Ensure all MySQL user accounts have strong, complex passwords. Simple or weak passwords can be easily guessed or cracked, making your database vulnerable.
Enforce password policies using the validate_password plugin. This plugin allows you to set rules for password strength, including length, complexity, and expiration.
Least Privilege Principle
Grant users only the minimum privileges they need. Avoid giving users more access than necessary to limit potential damage from compromised accounts.
Regularly review and audit user privileges to ensure they are still necessary. Remove any unnecessary privileges to tighten security.
Encrypt Data
Use SSL/TLS to encrypt data in transit to prevent eavesdropping. This ensures that data transmitted between the client and server is protected from interception.
Enable storage encryption for data at rest to protect against unauthorized access. Encrypting stored data ensures that it remains secure even if physical storage is compromised.
Firewall Configuration
Do not open MySQL access to the world; limit access to trusted IP addresses only. This reduces the attack surface and helps prevent unauthorized access.
Implement network-level security measures, such as using a firewall to control which IP addresses can connect to your MySQL server.
Regular Updates
Keep MySQL up-to-date with the latest security patches and updates to protect against known vulnerabilities. Regular updates ensure you benefit from the latest security enhancements and bug fixes.
Audit and Log
Enable the MySQL audit plugin to log all database activities. This provides a record of actions taken within the database, which is essential for detecting and investigating suspicious activities.
Regularly review logs for suspicious activities and take appropriate action. Proactive log analysis helps you identify potential security breaches early.
Backup and Recovery
Regularly test restore procedures to ensure backups are reliable and can be restored quickly in case of a failure. Frequent testing helps you verify that your backup processes are working correctly and can save valuable time during a disaster recovery situation.