Database Benefits When Businesses Use Queries, Forms, and Reports

The benefit of the database management system to the business is its ability to generate precise or accurate data in a more productive, timely, and acceptable configuration. The database management systems comprise queries, forms, reports, and other components, including tables and records. Together, these objects facilitate storage, analysis, and compiling of data in any format the user may wish (Hočevar & Jaklič, 2010). The forms, queries, and reports enable the users to work with the data or records stored in the tables, and they can be manipulated to produce the desired result.

Forms

The database’s forms are used to enter, modify, and view records in an organization’s database. You are likely to interact with forms on the business website on many occasions when applying for a job, placing orders, or registering into an organization’s portal. Forms guide users into entering data accurately. When a user keys in information into a form in the database, the data goes directly into related tables the designer wants it to go. Incorporating forms makes keying data more effective, saving the user the challenges of using extensive tables. Using forms, one can enter data into multiple tables simultaneously. In some cases, the designer even restricts individual form elements, ensuring that the required data is entered in the correct format (Hočevar & Jaklič, 2010). Ideally, forms keep the business data organized and consistent, which is fundamental for ensuring accurate information and promoting a disciplined approach to the organization’s data management.

Queries

            A query is another critical element of a business database. Queries help to search and compile data from tables. When a query is integrated into a database, it implies that the design defines precise search conditions for the user to find the data they want. Queries are more powerful and detailed than simple searches within a table. A search can help you find a single variable, such as the name of a single customer at the business. However, running a query helps you to find both the name and telephone number of a customer who has transacted with your business within the past week. A properly-designed query provides information that users might not find by looking at data in the database tables. The advantages or benefits of a database’s query are numerous, including saving time and creating advanced data visualization (Hočevar & Jaklič, 2010), generating summarized reports to provide at-a-glance statuses of the business.

Reports

Database report allows the user to present data in print, such as a printout of delivery note or invoice of purchase. Report help businesses to present database components in an easy-to-read format (Hočevar & Jaklič, 2010). The database reports are real-time, making it easier to track the latest data.

Security Concerns with Databases and Solutions to Mitigate the Risks

Database Injection Threats

The most predominant database injection threat is the SQL injections. This is a common attack vector using malicious SQL code to manipulate a database and access data that was not intended to be exposed. The information may entail several sensitive items, including private client detains, sensitive company data, or use lists. There are also the NoSQL injections targeting “big data” platforms (Roy, 2015). Though it does not use SQL-based technology, big data is still prone to database injection threats. A single fruitful input injection attack is enough to give the attacker access to the whole database. The stored procedures should be used in place of direct queries to prevent database injection threats. MVC architecture, module-view-controller software should be implemented to separate information from the internal and external user interfaces (Roy, 2015).

Database Backup Exposures

In many cases, database backup files remain completely unprotected from threats. Hence, making security breaches happen over a database backup disclosures or leaks. The best countermeasure for database backup exposure is to encrypt database and backups individually (Roy, 2015). Storing data in an encrypted format helps secure both the backup and production copies of a database.

References

Hočevar, B., & Jaklič, J. (2010). Assessing benefits of business intelligence systems–a case study. Management: journal of contemporary management issues, 15(1), 87-119. Roy, M. (2015). Top Dat