Database management and performance are essential for the success of any business. However, at the same time security is indispensable to ensure the data of the business is safe and away from the hands of malicious individuals.
Experienced DBAs state it is not uncommon for business owners to include security in their database management strategies and company policies. When it comes to the question on cloud and on-premise database security, it has been assumed that the former has better safety than never before.
Sudden turn of events!
Recently, there has been some high- profile database security breaches with big names like Equifax, AWS and Target. This has triggered red flags or signals across the IT world and trust issues about service providers of cloud services.
In context to the above, a report released by McAfee states that about 74% of the of the companies that have been surveyed stated that they have stored some sort of critical business data on the public cloud. Again, in another report released by Intel, it has been discovered that only 23% of businesses today trust service providers of the public cloud for keeping their data safe. This is obviously a low percentage however, if you compare the same figures back in 2016, it was only 13% and so from the above, it has been seen that the percentage of trust has grown.
Reality today!
If you compare the public cloud today with on-premise database security today, you will find that it is still better and safer. In 2017, Alert Logic conducted a survey where its Cloud Security Report discovered that on-premise data centres were likely to experience data breaches by almost 51 percent over cloud service providers. Now, the next question that might occur to you is, how is that even possible?
The answer to the above question lies in the current trends that impact public cloud database security today. Let us take a look at them below-
1. Resources on the cloud
There is a general belief that security on a private cloud is much greater than the public cloud. However, on the contrary, you will be quite surprised to discover that the opposite is indeed true. The public cloud enjoys better security controls over the private cloud as they are more robust and stronger. This means that every business can take optimal advantage of the potent security offerings that a public cloud service provider has for its clients.
2. Industry and Compliance Regulations
The guidelines and rules for data storage for industries like the finance and healthcare sectors are stringently regulated. Any company under them are subject to multiple industry and compliance regulations. Other sectors are also taking note of the above and they are now embracing standardized processes for public cloud security with success.
3. Redundancy
There are many companies that operate with a mix of public and private cloud services, otherwise known as the hybrid cloud. It offers businesses several advantages like scalability, cost-savings, security and the management of compliance as well as regulations that are industry-specific in nature. However, the above does not establish the fact that the hybrid cloud is a complete solution for companies. It brings in redundancy in their IT architecture and in the event of disaster recovery, you only get added security.
With the hybrid cloud, every business needs to be aware of its challenges as well. The biggest challenges, according to skilled DBAs are time and inconsistencies. They should be arrested and addressed before you can reap their optimal benefits for the company.
Embrace the best practices for public cloud security
As a business owner, you must embrace and implement the best practices for your databases in the public cloud. They should include-
1. Manage roles and permissions extensively
You must be careful when it comes to assigning database access to individuals. If you overlook this part, you in no time will become a victim of a severe cyber-attack. When it comes to assigning database roles and responsibilities to people in your business, do not be unintentional. Be sure of their roles and responsibilities precisely. It might take some time however it will never cost your organization dear in the long run.
2. Automation
Be aware of what is happening around you. If you take note the most serious database breaches that have taken place recently, you will find all of them actually point to a human error like in the case of AWS and Equifax. It is crucial for you to boost automation in the organization as the human element of risks will thwart database security breaches in the future.
3. Regular database health-checks
One of the most convenient and simplest ways for every business to monitor their databases for vulnerabilities is to conduct regular database health checks. This helps them to delve deep into database management solutions that is a good idea to ensure that all their fundamental basics are completely covered and secured.
Last but not the least, modern DBAs today state that business dependence on the public cloud is increasing today. This equally holds true for small to large scale corporations in the market. In order to protect their business -critical data, owners and database admins should have a solid understanding and grasp on how the dynamic database technologies and landscape works for the growth of their business. This also covers a deep understanding on the best practices for database security on the public cloud as well!
