Chapter 17: Database and System Security for the Internet

Overview

Security: "Freedom from risk or danger; safety." It's a wonderful idea, isn't it? Unfortunately, 100 percent security doesn't exist, especially on the Internet. There is no such thing as a secure computer network, only difficult-to-break-into networks. And the Internet is a network of networks. As long as computers are linked together, there will be people who try to look at someone else's files. The latest and greatest security protocols are effective only until someone cracks them.So, with that delightful thought in mind, what can you do to make sure your system is difficult to break into? Plenty. But you'll have to take the time to learn a tremendous amount about how networks operate, how TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol, the language of the Internet) works, how your operating system security works, how … you get the picture? Hundreds of companies out there focus on nothing but computer security-there's that much to learn and more.

But you don't need to be daunted by these seemingly horrific and negative statements. The average user can do quite a lot to make their computer challenging to those who would like to gain unapproved access. And if you have a bit of network understanding, you can take even more measures to keep a network in working order. This chapter will give you an overview of system security and a few tips on the steps you can take to keep your web server and database server safe from prying eyes in the age of the Internet.