How data base security can be compromised

What are the risks of copying the database to the laptop and taking it home or on a trip?

The primary risk of copying the database to the laptop is that of security risk. In this instance the laptop can easily be stolen or compromised while at home or on a trip. This issue is exacerbated when at home and friends or family are near the laptop. Although unlikely, it is possible that a visitor could steal the data on the laptop while in the home. Much more likely is that the laptop becomes compromised through seemingly harmless behavior. For example, a family member could ask to borrower the laptop to send an email or to conduct business. When using the laptop, the family member could potentially expose the database to hackers or other criminals. For example, roughly 25% of malware is spread through USB devices for example. Here, a person conducting seemingly harness activities on the laptop could inadvertently launch malware onto the laptop exposing sensitive personal information. Attacks are now becoming much more sophisticated with attackers now using small circuit boards inserted into devices to launch malicious code if certain conditions are met. What is worse is that the malware can also spread to other devices or networks in which the laptop is connected to. Due to the nature of these malware and other attacks it may be difficult for the business or individual to detect a breach until after the damage is done (Abbassi, 2013).

Trips are also troublesome as packages can easily become lost or stolen while in transit. Business data is particularly valuable to hackers and other criminals. Here, networks in airports or hotels, particularly in foreign countries are not very secure. For example, during trips, it is not uncommon to use Bluetooth or Wi-Fi with crowded venues or other public settings. This poses a risk as the device becomes “discoverable” to both your laptop and malicious attackers seeking to exploit the connection. This is also very risky as attackers look to exploit network weaknesses and unsafe behavior by using tools such as Kismet and Wireshark to steal or corrupt unencrypted data (Ablon, 2014). As such, laptops are high susceptible to nefarious behavior that could compromise both the individual and the business. Finally, although unlikely, it is easy to simply forget the laptop at a dinner, café, restaurant or other public setting while in transit or traveling on the trip, posing still further risks (Abele-Wigert, 2006).

What are the chances that this data will be at risk? Given that this database contains customer contact information and credit card information, we cannot, at any cost, put this information in any kind of danger. On the other hand, if the database problems are not fixed, there may be more errors and data inconsistencies.