- Aggregation
- Definition: SQL functions that combine records from one or more tables to generate useful information.
- Security Vulnerability: Aggregation attacks involve collecting numerous low-level security items and combining them to elevate the security level or value of the information. This can lead to unauthorized access to more sensitive information.
- Inference
- Definition: The process of combining several pieces of non-sensitive information to deduce information that should be classified at a higher level.
- Mechanism: Unlike aggregation, inference relies on the human mind’s deductive abilities rather than purely mathematical processes of the database.
- Data Warehousing
- Definition: Large databases that store vast amounts of information from various sources for specialized analysis.
- Purpose: Used to centralize data for comprehensive analysis and reporting, often supporting business intelligence activities.
- Data Mining
- Definition: Techniques that allow analysts to search through data warehouses to identify patterns, correlations, or useful information.
- Purpose: Helps in extracting meaningful insights from large datasets, often used for decision-making and predictive analysis.
- Data Dictionary
- Definition: A repository that stores critical information about data, including its usage, type, and sources.
- Function: Used by DBMS (Database Management Systems) to manage and read data, ensuring consistency and integrity within the database environment.
These concepts are critical for understanding how data can be securely managed, accessed, and analyzed within database environments, particularly in preventing unauthorized access and ensuring the confidentiality and integrity of sensitive information.