Anyone in charge of data will always be on the lookout for hackers and cyber criminals, who will
either want to steal data or simply disrupt your work through denial-of-service attacks.
When you are using SQL as your language, hackers are increasingly looking to use what is known as
an SQL injection attack.
This involves the sending of malicious SQL queries to an API endpoint user with code that is designed
to give the sender information beyond anything a query should provide, such as an access code.
Once actioned, this will open the door to a hacker to use SQL instructions to carry out various
malicious activities.
Among these could be the theft of data, the destruction or manipulation of important data,
alteration of transactions, or even the acquisition by the hacker of developer status, enabling them
to carry out further malicious actions.
Quite simply, if someone can gain access to your database in this way they may do untold damage.
While any backed-up data may be used to subsequently repair the database, there could be wider
consequences in the real world as confidential or financial information may have been compromised
and misused.
This is where developers need a high-quality SQL server performance monitor. The detection of an
SQL injection attack at the earliest possible stage is vital to stop it in its tracks.
Thankfully, there are ways in which you can defend against such attacks, like monitoring for certain
kinds of errors, which can show up when an injection attack is being attempted.
However, it is important not to just rely on an error log to spot problems, as many actions hackers
may undertake might be too minor to show up, meaning more damage could be done before the
issue is detected.
By having the best and most effective monitor around, you will give yourself the best possible
chance of spotting and defending against SQL injection attacks, ensuring those who try to gain
access to your database have their plans thwarted.