Author: Guadalupe Boll
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Static vs. Dynamic Data Masking
Static data masking and dynamic data masking are fundamentally different technologies that solve completely separate and unrelated problems. The only thing they share is the word “masking”. Treating them as interchangeable variants of the same security control leads to failed projects, massive overspending, and poor security. Static masking wipes data permanently from non-production systems to…
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How to Secure Your Data Part 5: SQL Blocking
In the first four parts of this series, we made a blunt case: detection is the bedrock of security. Prevention alone is a fantasy, even in theory, since you can’t calibrate it to be sensitive enough without breaking things. False positives in prevention mean people cannot do their jobs, production goes down, or data can…
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How to Secure Your Data Part 4: Activity Profiles
In the first three parts of this series, we established a strict data-centric methodology that builds security from the inside out. We started with the database where the data lives, and inside the database we focused on the critical sensitive data assets. However, once an attacker is already accessing your sensitive data, you have no…
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How to Secure Your Data Part 3: Sensitive Data Control
This is Part 3 in our series on how to secure your data (read Part 2: Database Session Control). Defending sensitive data is the core of database security. This chapter ignores upstream attack vectors and focuses exclusively on securing the data itself. Data defense comes down to a single operational reality: every data breach must…
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Discover Sensitive Data: Using AI Analysis of Runtime SQL Activity
Sensitive data discovery is essential to any security initiative, and this new application of AI technology quickly narrows the focus to your critical columns. By analyzing runtime SQL activity with AI, security teams can eliminate 95% of the noise and map active sensitive data in minutes. The Unspoken Roadblock Killing Database Security Data masking, compliance…
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Architecting Security Against Real-World Attack Vectors
Perimeter defenses fail to deliver protection because adversaries leverage attack vectors that bypass them. For example, by using valid credentials, exploiting software vulnerabilities, or attacks by internal users already inside the perimeter. Every major attack path – from application-tier exploits to host-level compromises – ultimately targets enterprise data stores for exfiltration, alteration, or ransomware extortion.…
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Automated Sensitive Data Discovery: Mapping Database Schemas
Every organization sits on a ticking data time bomb. This risk does not stem from a breakthrough in sophisticated hacking techniques. It exists because companies do not know what sensitive data they store or where it resides. As infrastructure scales and databases grow, organizations completely lose track of their assets. This challenge spans two independent…
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How to Secure Your Data Part 2: Database Session Control
This is Part 2 in our series on how to secure your data. In Part 1, we established the theoretical foundation and the necessity of balancing and prioritizing detection over prevention. In this installment, we move into practical implementation, starting with database session control. Session control is generally easier, but you have to learn to…
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DIY: Auditing Oracle for FREE
Auditing an Oracle database may not be a trivial exercise, but it’s not that difficult either. Oracle includes everything you need out of the box for free. You just need to know how to put the pieces together, and this guide will show you the roadmap, explaining everything you need to know. The Four Pillars…
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Poll: Security Product Selection Criteria
A recent industry poll regarding security product procurement reveals a stark divergence in buyer psychology: 75% of respondents cite vendor reputation and market recognition as their primary deciding factor, while only 25% prioritize product quality. Price and purchasing friction received almost no votes. Deciding Factor Percentage of Respondents Core Buyer Motivation Vendor Reputation or Recognition…