Digital Forensics Readiness Framework (DFRF) to Secure Database Systems

Abstract

Database systems play a significant role in structuring, organizing, and managing data of organizations. In this regard, the key challenge is how to protect the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of database systems against attacks launched from within and outside an organization. To resolve this challenge, different database security techniques and mechanisms, which generally involve access control, database monitoring, data encryption, database backups, and strong passwords have been proposed. These techniques and mechanisms have been developed for certain purposes but fall short of many industrial expectations. This study used the design science research method to recommend a new Digital Forensic Readiness Framework, named DFRF, to secure database systems. DFRF involves risk assessments, data classification, database firewalls, data encryption, strong password policies, database monitoring and logging, data backups and recovery, incident response plans, forensic readiness, as well as education and awareness. The proposed framework not only identifies threats and responds to them more effectively than existing models, but also helps organizations stay fully compliant with regulatory requirements and improve their security. The design of the suggested framework was compared with existing models, confirming its superiority.