Cyber-attacks continue to be the top concern for business leaders worldwide. Data is at the heart of innovation in modern app development, and the infrastructure used to support these applications is under constant attack, especially data. With the rise in data breaches and the sophistication of attacks, developers face a multitude of challenges in securing sensitive data while building cutting-edge applications. Protecting the data infrastructure is not just about defending against attacks; it’s about ensuring the integrity and availability of the data that drives innovation. According to a report by IBM, data breaches will cost Indian enterprises an all-time high average of INR 195 million in 2024. Despite significant investments in advanced cybersecurity technologies, many organizations still struggle to protect their most sensitive information, prompting a shift towards a data-centric security approach over traditional security controls. Revisiting data security practices

Today, databases are confronted with diverse and sophisticated attacks. Hence, investing in data security should be on top of the agenda of CISOs in order to defend against the increasing data breaches. As data systems have evolved, there is a need to revisit and update security practices to protect data across on-premises to cloud architectures. Traditional data security approaches face challenges in today’s multifaceted IT environments, which include on-premises, hybrid cloud, and multi-cloud setups. Some of the best data security practices include:

• Authentication & user access control: Access control protects the data from unauthorized access. Authentication identifies and authenticates the user who has the privilege to access the data, ensuring that only legitimate users can interact with the system.

• Audit logging: Audit logs provide accountability and transparency by tracking data access, modifications, and user actions, enabling quicker incident response and forensic investigations. They help meet regulatory requirements like GDPR and HIPAA, support performance monitoring, and aid in system troubleshooting, ensuring comprehensive data governance and traceability.

• Encryption of data: Encryption is a critical component of data security; it ensures that data within databases is unreadable without a decoding key. Enterprises must also update traditional encryption algorithms with modern ones to enhance data protection. Equally important is safeguarding the encryption keys, as they are vital to maintaining the security of the encrypted data.

• Backup security and recovery strategy: Databases must ensures that backup data is protected from unauthorized access, corruption, and loss. This involves encrypting backups, implementing strict access controls, and storing them in secure, offsite locations. Regularly testing backups for integrity and recovery capabilities is also crucial. By securing database backups, organizations safeguard critical data from potential cyberattacks, accidental deletions, or system failures, ensuring business continuity and compliance with data protection regulations.

• Strong security policy and regulatory compliance: Organizations should establish clear security policies to mitigate the threat of cyber-attacks. Adopting compliance measures allows businesses to prevent penalties and protect their reputation, ensuring data is managed in a way that upholds user privacy and safeguards security.

Implementing database security measures Implementing effective database security measures requires a structured and multifaceted approach which includes adopting a zero-trust framework, continuous monitoring, and establishing robust data backup strategies, etc. Organizations transitioning to hybrid-cloud or multi-cloud brings unique challenges as each cloud platform comes with different architectures and configurations. For cloud databases, the Shared Responsibility Model delineates the security responsibilities of both the cloud provider and the enterprise; while the cloud provider secures the infrastructure, the responsibility for protecting data remains with the enterprise Role-based access control

RBAC is essential for database security as it limits access to data based on users’ roles within the organization. By assigning specific permissions according to job functions, RBAC ensures that only authorized personnel can view, modify, or manage sensitive data. This reduces the risk of accidental or malicious data breaches, enhances operational efficiency, and supports regulatory compliance. Implementing RBAC also simplifies the management of user permissions, making it easier to enforce the principle of least privilege.

Navigating security challenges during data migration (data in transit)

Today most of the innovations are happening over cloud. Enterprises are increasingly moving to the cloud, drawn by its agility, flexibility, and ability to accelerate innovation. However, this migration presents significant challenges for security teams, as the transition phase is particularly vulnerable to cyber-attacks. Meticulous planning and execution are essential to ensure data is secured throughout the process. During this stage, applying encryption solutions is the best defence against compromises. Additionally, regular audits post-migration are crucial in addressing any discrepancies that may arise, ensuring that data integrity and security are maintained long after the transition.

Securing data at rest

Encrypting data at rest in databases is essential for protecting sensitive information and ensuring compliance with regulations like GDPR, HIPAA, and PCI-DSS. It reduces the risk of exposure during security breaches by making data unreadable without decryption keys. Encryption helps organizations meet legal standards, avoiding penalties and reputational damage. Additionally, it provides an extra layer of security, ensuring that even if other defenses are compromised, the data remains protected, safeguarding customer trust and privacy.

Vulnerability management

Vulnerability management for databases involves identifying and mitigating security weaknesses through regular scans, patching, and monitoring for unusual activity. Proactively addressing vulnerabilities reduces breach risks, ensures compliance, and protects the integrity of sensitive information against evolving threats

Data residency

Support for data residency and sovereignty ensures data is stored within specific regions to comply with laws like GDPR. This helps organizations protect customer privacy, avoid legal penalties, and align with national security and regional regulatory frameworks

Third-party security review

Database reviews by independent experts identify vulnerabilities, strengthen security, and enhance credibility by providing objective assessments and insights into best practices and compliance gaps.

Thus, a modern approach to safeguarding data involves understanding where the data resides and implementing data-centric security practices. This strategy not only protects organizations from data compromises but also accelerates business innovation by ensuring that data remains secure and resilient.