How can you enhance data security testing for Oracle databases using database auditing?

1 Setting the audit objectives

The first step in data security testing using database auditing is to define the objectives and scope of your audit. What are you trying to test and verify? For example, you may want to test the compliance with data protection regulations, the enforcement of access control policies, the detection of unauthorized or malicious actions, or the performance and availability of your databases. Based on your objectives, you can decide which types of activities and events you need to audit, such as login attempts, data modifications, schema changes, system errors, or user actions.

2 Configuring the audit options

The second step in data security testing using database auditing is to configure the audit options that suit your objectives and scope. Oracle provides several audit options that allow you to specify what, where, when, and how to audit your databases. For example, you can use the AUDIT statement to enable or disable auditing for specific objects, statements, or privileges. You can use the AUDIT_TRAIL parameter to determine where to store the audit records, such as in a database table, an operating system file, or a unified audit trail. You can use the AUDIT_CONDITION and AUDIT_HANDLER clauses to define the conditions and actions for auditing, such as filtering, alerting, or blocking. You can also use the DBMS_AUDIT_MGMT package to manage and maintain your audit settings and records.

3 Analyzing the audit results

The third step in data security testing using database auditing is to analyze the audit results and evaluate the data security status of your databases. Oracle provides several tools and methods to help you query, view, and report the audit results. For example, you can use the DBA_AUDIT_TRAIL view to access the audit records stored in the database. You can use the DBMS_AUDIT_UTIL package to extract the audit records from the operating system files. You can use the UNIFIED_AUDIT_TRAIL view to access the unified audit trail that consolidates all the audit sources. You can also use the Oracle Audit Vault and Database Firewall product to collect, analyze, and monitor the audit data from multiple databases.

4 Improving the audit policies

The fourth step in data security testing using database auditing is to improve your audit policies based on the analysis and evaluation of the audit results. You can use the audit results to identify and address any data security issues or gaps that may exist on your databases. For example, you may need to revise your access control policies, implement encryption or masking techniques, apply patches or updates, or enforce best practices. You can also use the audit results to optimize your audit policies by adjusting the audit options, adding or removing audit targets, or fine-tuning the audit conditions and actions. By doing so, you can ensure that your audit policies are effective, efficient, and aligned with your data security objectives.

5 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?