, data privacy is important. Why is Privacy Important for Businesses? With our data scattered over the internet, data privacy is important to keep us safe while we surf the web. Businesses need to ensure that their customers can trust them with their data. To achieve this, you can make use of data protection practices. According to research, about 60% of individuals are willing to spend more on a company that they trust to handle their personal data responsibly. So, if you want to keep your customers, data privacy is important. Below are various reasons why data privacy is important: Differences Between Data Privacy and Data Security The terms “data privacy” and “data security” get thrown around like they’re interchangeable. But here’s the truth: they’re not the same thing. And as a business, you need to understand the difference. Data privacy as earlier said, is about giving individuals control over their personal information. It’s about respecting their autonomy and dignity. Data security, on the other hand, is about keeping your data safe from cyber threats, identity theft, and financial fraud. Data security is important, but it’s complete without data privacy. If you’re not prioritizing data privacy, you’re still leaving your customers vulnerable. And in today’s digital age, that’s just not acceptable. If you want to build trust with your customers, you need to prioritize both. Data Privacy Laws and Regulations As a business owner, it’s essential to understand the various data privacy laws that govern the collection, use, and protection of personal data. Here are some laws and regulations to keep in mind: What Challenges Do Users Face When Protecting Their Data Online? Users encounter numerous obstacles when trying to safeguard their personal information online. Some of the key challenges include: Websites often use cookies, pixels, and other technologies to monitor your browsing history, and online activities. Because of this, most countries require websites to alert users of cookie usage. However, the extent of this tracking may not be transparent to users. When you use numerous online services, your data may be shared with third parties without your knowledge. This automatically limits your control over how your data is used. Social media platforms make it easy to find and share your personal information. This information can be collected and used by the platforms in ways you may not be aware of. Hackers target personal data to commit fraud, gain access to secure systems, or sell it illegally. They use tricks like phishing, malware, and ransomware to get you to reveal sensitive information. They also use these tricks to gain access to company systems, which can lead to severe consequences. What Challenges Do Businesses Face When Protecting Users’ Data Online? 1. Difficulty in Communication Sometimes, businesses find it difficult to inform their customers what data they are collecting and storing. They also find it difficult to explain what the data is used for. To overcome this, businesses must use clear and concise language in privacy policies and terms of service. 2. Cybercrime Businesses that collect and store user data are at more risk of getting attacked by cybercriminals. Knowing how important data privacy is, these businesses would have to implement strict security measures such as encryption and firewalls. 3. Data Breaches Data breaches can have severe consequences for businesses and their customers. To reduce the risk of users’ data being compromised, businesses should also regularly monitor for suspicious activity. They should also respond quickly to incidents. How Johan Consult Can Help You Protect Users’ Data As a business, understanding why data privacy is important is necessary in order to gain customers’ trust and retain them. Customers are known for sticking to brands that are concerned about their privacy. So, to stay ahead of your competitors, you need to carry out certain data practices. If you’re looking for a data privacy company that can help your business secure users’ data, Johan Consult can help. At Johan Consult, we specialize in data privacy services to help businesses safeguard user data. Our services include developing tailored policies and procedures. We also conduct comprehensive data protection audits and risk assessments and implement robust cybersecurity solutions.
