How to customise and secure your data – Database considerations explained

How do I approach development of a database solution and database security?

The basic purpose of a database is to help keep up-to-date and accurate business information, and to make that information easily accessible so your business can share, report and analyse relevant data internally and externally. Databases are used to store customer, inventory and business information. Importantly, your business-critical and sensitive data also needs to be securely protected to reduce risk to your business and to meet regulatory compliance obligations. Safeguarding your data with sufficient database security is of utmost importance in protecting your business against serious ramifications financially, legally and to guard its reputation.

As well as addressing limits on scalability such as servers, operating systems and hardware, architecture is key in creating a high performing, secure and scalable database solution. Good database architecture ensures a robust solution is developed that delivers quality, useful business insights now and morphs to support your business in the future. It is important that the database has security considerations in place from the start, and is structured to support expansion from the beginning. As your business changes and grows, you want to be able to rely on a secure database that addresses growing complexity in your business data needs.

Consider the following in developing a customised database solution that adds value to your business, enhances your customer journey and improves the way your staff interact and respond.

Analyse business needs – Goals and impact

Avoid paralysis by analysis by determining real needs vs perceived needs. Prioritise your decisions by determining the goal for making each decision as well as the level of impact it will make to your business. From the very beginning, factor in database security requirements for protecting the underlying infrastructure such as network and servers (system level security), the database management system (data level security), as well as effective and secure access to your valuable business data itself (perimeter level security).

Technical and process analysis

Consider the viability of business implementation, training and support and business outcomes to provide realistic timelines and cost.

Database Size

Would a centralised or split database best serve your business to improve performance? Consider database storage limitations and the configuration parameters that affect use of the database. The database configuration will impact the administrative ability and overhead as the system changes in size and the number of users or resources the system needs capability to handle. Correct database configuration should enable scalability from the outset.

Database Health

Downtime and data loss can be very costly to your business. Evaluate your KPIs to ensure high database performance and reliability. It is important to analyse and understand the database system, applications, storage environment, and current maintenance strategy.

Database Performance and behaviours

CPU, Memory, and I/O (input/output) are the three primary hardware subsystems a database relies on for good performance. This holds true in both physical servers and the digital realm, i.e. software and cloud-ware. When your database environment is structured well, it distributes workload uniformly.

Many of the factors to consider when ranking performance include indexes, table fragmentation and I/O balance, optimiser stats, parameter settings, transaction logging, database layout, session activity, and cache utilisation. Ensure you aren’t missing out on better system performance due to outdated software by performing updates or upgrades as required. Regular database checks and maintenance are needed to keep your database running optimally. As well as checking for errors and faults, database maintenance keeps everyday tasks and applications from slowing down over time, which can cause frustration to end users and slow down employee productivity.

Database Integration

Can you enhance or extend existing software and integrate with other systems to bring out the full potential of your database? Identify bottlenecks and determine if you can combine different sources of data into a single, unified view to improve visibility and increase efficiency. Integration can speed up data connectivity and deliver the right data to stakeholders in real-time. Boost collaboration amongst departments, teams or individuals both internally and externally by revamping workflows and augmenting the sharing of information. Having better quality data available in the most useful format where and when required, will provide better intelligence for accurate analysis of customers, inventory and business operations.

Database Security

Strengthen database security with a multi-level gateway authentication solution. Additional security layers help avoid costly security breaches either at the hands of hackers or employee negligence. Robust security promotes consumer confidence that drives improved business reputation to help your business grow, prosper and stay ahead of competitors. Multi-factor Authentication (MFA) identifies users and verifies only the right people access to your data. Confirm user legitimacy and scrutinise each potential user to ensure appropriate access.

Address challenges accessing data from the cloud and synchronising data from multiple sources while maintaining accuracy and accessing data without disrupting operations with Data Encryption. Data Encryption is the process that scrambles readable text and translates that data into another form, or code, so that only people with access to a secret or password can read it. Encryption can securely protect contents such as emails, chat histories, tax information, credit card numbers, or any other sensitive information.

Incomplete or failed backups, theft or improper storage of unencrypted backup files also compromise database security. Define a backup and recovery strategy appropriate for your organisation. Backup and encryption of the log file, and strong access controls will protect data integrity and recovery problems.

• Choose a database development team that supports your business goals. When it comes to database development, there is no one size fits all solution. Clear communication is key to success in achieving a working solution that matches your business goals. An overview of challenges and costings as well as regular updates provides transparency and ensures all stakeholders are on the same page throughout development.
• Working with your database development team in a collaborative way will give you the confidence to easily act and reach your goals faster. A collaborative relationship will give you the benefits of diverse expertise and viewpoints, making problem solving easier and faster, improve the quality of work and strengthen productivity. Smart workflows will provide transparency throughout development thus increasing operational efficiencies. Incorporating accountability along the journey provides clarity for all stakeholders to nourish seamless, satisfying collaboration.
• In addition to technical and communication skills, ensure your database development team can provide ongoing maintenance and support to safeguard database security by remaining compliant, and to make certain data integrity is maintained. Monitoring ensures processes are functional, and any issues are alerted to minimise risk to your business.

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Are you facing any of these challenges? If you’re keen to learn how you can overcome them, get in touch with ECJ’s team and they’ll walk you through the best solutions to suit your business needs. Schedule a free 20 minute consultation with ECJ Technology today. Get your digital transformation journey started with a trusted software development company.