How to Protect Your Company’s Database When Using SQL

Structured Query Language (SQL) is a powerful and convenient language for database management. A database (DB) is an organized structure that is designed for storage, modification and processing of source code. Currently, SQL is supported by virtually all modern databases. Structured Query Language (SQL) is a standard computer language used to find, insert, update and modify code allowing developers to sort code quickly in an application’s database.

However, because of the vulnerability of sites, a hacker can change the SQL query of a database fairly easily. As a result, they can gain access to information that is hidden for ordinary users – such as logins, passwords, personal data, etc. 

What is SQL Injection?

Code injection is the exploitation of a computer bug that is caused by processing invalid data. SQL injection is a code injection technique used to attack data-driven applications, in which malicious SQL statements are inserted into an entry field.  SQL injection is used by a cyber attackers to introduce code into vulnerable application databases and change the course of how a section of code will run. SQL injection is one of the most common ways someone can hack into site databases and programs. An attacker can implement their own SQL code in data transmitted through GET, POST, or Cookie.

An unwanted SQL injection may result in a complete loss of information from the database. Most of the data stored in a database is fairly critical data – such as user accounts (including passwords), phone numbers, email addresses, numbers of cards, terms of actions, and other related information that could be catastrophic when in the wrong hands.

How Can You Prevent SQL Injection?

A viable option to prevent SQL-Injection is to use Parametric queries. Parametric queries allow you to create a query that can be updated easily to reflect a new search term. These unique queries require there to be at least one parameter in order to create a query. Parametric queries make the developer first define the entire SQL code, and then pass each query parameter through. This coding style allows the database to distinguish between code and data, regardless of what the user entered. The prepared statements for an SQL database server guarantee that the attacker will not be able to change the assignation of a request, even if SQL commands are inserted by an attacker.

Follow along with our blog for more insight on ways to protect and optimize your company’s database!

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