To establish the concept of “database audit” in a simple way, it is essential to start with the two terms you cover. To that end, the word audit refers to the review and verification of a certain activity, in this circumstance related to the information stored in databases.
The databases, As is known, are made up of data sets and are characterized by a number of characteristics, such as the independence and integrity of the data, complex queries, backup and recovery, minimal redundancy or, among other, Security of access and audit.
Database audit: What is it and what is it for
La auditoría de la databaseA database is an organized set of information that allows you to store, Manage and retrieve data efficiently. Used in various applications, from enterprise systems to online platforms, Databases can be relational or non-relational. Proper design is critical to optimizing performance and ensuring information integrity, thus facilitating informed decision-making in different contexts...., finally, it is a procedure implemented by the system auditors in order to access to audit data, generally following a methodology based on a checklist that includes the points to verify or evaluating potential risks.
Specifically, a examination of access to data stored in the databases in order to be able to measure, monitor and have proof of access to the data stored in them. Although the objective may vary depending on the casuistry, in all cases the ultimate goal pursues, one way or another, the Corporative security.
A database audit, therefore, provides effective tools to know exactly what is the linkage of users when entering databases, including actions that result in the generation, modification or deletion of data.
In practice, makes it possible to answer many questions that may be relevant when controlling and auditing. From determining who accesses the data, when it was accessed or what is its location on the Internet and from what device or application it was accessed, until which SQL statement was executed, as well as the result of the access.
Keeping track of these events in the database is also a first step in auditing associated applications.. Not in vain, the main role of data in institutions, your most valuable asset, you need to control the details of your access.
To that end, database auditing is a necessary control, whose difficulty increases in parallel with the increasing complexity of technologies of databases. in addition, security threats have multiplied, new risks appearing and existing ones increasing, while expanding their reach through the discipline known as Information Resource Management.
All these circumstances have led to the need for new control and security mechanisms, while it is necessary to resort to qualified personnel, generally external. Even so, the auditory represents a great challenge, as systems increase in complexity faster than procedures and technologies designed to control them.
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