If you run a website that allows people to log in, you have a database. Whether it be a database of usernames, text, or passwords – it doesn’t matter. They are required to keep information on the users who sign in. And more than likely, your databases are managed by Structured Query Language, or SQL.
Most databases are managed by SQL, as they are efficient, reliable, and relatively secure against hacking. However, hackers nowadays are becoming more and more resourceful in figuring out ways to slither past your security measures and feast on your databases. One way they’ve been doing so is by using a sneaky tactic called SQL Injection. Once executed, these guys can gain complete control over your databases. Here are a few ways they do it.
SQL Injection Can Come Just from Entering Certain Text in Your Login Page.
Of course, we’re not going to list some of the examples of text these guys enter to gain access to your databases, but we can explain it in a generic way. An attacker can enter a particular formula into the login fields that are designed to confuse your SQL management system enough to let them slip in. In essence, the hackers convince your system that what they entered is “true,” and this confusingly convinces your database that this “true” statement is sufficient to log on. Once they’re in, the data is compromised.
SQL Injection Can Come Just from Entering Random Text in Your Login Page.
While we certainly acknowledge that hacking to steal data is a despicable practice, we do admit they seem to become more and more clever about it every day. Another approach to the SQL Injection is to enter random, or “wildcard” information to gain information back from your database that will help them to get in. (Have you noticed how intentionally generic we’ve been about this? It’s important we stay exclusively educational without providing a “how-to” guide for budding hackers.) Once they’ve entered the wildcard text that’s close enough for the SQL management system, they’re in, and your data is ripe for the picking.
Let Alliance Technology Partners Help You Defend Your Database Against SQL Injection.
SQL Injection attacks are no fun for anyone – except maybe the hacker. Let’s take that fun away from them. If you are concerned your database may be vulnerable to an SQL injection attack, let’s talk. Reach out to us and let’s discuss your specific situation, and we’ll see what we can do to outsmart those hackers.
