Database Essentials and Vulnerabilities

IBM via Coursera

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/database-essentials-and-vulnerabilities

Introduction

How to identify, analyze, and mitigate database injection vulnerabilities, including OS commands and SQL injection

How to design and implement comprehensive database and application auditing models

Syllabus

Database Fundamentals

In this module, you will be introduced to a foundational overview of data and databases, setting the stage for more advanced topics. You will begin with a course introduction outlining the key objectives and structure. You will then explore various types of data, their sources, and their uses, gaining a comprehensive understanding of both relational and non-relational databases. In addition, you’ll learn about core database fundamentals and relational data concepts. Practical application is emphasized through a hands-on lab, where you will engage with relational data concepts. You will conclude the module with a summary of key points and highlights, reinforcing the foundational knowledge necessary for progressing to more advanced database management and security topics.

SQL Basics and Database Management Fundamentals

In this module, you will explore basic SQL statements. You will also learn about essential database roles and permissions, management techniques, and the importance of backing up databases. Practical application is emphasized through hands-on labs, where you will write and practice basic SQL statements on a live database and perform fundamental database operations. The module concludes with a summary of key points and highlights, reinforcing the concepts covered.

Database Security and Data Protection Strategies

In this module, you will delve into the critical aspects of data security and database vulnerabilities, equipping you with the knowledge and skills required to protect sensitive information. You will begin with an in-depth exploration of database injection vulnerabilities and learn about common threats and mitigation strategies. You will also learn about various data types, classifications, and general data protection considerations essential for maintaining data integrity and confidentiality. Additionally, you will explore a range of methods to secure data, including encryption, hashing, masking, tokenization, obfuscation, segmentation, and permission restrictions. You will be able to apply these concepts practically through hands-on labs focused on data security, user management, access control, and encryption. The module ends with a summary of key points and highlights, reinforcing the concepts discussed.

Injection Vulnerabilities

In this module, you will gain a comprehensive understanding of injection vulnerabilities, a critical area in database security. You will learn about injection flaws, setting the stage for a deeper understanding of various types of injections. Further, you will explore OS command injection and learn about different techniques and their implications for system security. You will also be introduced to SQL injection, its mechanisms, and impacts. Additionally, you will gain insight into other types of injection vulnerabilities, broadening your understanding of potential threats. You will also review additional resources that provide detailed guidelines and standards for understanding, identifying, and mitigating injection vulnerabilities. You will have the hands-on opportunity to perform SQL injection testing to evaluate the security of an application. The module ends with a summary of key points and highlights, reinforcing the concepts discussed.

Final Project, Final Assessment, and Course Wrap-Up

In this module, you will apply your database and vulnerability management skills to a comprehensive, hands-on final project. The project is designed to integrate and apply database management and security practices. It will simulate a real-world-inspired scenario where you will act as a database security consultant for an online retail company. Your primary objective will be to enhance the company’s database system to safeguard sensitive customer information and ensure compliance with data protection regulations. You will also have access to a comprehensive glossary that describes the key terms covered in this course. Then, you will put the knowledge gained throughout this course to the test in a final, graded assessment. Finally, The Course Wrap-Up video will recap the key concepts covered throughout the course, and the Congratulations and Next Steps reading will offer links for further learning.