DATABASE AND SYSTEM SECURITY

Database and system security are critical components in modern information technology, underpinning the reliability and trustworthiness of digital services. With the proliferation of cloud computing, Internet of Things (IoT) devices, and mobile platforms, the attack surface for cyber threats has expanded significantly, creating challenges for confidentiality, integrity, and availability of data. This paper provides a comprehensive review of contemporary database and system security concepts, including access control models, encryption techniques, intrusion detection, and auditing practices. Emerging threats such as ransomware, supply chain attacks, and insider threats are analyzed, alongside mitigation strategies including artificial intelligence (AI)-driven monitoring, blockchain-based integrity verification, and quantum-resistant cryptography. Through case studies in healthcare, finance, and critical infrastructure, the paper highlights practical applications and challenges of security implementation. Finally, it identifies future directions in adaptive security frameworks, zero trust architectures, and privacy-preserving computation, emphasizing the need for a proactive and resilient approach to securing databases and systems.