What action should a healthcare organization take to mitigate the risk of SQL injection attacks on its patient records database?

• A. Regularly update password policies
• B. Implement parameterized queries and sanitize all user inputs
• C. Encrypt all data stored in the database
• D. Limit access to the database to authorized personnel only

Answer: (B)

Implementing parameterized queries and sanitizing all user inputs is a critical action for mitigating the risk of SQL injection attacks. SQL injection occurs when an attacker is able to manipulate queries by injecting malicious SQL code, which can lead to unauthorized access or manipulation of the database.

Parameterized queries ensure that user inputs are treated strictly as data rather than executable code. This is achieved by separating the data from the query structure, meaning that even if an attacker inputs harmful SQL commands, they will not alter the intended query execution. Additionally, sanitizing user inputs involves validating and cleaning data before processing it, further reducing the risk of malicious inputs being executed.

Together, these strategies form a robust defense against SQL injection, safeguarding sensitive patient records and maintaining the integrity of the healthcare organization’s data management practices. It is essential to prioritize these technical measures over other options, as they directly address the method by which SQL injection exploits vulnerabilities in the application’s interaction with the database.