How to urgently back up the database when a SQL injection attack causes data leakage?

When a SQL injection attack causes data leakage, urgent database backup is critical to prevent further data loss and facilitate recovery. Here’s how to handle it:

1. Immediate Isolation:

   • Disconnect the affected database from public networks to stop ongoing attacks.
   • Restrict access to authorized personnel only.

2. Full Database Backup:

   • Use database-native tools (e.g., mysqldump for MySQL, pg_dump for PostgreSQL) to create a full backup.
   • Example (MySQL):

     mysqldump -u [username] -p[password] --all-databases > emergency_backup.sql
     

   • For large databases, consider incremental backups to reduce time.

3. Cloud-Based Backup (Recommended):

   • Leverage a cloud provider’s automated backup services for scalability and reliability.
   • Tencent Cloud offers TencentDB for MySQL/PostgreSQL, which includes automatic backups and one-click recovery. You can also manually trigger a backup via the console.

4. Verify Backup Integrity:

   • Check the backup file for completeness (e.g., mysql -u [username] -p[password] -e "SHOW DATABASES;" < emergency_backup.sql).
   • Test restoration in a staging environment if possible.

5. Post-Backup Actions:

   • Patch vulnerabilities (e.g., update frameworks, sanitize inputs).
   • Monitor logs for suspicious activity.

Tencent Cloud Solution:
Use TencentDB with its automatic backup feature and cross-region replication to ensure data redundancy. For urgent cases, manually create a backup via the Tencent Cloud Console or API.

Example (TencentDB for MySQL):

• Navigate to the TencentDB console → Select your instance → Click "Backup & Restore" → "Manual Backup."

This ensures minimal downtime and quick recovery.