Database
Contents
Database
A database is an organized collection of structured information, or data, typically stored electronically in a computer system. It is designed to efficiently store, retrieve, manage, and update data. Databases are crucial for modern applications, allowing them to handle vast amounts of information in a systematic and accessible way.
Purpose of a Database
The primary purpose of a database is to:
Organize Data: Structure information in a logical manner, making it easy to find and use.
Store Data Efficiently: Provide a persistent and optimized way to save large volumes of data.
Retrieve Data: Allow users and applications to quickly query and extract specific information.
Manage Data: Facilitate operations like adding, updating, and deleting records.
Ensure Data Integrity: Maintain the accuracy, consistency, and reliability of data over time, often through constraints and validation rules.
Enable Data Sharing: Allow multiple users or applications to access and manipulate data concurrently, while managing conflicts.
Types of Databases
Databases can be broadly categorized based on their underlying data model:
Relational Databases (SQL Databases):
Organize data into tables (relations) with rows and columns.
Data is linked using primary and foreign keys.
Managed by a Relational Database Management System (RDBMS).
Examples: MySQL, PostgreSQL, Oracle Database, SQL Server.
Best for: Structured data, complex queries, transactions requiring strong consistency (ACID properties).
NoSQL Databases (Non-Relational Databases):
Provide alternative ways to organize data, often more flexible than traditional relational models.
Designed for scalability, flexibility, and handling large volumes of unstructured or semi-structured data.
Examples: MongoDB (Document), Cassandra (Column-Family), Redis (Key-Value), Neo4j (Graph).
Best for: Big data, real-time web applications, flexible schema needs, high scalability.
Database Management Systems (DBMS)
A Database Management System (DBMS) is software that interacts with the user, other applications, and the database itself to capture and analyze data. A DBMS provides the interface and tools to manage the database, including:
Data Definition Language (DDL): For creating, modifying, and deleting database structures (e.g., CREATE TABLE).
Data Manipulation Language (DML): For adding, retrieving, updating, and deleting data (e.g., SELECT, INSERT, UPDATE, DELETE).
Data Control Language (DCL): For managing user permissions and access control (e.g., GRANT, REVOKE).
Transaction Management: Ensuring data consistency and integrity during concurrent operations.
Security Features: Authentication, authorization, and encryption.
Database Security and Data Protection Laws (EU and Finland)
Databases often contain sensitive personal data, making their security and compliance with data protection laws paramount.
General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) - EU Law:
The GDPR applies to any database that processes the personal data of individuals in the EU/EEA.
It imposes strict requirements on how personal data is collected, stored, processed, and secured within databases.
Key principles like data minimisation (only collect necessary data), purpose limitation (use data only for specified purposes), and integrity and confidentiality (secure processing) directly apply to database design and operation.
Organizations managing such databases must implement "appropriate technical and organizational measures" to ensure a level of security appropriate to the risk. This includes encryption, access controls, regular security audits, and robust backup and recovery mechanisms.
Individuals have rights concerning their data in databases, including the right to access, rectify, or erase their data.
Finnish Data Protection Laws:
In Finland, the Data Protection Act (Tietosuojalaki 1050/2018) supplements the GDPR. It provides national specifics for how GDPR principles are applied within Finland, especially concerning certain types of data processing or public sector activities.
Finnish law reinforces the GDPR's requirements for secure data processing, emphasizing the responsibilities of organizations to protect personal data stored in databases against unauthorized access, use, alteration, or disclosure.
Companies operating databases in Finland must comply with both the direct provisions of the GDPR and the specific requirements outlined in the Finnish Data Protection Act.
Pulsed Media and Database Handling
As a hosting service, Pulsed Media provides the infrastructure and environment for its clients to host and manage their databases. Pulsed Media's role and responsibilities regarding databases typically fall under the GDPR definition of a "data processor" when handling client data.
Pulsed Media ensures that its data centers and server infrastructure, which house these databases, comply with strict security and data protection standards:
Secure Infrastructure: Databases hosted on Pulsed Media's servers benefit from the physical and network security measures implemented in their data centers, including robust firewalls, access controls, and environmental safeguards.
High-Performance Storage: Pulsed Media utilizes both enterprise-grade HDDs for large-scale storage and high-speed SSDs (including NVMe) for performance-critical database operations, ensuring quick data retrieval and processing.
Managed Environments (where applicable): For some services (e.g., managed VPS or dedicated servers), Pulsed Media might offer pre-installed database systems (like MySQL, PostgreSQL) and ensure the underlying server is maintained and patched.
Compliance with GDPR: Pulsed Media adheres to its obligations as a data processor by:
Implementing appropriate technical and organizational measures to ensure the security of the processing.
Assisting clients (who are the data controllers) in fulfilling their obligations regarding data subject rights (e.g., access or erasure requests) and data breaches.
Operating within the framework of Finnish and EU data protection laws for the data it processes on behalf of clients.
Client Responsibility: While Pulsed Media provides the secure environment, the client remains the "data controller" for the content and personal data stored within their databases. This means the client is responsible for:
The legality and legitimacy of the data stored in their database.
Configuring database-level security (e.g., strong passwords, user permissions within the database software).
Ensuring their database schema and data collection practices comply with GDPR and other relevant laws.
Handling data subject requests related to the content of their database.
In essence, Pulsed Media provides a highly secure and reliable platform for clients to run their databases, while the clients are ultimately responsible for the data residing within those databases and their compliance with data protection regulations.
