SQL (Structured Query Language) injection attacks are one of the most significant threats facing Internet businesses today. SQL injection attacks are attempts to force a database to provide information that it would not otherwise disclose. This is done by inserting syntactically valid SQL statements into an entry form or other text box on a web page. The web application then executes the SQL statement, often resulting in the unintended disclosure, modification, or deletion of the underlying database.

SQL injection attacks allow hackers to access sensitive data such as credit card numbers, social security numbers, and medical records. A successful attack can have severe financial consequences for businesses and their customers who rely on their information being secure.

How are SQL injection attacks performed?

SQL injection attacks occur when a malicious user injects SQL statements into a website’s database. A common example of this type of attack is when a user modifies the query to access information that they are not authorized to view.

SQL injection attacks can be performed in many different ways, but the most common method involves using special characters such as quotation marks around keywords or other identifiers. The SQL server will try to interpret these characters as part of the query, but they are actually part of a string that is sent from the user’s browser. The result is that the SQL server executes commands that were not intended by the website’s administrator.

This type of attack can result in a complete takeover of a website, including data theft and loss of revenue due to downtime caused by system crashes.

How can you protect your website against SQL injection attacks?

An SQL injection attack can be devastating to a website. There are many ways to keep your website safe from SQL injection attacks. Here are five simple tips for keeping your site safe:

• Use prepared statements instead of concatenating strings into queries
• Never trust user input
• Use a whitelist approach when filtering data and be sure that all input is validated before being used
• Don’t use GET parameters for sensitive data (such as passwords)
• Keep track of all changes made by users so that you can revert them if necessary

SQL injection attacks can wreak havoc on databases which makes it essential that precautions be taken to make your system hacker-proof. SQLi prevention requires a multilayer approach using firewalls, traffic monitoring, and content filtering.

Looking for more information?

A cyber liability policy can help cover your business and keep you updated with industry tips like this one. Get in touch with us today to learn more about cyber liability insurance coverage, or set up a no-obligation consultation with a commercial lines expert through TelaClient.com.