ABSTRACT
The early development of Relational Database Management Systems focused primarily on basic system functions and performance; security was not a high priority. Security standards provide a good starting point for gaining a relatively broad perspective on the security issues related to relational technologies. This chapter describes contemporary challenges in managing data and describes how new relational database technologies help meet those challenges. It also addresses such emerging technologies as multilevel secure database systems. The chapter provides practical tips on how to evaluate these technologies. It discusses the process of designing and building new database application. Enhanced relational database systems use stored procedures to access and modify data in a consistent and secure manner. To be effective, both discretionary access and audit controls require that a system properly identify users. For organizations that rely solely on procedural or physical security measures, multilevel systems can provide an additional layer of controls.
