How do you limit sensitive data exposure to authorized users?

1 Use encryption

Encryption is the process of transforming data into an unreadable format that can only be decrypted by authorized parties. Encryption can be applied to data at rest, which means the data stored in the database files, or data in transit, which means the data transferred between the database and other systems. Encryption can prevent unauthorized access, modification, or theft of sensitive data, as well as comply with regulations such as GDPR or HIPAA. To use encryption effectively, you need to choose the right encryption algorithm, key management system, and encryption level for your data.

2 Implement access control

Access control is the process of granting or denying permissions to users and applications based on their roles, responsibilities, and needs. Access control can be implemented at different levels of the database, such as the schema, table, column, row, or cell level. Access control can limit the exposure of sensitive data to the minimum necessary, as well as enforce the principle of least privilege, which means that users and applications only have the access they need to perform their tasks. To implement access control effectively, you need to define clear and consistent policies, roles, and privileges for your data.

3 Use masking and anonymization

Masking and anonymization are techniques that alter or remove sensitive data from the database or the output, while preserving its usability and functionality. Masking can replace sensitive data with fake or random data, such as replacing credit card numbers with asterisks or Xs. Anonymization can remove or generalize sensitive data that can identify individuals, such as names, addresses, or phone numbers. Masking and anonymization can reduce the risk of data breaches, as well as comply with regulations that require data protection or deletion. To use masking and anonymization effectively, you need to identify the sensitive data, apply the appropriate technique, and monitor the impact on the data quality and performance.

4 Audit and monitor data activity

Auditing and monitoring are processes that record and analyze the data activity in the database, such as who accessed, modified, or deleted what data, when, and how. Auditing and monitoring can provide visibility, accountability, and traceability of the data usage and changes, as well as detect and prevent unauthorized or malicious actions. Auditing and monitoring can also help you comply with regulations that require data retention or reporting. To audit and monitor data activity effectively, you need to configure the audit settings, logs, and alerts for your data, as well as use tools and methods to analyze and report the audit data.

5 Educate and train users and developers

Education and training are essential for creating a culture of data security and awareness among the users and developers who interact with the database. Education and training can provide guidance, best practices, and standards for handling sensitive data, as well as inform the users and developers of their roles, responsibilities, and risks. Education and training can also help you avoid human errors, such as accidental data exposure, loss, or corruption. To educate and train users and developers effectively, you need to design and deliver relevant, engaging, and updated content, as well as assess and improve the learning outcomes.

Limiting sensitive data exposure to authorized users is a crucial task for database administration, as it can protect your data, your business, and your customers from security threats and legal liabilities. By following these best practices, you can enhance your database security and encryption, and ensure that your data is used appropriately and responsibly.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?