Poorly secured SQL Server VMs in Microsoft Azure are being attacked. And they are being used as a beachhead for additional exploits. According to a recent Microsoft warning, these attacks allow the bad actors to gain access to cloud resources without having to compromise the underlying infrastructure. How the attack works In the warning, Microsoft…
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We know better than to click a link from the son of an unfairly deposed Nigerian Prince who needs our help. Yet, according to Deloitte’s 2023 Global Risk Management Survey, 91% of all cyberattacks begin with a phishing email. And many of them are successful. No business or industry is off limits. So, it’s important…
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SQL Server is being targeted again. This attack is called DB#JAMMER. And it’s targeting poorly secured SQL Servers. What’s happening? Attackers begin by brute-forcing access into poorly secured SQL Servers. Once they have gained access, the attackers use xp_cmdshell to deploy tools. They manipulate the firewall, if needed, and transfer files to and from the…
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“Take time to improve our data management processes? Sorry, we are just too busy”… fixing errors from broken data processes. This refrain is more common than you think in IT departments of all sizes. Or maybe you live that reality every day and are fully aware that clunky, error-laden processes eat away at your team’s…
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Deadlocks in SQL Server are more than just a nuisance, they can be problematic, and even lead to data loss and inconsistencies.
Many businesses depend on data systems. Data systems help doctors schedule appointments with patients. They allow construction companies to manage projects and calculate costs. The list goes on and on. And if a key data system isn’t available, it hurts. It’s disruptive. And users, customers, patients, and leadership get unhappy. That’s why it’s important to…
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Are your company’s data collection processes sound? Do they align with best practices? Welcome to the first of three posts on how to refine your strategy for data lifecycle management. In this post, we will look at how to evaluate your data collection processes for improvements. Data Collection in Data LifeCycle Management (DLM) As has…
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No one likes to think about how to detect database corruption. But, Imagine this: you’re arriving at your job expecting an ordinary day. You begin receiving calls that the main application is returning a weird error when submitting or updating data; A severe error occurred on the current command. The results, if any, should be…
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Are Data Lifecycle Management (DLM) and Information Lifecycle Management (ILM) just fancy terms for the exact same thing – namely, data management? Will understanding these terms actually impact your data strategy in any meaningful way? Will knowing this distinction affect your business at all? Recently, we began a series of posts on data strategy by…
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“Why is my SQL Server slow?” Have you ever asked that question? Have your users? Unfortunately, that’s a commonly asked question. Fortunately, though, something can usually be done about it. Here are fourteen reasons a SQL Server instance could be underperforming. I’ve divided them into four broad categories. Slowness due to resource constraints Often the…
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