Privacy and Databases

Privacy and Databases

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Privacy and Databases

Introduction
Information stored in databases is often valuable and important corporate resource. This is because these databases include a wide range of information such as client details, financial information, trade secrets and human resource details etc. that are required to be kept secure. Apart from that many organizations are dependent on the proper functioning of the systems and vulnerability exposed or a halt to the system might lead to a catastrophic kind of situation. Database security thus encompasses many areas and has to be looked at different levels. It includes moral and ethical issues, legal issues which define the control over the collection and sharing of information, and technical issues dealing with the protection of stored information from being lost or from unauthorized access leading to misuse, destruction or modification.

Discussion
Database security
In general terms, database security refers to the ensuring of the secrecy and integrity of the information stored in the database. This means that it mainly comprises of protecting the information from the access of unauthorized users. In addition, it may also include the possibility of the sharing of information by authorized users who may pass on intentionally or without knowledge, secret information to those unauthorized. Database security is not an isolated concept but is linked at various channels and various components. In simple terms, database security requirements are categorized into 4 major steps or layers.


1. Identification, Authentication
Generally, getting access to the information in a database requires identification in the system. This is done via authentication methods at the time of logging in to the system. Common authentication methods include passwords at the most simplest level, while advance techniques include badge readers, biometrics techniques for...

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