System Hacked? Tips on How to Prevent Database and System Hacking
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System Hacked? Tips on How to Prevent Database and System Hacking

Are you afraid that your system might get hacked? Well, whether you have a database that needs protection or a personal system, you need to take some necessary steps to ensure it is protected from most of the hacking attempts. This guide will help you find out how:

Tips for Securing Your Database:

  • Have a Strong Password:
    Make sure to use small and capital letters, numbers, and special characters in your password and keep the character length fairly longer; more than 15 at least. Furthermore, put a limit to the wrong password attempt so that after a certain number of attempts, the database access goes in lockdown mode. Lastly, try to change the password after every 3-6 months for added security.
  • Install Updated Security Patches:
    Install the security patches as soon as they are released. Databases are very vulnerable when the security patch is outdated, and even a simple query can easily compromise it.
  • Add Firewall:
    Install a firewall in your database servers that allow only trusted hosts to be connected to them. Block all of the ports that are not in use and also all outbound connections and set exceptions for linked databases, so your internal information flow does not bottleneck.
  • Check Non-Used Functionalities:
    Your database servers might have all of the functionalities enables as default, which can put them at the risk of attacks. So make sure to disable them all.
  • Leverage Encryption:
    If you are getting a database created by a software development company, ask them to install SSL encryption from the get-go. Encrypt every file and file system and also add encryption for the database-level column to encrypt all of the data.
  • Check for Permissions:
    You might not even know that a hacker has access to certain elements of your database because he has secretly got permission for it. So make sure to regularly check for permissions for views, database tables, and stored procedures. If you see any changes, you can be at risk.

  • New Database Check:
    When you migrate your database from one server to another using a third-party tool, you need to know that it is highly likely all settings will be at the default level. This means there will be no firewall, passwords will be very weak, and it might also not have the latest security patch. So you need to carry out a detailed check for these things and fix them on the spot.
  • Audit the Web Application:
    Check your web application for any SQL injection, weak permission, or misconfiguration. Make sure to ask the software development company to make you a customized system where you can give access to users based on privileges so that you can connect low privilege users to the database, which will limit the attacks in case of a SQL injection.

Tips for Securing Your System/Network:

  • Scan, Scan, and Scan:
    Your system, especially the one that is connected to your company’s network and database, can give hackers access to loads of valuable, private data. A virus from any hacker can do this for him, and viruses do not originate inside your computer. They are transferred from an external source. One of the most common sources are USBs and hard drives. Whenever you connect your system to an external drive, scan it first using a good antivirus, and then proceed.
  • Download Only From Authorized Websites:
    If you are downloading something in your system like software, or file, make sure to only get it from a fully secured, credible, and authorized website. Many websites offer free downloads, but those files can have spyware or viruses that hackers can use to get information from your system.
  • Be Vary of Phishing:
    When you are working in a professional environment, email is the biggest communication tool you will be leveraging. But it is also a very easy way for hackers to get into your system. When you get random emails asking to download a file or visit a link, do not do it no matter what it says. Have it inspected by an IT expert and if he/she clears it, then go ahead. Most of the time, these are attempts by hackers to get into your system and steal your data. This process is known as Phishing.
  • Do Not Set Easy Passwords:
    Just like with the database, your system can also be hacked, especially via a process called Brute Force. The shorter and easier your password is, the faster it will be hacked. So make sure to add small and capital letters, numbers, and special characters in your password.

Over to You:

Remember one thing, whether you are getting a database, website, or an application designed, try not to go for a clone system because most of the companies are already using clone scripts. This way, hackers have a good practice of hacking such systems. Try to have a customized system developed by the software development company.