MySQL has no reason to expose its services to the internet if configured properly. Think of it this way. Exposing your SQL server to the internet is like leaving your front door open while you go on vacation - you're just asking for trouble!

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If you expose your SQL server to the internet, you can expect to trigger the curiosity of passers-by who happen to be (always) browsing the internet. That's right, hackers love to look for SQL servers! They search and search, if they find a dreamy database that might be full of customer information, hashed passwords, or credit card numbers… what happens? They try each and every way to get in. 

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Security company Rapid7 found over 2 million MySQL servers in a vast exposure study, and no matter the make or model, all 1000+ versions could suffer a data breach if not configured correctly. Filter out traffic destined for the MySQL server at the firewall and implement strong authentication on the server by default. It is highly recommended that with this finding you follow a thorough configuration guide such as the one produced by the architects, the official MySQL Secure Deployment Guide.

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Checklist

Here are some steps you should follow to secure your MySQL servers

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Evaluate Necessity of Internet Access

• Assess the need for internet access: Determine if there is a valid reason for your MySQL database to be exposed to the internet. In many cases, it should only be accessible from internal networks or specific authorised IPs.

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Configure Firewall Rules

• Implement strict firewall rules: Filter out traffic destined for the MySQL server at the firewall level, only allowing connections from authorised sources.

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Disable Remote Access

• Limit remote access: Disable remote access to your MySQL database whenever possible. Allow access only from trusted local networks or specific IP addresses.

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Implement Strong Authentication

• Enforce strong passwords: Ensure that all user accounts accessing the MySQL database have strong, unique passwords, and avoid using default or weak credentials.

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Regularly Update MySQL

• Keep MySQL up-to-date: Stay current with the latest stable version of MySQL and promptly apply security updates to address known vulnerabilities.

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Regular Security Assessments

• Conduct periodic security assessments: Regularly review your MySQL server's security configurations and settings to identify and address potential weaknesses.

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Secure Deployment Guide

• Follow official secure deployment guidelines: Refer to the official MySQL Secure Deployment Guide or other reputable resources for best practices on securing your database.

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Regular Backups

• Perform regular backups: Regularly backup your MySQL database to ensure you can recover data in case of a security incident or data loss.

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Monitor Database Activity

• Enable logging and monitoring: Enable logging of database activities and set up monitoring to detect any unusual or unauthorised access attempts.

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Implement Network Segmentation

• Segment your network: Consider network segmentation to isolate the MySQL database from other critical systems and data.

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Implement Encryption

• Use encryption: Enable encryption for data transmission and storage to protect sensitive information in transit and at rest.

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Limit Database Privileges

• Limit user privileges: Assign minimal privileges to each user based on their role and responsibilities to reduce the impact of potential security breaches.

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By following this checklist and implementing these security measures, you can significantly reduce the risk of unauthorised access and data breaches for your MySQL database, safeguarding sensitive information and ensuring the integrity of your data. Remember that securing your database is an ongoing process, and regular reviews and updates are crucial to maintaining a secure environment.