Oracle recently updated the database firewall to facilitate better security for enterprises. According to an EWeek.com report, Oracle’s new update offers improved security for MySQL databases and helps block malicious inside attacks and SQL injections, and prevents access to sensitive data.
MySQL initially joined the product portfolio of Oracle after the software giant sealed a $7.4 billion deal with Sun Microsystems (SM) last year. SM acquired the development team running the open source database, MySQL AB in 2008 for $1 billion.
The updated version protects the database from security breaches without needing any changes made by the administrator running the database. A technical course in Oracle training will help you keep current with the recent security updates.
Improvements in the Updated Version
The new defense capabilities against SQL injection can be utilized by developers without having to modify or replace any existing applications. The recent additions to the database are the result of customer demand as MySQL is extensively used for database operations.
The additional MySQL capabilities on the database firewall allow it to support other Oracle products. Products like Microsoft SQL Server, IBM DD2, UNIX, Linux, Database 11g, Sybase SQL Anywhere and Sybase Adaptive Server Enterprise are supported by the new firewall.
The newly added capabilities to the firewall will extend the combination of secure databases that enterprises can use.
Protection From Malicious Attacks on Databases
SQL injection attacks are a common ploy used by hackers to exploit vulnerable spots in web applications and gain access to data. By establishing a defensive perimeter around the database, MySQL helps administrators tackle threats.
This is often carried out by putting forward a malicious query through forms like comment boxes. The new and improved capabilities are powered by a grammar-based analytics engine that compares SQL queries to known parameters.
If the submitted query falls under the normal application behavior, it is patched through. If the SQL query is believed to be suspicious, the firewall immediately blocks the entire query.
The firewall substitutes the suspicious query with a harmless one to allow the database to execute the application. If required, the firewall also issues warnings to the administrators. As you will learn in our Oracle PL/SQL training classes, these applications can be designed to obtain records from specific tables.
If a query tries to access data from other tables, it is termed suspicious and the firewall stops it immediately. Malicious queries that are designed to erase entire blocks of data can be blocked by the new firewall.
The firewall monitors query behaviors as well as other SQL injection attacks in real time to prevent unauthorized access of the data. Firewall education is a main topic of these specialized curriculums for Oracle training.
Other Advantages of the Database Firewall
The Oracle Database Firewall is integrated with the Oracle Advanced Security option to allow administrators to monitor encrypted traffic for potential threats. The improved infrastructure in the firewall will allow organizations to address regulatory compliance requirements.
This version has as many as ten functional reports addressing privacy concerns and mandates. Regulatory mandates like Data Security Standard (DSS), Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), Sarbanes Oxley and Payment Card Industry (PCI) cover reports on Oracle Database Firewall. Oracle’s Business Intelligence Publisher is capable of utilizing all the features of the new firewall to authorize, manage and deliver well formatted reports.
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