How secure is a PostgreSQL database if my server is stolen?

Posted by orokusaki on Stack Overflow See other posts from Stack Overflow or by orokusaki
Published on 2010-05-12T16:32:36Z Indexed on 2010/05/12 16:34 UTC
Read the original article Hit count: 270

Filed under:

security

|

database-security

|

database

|

cracking

If I have a server with a database if top secret data in PostgreSQL and my password is practically impossible to crack (128 character string of all sorts of weird chars, generated by hand). The server password is also uncrackable in theory (basically, ignore the possibility of a password crack on the DB).

Aside from a password crack, how easy is it to get the data out of this database?

Assumptions:

Only the DB exists on the server. There is no password in a PHP script or anything like that
The person who has the server is a computer / DB / hard-drive recovery expert
I'm not using any hard-drive encryption or anything out of the norm for protection

I'm trying to understand the risks involved with somebody gaining physical access to my server's hard-drives.

© Stack Overflow or respective owner

Related posts about security

sudo apt-get update errors

as seen on Ask Ubuntu - Search for 'Ask Ubuntu'
Here is what I get on my terminal when running sudo apt-get update errors. I dont know if the issue is from my sources.list or my proxy setup(have not made any changes to proxies). Thank you for any help in advanced. Ign http://security.ubuntu.com oneiric-security Release.gpg Ign http://security… >>> More
The Security-Developer Gap: Why IT Security Can't Fix Your Security Problems Alone

as seen on Devx - Search for 'Devx'
Two well-known white hats explain how hackers take advantage of security holes left by enterprise application developers. >>> More
The Security-Developer Gap: Why IT Security Can't Fix Your Security Problems Alone

as seen on Internet.com - Search for 'Internet.com'
Two well-known white hats explain how hackers take advantage of security holes left by enterprise application developers. >>> More
StackOverFlowError while creating Mac object on AS400/Java

as seen on Stack Overflow - Search for 'Stack Overflow'
Hello all, I am a newbie to AS400-Java programming. I am trying to create my first program to test the implementation of Message Authentication Code (MAC). I am trying to use the HMACSHA1 hash function. My (Java 1.4) program runs fine on a dev box (V5R4).But fails terribly on the QA box (V5R3). My… >>> More
Google App Engine - Spring Security Issue (java.security.AccessControlException)

as seen on Stack Overflow - Search for 'Stack Overflow'
I'm currently getting the AccessControlException below when I deploy to app engine (I don't see it when I run in my local environment). I'm using GAE 1.3.1, Spring 3.0.1, and Spring Security 3.0.2. Any ideas how to get around this issue? It appears to be an issue with Spring Security trying to get… >>> More

Related posts about database-security

Dissertation about website and database security - in need of some pointers

as seen on Stack Overflow - Search for 'Stack Overflow'
Hi, I am on my dissertation in my final year at university at the moment. One of the areas I need to research is security - for both websites and for databases. I currently have sections on the following: Website Form security - such as data validation. This section is more about preventing errors… >>> More
Steps to Mitigate Database Security Worst Practices

as seen on Oracle Blogs - Search for 'Oracle Blogs'
The recent Top 6 Database Security Worst Practices webcast revealed the Top 6, and a bonus 7th , database security worst practices: Privileged user "all access pass" Allow application bypass Minimal and inconsistent monitoring/auditing Not securing application data from OS-level user No SQL… >>> More
Oracle Database Security Protecting the Oracle IRM Schema

as seen on Oracle Blogs - Search for 'Oracle Blogs'
Acquiring the Information Rights Management technology in 2006 was part of Oracle's strategic security vision and IRM compliments nicely the overall Oracle security set of solutions. A year ago I spoke about how Oracle has solutions that can help companies protect information throughout its entire… >>> More
Database Security Lacking at Financial Services Firms

as seen on Internet.com - Search for 'Internet.com'
New research from the Ponemon Institute and Compuware details sloppy data practices that pervade the financial services sector and outlines the potential consequences of a breach. >>> More
Database Security Puzzle Solving with IBM DB2 LUW Roles

as seen on Internet.com - Search for 'Internet.com'
The task of keeping up with database security can sometimes be monumental! A major challenge when it comes to administering authorities and privileges is how to approach this puzzle in a sensible, time-saving, 'security robust' manner. There is no need for concern; we have a hint or two that will… >>> More