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Learn new concepts from industry experts
Gain a foundational understanding of a subject or tool
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There are 5 modules in this course
The average cost of a data breach is nearly $5 million, with 70% of the affected organizations reporting significant or very significant disruption, according to an IBM report. Hence, businesses are hunting hard for cybersecurity experts who can safeguard against such threats. This course builds critical database security skills that employers are looking for.
During the course, you’ll look at key concepts of database management, including relational and non-relational databases. You’ll learn the basics of SQL and databases and practice creating and executing simple SQL statements. You’ll also build foundational knowledge in relational data concepts, such as roles, permissions, and management techniques.
You’ll explore database security, including encryption, hashing, masking, tokenization, and permission restrictions. You’ll also review user profiles, password policies, and privileges and learn to design and implement robust database application security and auditing models. In addition, you’ll dive into database injection vulnerabilities, focusing on OS command injection, SQL injection, and more.
As you progress, you’ll get hands-on experience in practical labs working on user management and access control, so you have a firm understanding of how to manage, secure, and audit databases effectively.
Enroll today to build critical security skills in database management that will capture the attention of employers! employers!
In this module, you will be introduced to a foundational overview of data and databases, setting the stage for more advanced topics. You will begin with a course introduction outlining the key objectives and structure. You will then explore various types of data, their sources, and their uses, gaining a comprehensive understanding of both relational and non-relational databases. In addition, you’ll learn about core database fundamentals and relational data concepts. Practical application is emphasized through a hands-on lab, where you will engage with relational data concepts. You will conclude the module with a summary of key points and highlights, reinforcing the foundational knowledge necessary for progressing to more advanced database management and security topics.
Practice Quiz: Introduction to Databases•10 minutes
Graded Quiz: Database Fundamentals•30 minutes
1 discussion prompt•Total 10 minutes
[Optional]: Relational and Non-Relational Databases•10 minutes
2 plugins•Total 25 minutes
Helpful Tips for Course Completion•15 minutes
Lab: Relational Data Concepts•10 minutes
SQL Basics and Database Management Fundamentals
Module 2•4 hours to complete
Module details
In this module, you will explore basic SQL statements. You will also learn about essential database roles and permissions, management techniques, and the importance of backing up databases. Practical application is emphasized through hands-on labs, where you will write and practice basic SQL statements on a live database and perform fundamental database operations. The module concludes with a summary of key points and highlights, reinforcing the concepts covered.
In this module, you will delve into the critical aspects of data security and database vulnerabilities, equipping you with the knowledge and skills required to protect sensitive information. You will begin with an in-depth exploration of database injection vulnerabilities and learn about common threats and mitigation strategies. You will also learn about various data types, classifications, and general data protection considerations essential for maintaining data integrity and confidentiality. Additionally, you will explore a range of methods to secure data, including encryption, hashing, masking, tokenization, obfuscation, segmentation, and permission restrictions. You will be able to apply these concepts practically through hands-on labs focused on data security, user management, access control, and encryption. The module ends with a summary of key points and highlights, reinforcing the concepts discussed.
Database User Profiles, Password Policies, Privileges and Roles •7 minutes
Design and Implement Database Application Security Models •7 minutes
Design and Implement Database Auditing Models •7 minutes
Application Data Auditing •6 minutes
Auditing Database Activities •7 minutes
1 reading•Total 2 minutes
Summary: Database Security and Data Protection Strategies•2 minutes
3 assignments•Total 54 minutes
Practice Quiz: Strategies to Protect Data•14 minutes
Practice Quiz: Database Security•10 minutes
Graded Quiz: Database Security and Data Protection Strategies•30 minutes
2 app items•Total 40 minutes
Lab: Securing Data•15 minutes
Lab: Managing MySQL User Accounts, Access Control, and Encryption •25 minutes
1 discussion prompt•Total 10 minutes
(Optional): Data Protection Methods•10 minutes
1 plugin•Total 10 minutes
Reading: Case Study: Data Breach•10 minutes
Injection Vulnerabilities
Module 4•3 hours to complete
Module details
In this module, you will gain a comprehensive understanding of injection vulnerabilities, a critical area in database security. You will learn about injection flaws, setting the stage for a deeper understanding of various types of injections. Further, you will explore OS command injection and learn about different techniques and their implications for system security. You will also be introduced to SQL injection, its mechanisms, and impacts. Additionally, you will gain insight into other types of injection vulnerabilities, broadening your understanding of potential threats. You will also review additional resources that provide detailed guidelines and standards for understanding, identifying, and mitigating injection vulnerabilities. You will have the hands-on opportunity to perform SQL injection testing to evaluate the security of an application. The module ends with a summary of key points and highlights, reinforcing the concepts discussed.
Reading: SQL Injection Attack: Comprehensive Guide and Latest Developments•15 minutes
Reading: Additional Resources•10 minutes
Final Project, Final Assessment, and Course Wrap-Up
Module 5•3 hours to complete
Module details
In this module, you will apply your database and vulnerability management skills to a comprehensive, hands-on final project. The project is designed to integrate and apply database management and security practices. It will simulate a real-world-inspired scenario where you will act as a database security consultant for an online retail company. Your primary objective will be to enhance the company’s database system to safeguard sensitive customer information and ensure compliance with data protection regulations. You will also have access to a comprehensive glossary that describes the key terms covered in this course. Then, you will put the knowledge gained throughout this course to the test in a final, graded assessment. Finally, The Course Wrap-Up video will recap the key concepts covered throughout the course, and the Congratulations and Next Steps reading will offer links for further learning.
At IBM, we know how rapidly tech evolves and recognize the crucial need for businesses and professionals to build job-ready, hands-on skills quickly. As a market-leading tech innovator, we’re committed to helping you thrive in this dynamic landscape. Through IBM Skills Network, our expertly designed training programs in AI, software development, cybersecurity, data science, business management, and more, provide the essential skills you need to secure your first job, advance your career, or drive business success. Whether you’re upskilling yourself or your team, our courses, Specializations, and Professional Certificates build the technical expertise that ensures you, and your organization, excel in a competitive world.
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Reviewed on Mar 18, 2025
good and we gain lot of knowledge from this tutorial
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Reviewed on Aug 10, 2025
A perfect course which aligns with explaining the details and working of the Database vulnerabilities
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Reviewed on Oct 16, 2024
I enjoyed the very specific deliverables along with sample output in the labs and final project. Since I am new to SQL, these were very helpful!
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