What Is Database Activity Monitoring (DAM)? Benefits, Features, Techniques And Software
All organizations have one major life source in common: data, and it’s constantly under siege with cyberattacks by malicious actors. A successful instance of such attacks leads to data breaches, which typically spell doom for businesses. Eventually, the consequences of data breaches, such as identity theft, online scams, financial implications, and reputational damage, pushed organisations to data protection. As a key component in protecting data from external threats, organizations emphasize data security. Data security is a very complex procedure, and owing to the large database most entities possess, the risk of a data breach is almost 100%. Common threats to databases are: SQL Injection: The use of malicious SQL codes to manipulate databases for information access. These are one of the most common web hacking techniques. Malware Attacks: These use software embedded in the database to disable it or steal information. Denial of Service attacks involve flooding a database with queries to stunt or shutdown its performance. In this article, you’ll find information on Database Activity Monitoring, its architectures, features, examples, and a DAM solution checklist. What is Database Activity Monitoring? Any solution used to monitor and analyze database activity in real-time. It is a compilation of tools that help identify and report illegal and negative activities with minimal impact on user operations. The process of monitoring database activity has gone past analyzing user activity in and around related database management systems. Nowadays, DAM works by combining several methods like memory scraping, network sniffing, database audit logs, and reading system tables to paint an accurate picture of the database activities. Why Do Organisations Need DAM? Most databases have one problem, It’s the lack of records. Should a cybercriminal wiggle his/her way into the database, they have enough access to carry out their crimes and wipe out all traces undetected. Considering that data breach discovery already takes too much time, the case above further lengthens the time frame. So, organizations, especially the large ones, need a system that actively monitors each and every activity on databases in detail. Benefits of Database Activity Monitoring Keeps a log of database activities; every activity is recorded, including the identity of the person. Ensures compliance: This is an aspect overlooked by many organizations. DAM is important, since 137 out of 194 countries have laws and regulations to guard the data of their citizens. DAM helps organizations comply with laws like NDPR, CCPA, and the revered GDPR. These regulations carry serious penalties, such as fines and sanctions for non-compliance. Implements division of labor amongst data administrators Generates alerts for data breaches: a lot of times, data breaches occur at the hands of unauthorized entities. DAM alerts the administration of instances of unauthorized access in real time. Key Features of Database Activity Monitoring There are certain features that define DAM. Some of them are as follows: Enhanced data privacy: proactively identifying vulnerable data Automatic identification and classification of different types of databases, such as RDBMS, NoSQL, in-memory, distributed, and big data systems. Safe storage and auditing of database activities and logs in a location separate from the monitored database. Better insight into application traffic and greater accountability for end users. Facilitation of informed decision-making through advanced analytics and reporting. Cross-Platform Compatibility: Supports on-premises, cloud, and hybrid environments. Common Challenges In Database Activity Monitoring Although DAM has been established as an essential part of data security, there are a few hurdles that make its implementation difficult. Encrypted Data: many data are encrypted to prevent unauthorized access. While it’s a welcome data security practice, it can mask both legitimate and suspicious activity. Large Volume of Data: some organizations hold large volumes of data. This may strain database activity monitoring systems. System Performance Impact: use of profilers, logging, and agents can slow down the performance of the database system. Database Activity Monitoring Tools and Techniques Database Profilers: These tools help to understand the database workload by tracking performance metrics such as; CPU Usage Memory usage User sessions Resource pools Connection statistics Query performance Buffer Cache details System and user errors Automated Monitoring Solutions: Examples, Datadog and Nagios, are perfect for continuous oversight of databases. They watch over performance metrics non-stop and give red alerts for suspicious activities. Common Database Activity Monitoring Architectures There are 3 main architectures to implement DAM, which are interception-based, memory-based, and log-based. Interception-Based Most DAM systems in the present day monitor databases by intercepting the communication between database server and client. This interference can happen at several points, like, Database memory level Network level Operating system level Database library level This type of architecture can prove too slow to catch unauthorized queries. Memory-Based Some DAM systems use a small, simple tool that links to secure databases. This tool constantly checks a part of the system where data is stored (SSystem Global Area-SGA) to collect and monitor SQL commands as they run. This approach provides comprehensive coverage of all database transactions. It can also be used to secure databases regardless of their locations (cloud or any IT infrastructure). Log-Based Some Database Activity Monitoring (DAM) systems can retrieve valuable information by inspecting the logs that record changes to the database. These logs keep track of all the changes and can provide useful details about the transactions that have occurred. By analyzing these redo logs, they can gather a lot of important data. A downside of this architecture is that not all the data needed for DAM is stored in redo logs. Therefore, the system will need augmentation from native audit trail information. Database Activity Monitoring Tool Checklist This is a checklist organizations can use to select a DAM tool most suitable with minimal effects on their databases. Should provide real-time ongoing monitoring of all SQL traffic, including network-based SQL traffic. Should be able to start a TCP when blocking a session to ensure the database remains unchanged. Should be able to send alerts over multiple channels. Should use minimal network bandwidth when checking incoming SQL statements to the gateway. Should not take up more than 3% of CPU and disk resources. Top Database Activity Monitoring Tools Varonis IBM Guardium SolarWinds Database
