Data Security: How to Actually Secure Your System
Practical approaches to building secure, resilient digital systems.
Data breaches cost companies an average of $4.45 million per incident in 2023. Yet security is often treated as an afterthought—something to “add later” after core features are built.
The truth? Security is not a feature. It's a foundation. Here's how to actually secure your system from day one.
Authentication & Authorization
These are your first line of defense. Get them wrong, and nothing else matters.
- •Use OAuth 2.0 or JWT: Don't roll your own auth system
- •Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Add a second layer of security
- •Role-Based Access Control (RBAC): Users should only access what they need
- •Session Management: Expire tokens regularly and invalidate on logout
Common Mistake
Storing passwords in plain text or using weak hashing algorithms like MD5. Always use bcrypt, Argon2, or scrypt for password hashing.
Data Encryption
Encryption protects data both in transit and at rest.
🔒 In Transit
Use HTTPS/TLS for all communications
Tools: Let's Encrypt, Cloudflare SSL
🗄️ At Rest
Encrypt sensitive data in your database
Tools: AWS KMS, Azure Key Vault
- •Encrypt PII (Personally Identifiable Information)
- •Use AES-256 for file encryption
- •Never hardcode encryption keys in your codebase
API Security
APIs are the backbone of modern apps—and a common attack vector.
Rate Limiting
Prevent brute force attacks by limiting requests per user/IP
Input Validation
Never trust user input. Sanitize and validate everything
API Keys & Tokens
Use API keys for service-to-service, tokens for user sessions
CORS Configuration
Restrict which domains can access your API
Case Study: GitHub Token Leak
In 2021, thousands of private API keys were exposed in public GitHub repos. Within hours, attackers used them to access databases. Lesson: Use environment variables, never commit secrets.
Database Security
Your database is the crown jewel. Protect it like your business depends on it—because it does.
- •Use Parameterized Queries: Prevent SQL injection attacks
- •Principle of Least Privilege: Each service should have minimal DB permissions
- •Regular Backups: Automate backups and test restores monthly
- •Network Isolation: Keep databases in private subnets
Monitoring & Response
Security is an ongoing process. You need to detect threats and respond fast.
Log Everything
Track authentication attempts, API calls, and data access
Set Up Alerts
Get notified of suspicious activity in real-time
Incident Response Plan
Have a documented plan for when (not if) a breach occurs
Regular Security Audits
Penetration testing and vulnerability scans quarterly