The majority of modern-day applications are driven by data that is easily accessible using the internet. Based on this, SQL injections have made people vulnerable and open to exploitation by criminals. During the first quarter of 2019, according to the UK Fast Threat Monitoring service, approximately 30,000 SQL injection attempts were made on different client servers. If this is adapted to a global scale, it appears that cyber-attacks affect millions of companies daily. Using a Yuasa SWL2500EFR battery can help keep your system secure. If data-driven applications using SQL databases are vulnerable to attack, how can a person protect themselves against this?
What are SQL injection attacks?
Hackers craft damaging SQL statements placed in input fields waiting for execution by underlying SQL databases. This results in the application performing the malicious action because of its coding.
SQL injection attacks are a result of incorrect coding of vulnerable web applications. The flaws arise because entry fields are made available for user input. This data coding makes it possible for SQL statements to pass through and directly question the database.
Typically performed to steal personally identifiable information, the SQL injection can have various disastrous consequences. The consequences include the following:
- Extraction of PII or sensitive information, resulting in a breach of data. This can lead to reputational damage or notable fines for businesses under the GDPR.
- Corrupted or deleted databases making your website completely unusable.
- Extraction of authentication data, such as passwords and logins. Gaining this data can lead to further malicious attacks.
- Attacking other systems on a network using the compromised database.
With so much at risk, what type of protection is available for websites and applications regarding SQL injection attacks?
1. The Parameterised Statements
Parameterised statements are dynamic, resulting in speedier execution and are considered the best methods of SQL injection attack prevention. When using these database queries, the parameters are typed and bound to be cautiously used in parameterised storing procedures. This ensures that all statements placed in the SQL database are secure. The settings and string are sent to the database individually, thus allowing the driver to interpret them correctly. This means that coding is not vulnerable to SQL injection attacks.
2. Using A WAF
A WAF presents with numerous rulesets covering different typical applications. This layering of data prevents attacks, particularly SQL injection attacks. As a primary layer of defence, the WAF works with all coding and ensures there are no weak links. You are offering web applications protection from malicious attacks.
3. Scanning For Weaknesses
Hackers continuously probe the internet and different websites for coding flaws. Automated tools to discover SQL injection errors and the way they are exploited provide the client with a speedier return on investment for cyber-attacks and increase the chance of success. Specialised scans focusing on SQL injection attacks can assist in the detection of injection flaws concerning website vulnerabilities.
4. The ORM Frameworks
ORM frameworks, also known as object-relational mapping, can be coded using various programming languages. The frames are created to wrap the database and secure the SQL data from hackers.
However, you should not expect that the ORM framework provides immunity to SQL injection attacks. It merely allows you to develop SQL queries in languages with which you are comfortable. This makes the process of coding speedier, more straightforward and less vulnerable to errors. The range of prebuilt features can increase security; for instance, the SQL Alchemy toolkit utilises parameterised statements as a first option.
5. The Principle of Least Privilege
If the database is attacked, it is crucial to use least privilege stops to halt the hacker from accessing all parts of the network. Using this principle when creating accounts can help increase the security of the SQL databases.
6. Hashing Passwords
If you discover SQL injection attacks to your application, a password hashing can reduce any damages experienced should passwords be obtained. Storing unencrypted passwords in the business is one of the most common security flaws. Ideally, applications should store user passwords as a single, salted, one-way hash. This reduces the risk of attackers stealing information or impersonating another user.
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