Security & Access Control in NewSQL Databases

1. Introduction

Security and access control are critical components of NewSQL databases, ensuring that sensitive data is protected from unauthorized access while allowing legitimate users to perform necessary operations.

2. Key Concepts

2.1 Definitions

Authentication: The process of verifying the identity of a user or system.
Authorization: The process of determining what an authenticated user is allowed to do.
Encryption: The method of converting information into a code to prevent unauthorized access.

2.2 Common Security Threats

SQL Injection
Data Breaches
Unauthorized Access

3. Access Control

Access control mechanisms in NewSQL databases can be implemented through various means, including roles, permissions, and policies.

3.1 Role-Based Access Control (RBAC)

RBAC assigns users to roles, and roles are granted specific permissions.

CREATE ROLE data_analyst;
GRANT SELECT ON database.table TO data_analyst;

3.2 Attribute-Based Access Control (ABAC)

ABAC uses attributes (user attributes, resource attributes, and environment conditions) to determine access.

CREATE POLICY access_policy
  ON database.table
  FOR SELECT
  USING (user.role = 'data_analyst' AND user.department = 'sales');

3.3 Example of Access Control Workflow

graph TD;
    A[User Login] --> B[Authentication];
    B --> C{Is Authenticated?};
    C -- Yes --> D[Authorization];
    C -- No --> E[Access Denied];
    D --> F{Is Authorized?};
    F -- Yes --> G[Grant Access];
    F -- No --> H[Access Denied];

4. Best Practices

Implement least privilege access.
Regularly audit user access and permissions.
Use strong encryption methods for data at rest and in transit.
Conduct regular security assessments and penetration testing.

5. FAQ

What is the difference between authentication and authorization?

Authentication verifies who you are, while authorization determines what you can do.

How can I prevent SQL injection attacks?

Use parameterized queries and prepared statements to avoid SQL injection vulnerabilities.

What are the common roles used in RBAC?

Common roles include admin, user, and analyst, each with different levels of access.