SQLite Security: Encryption and Access Control Essentials Quiz

Explore key SQLite security concepts with this beginner-friendly quiz focusing on database encryption methods, access control mechanisms, and best practices for safeguarding sensitive data in lightweight applications. Improve your understanding of data protection and user authorization within SQLite environments.

1. Role of Encryption in SQLite Databases

   Why is enabling encryption on an SQLite database crucial when storing sensitive information, such as customer addresses and credit card numbers?

   1. To protect data from unauthorized access if the database file is copied
   2. To automatically remove duplicated data
   3. To make database queries execute faster
   4. To prevent all network attacks

   Explanation: Encryption helps ensure that data within an SQLite database remains unreadable to unauthorized users, especially if the file is copied from a device or system. While it does not improve query speed (which may even decrease slightly), nor does it remove duplicates or prevent all types of network attacks, it specifically addresses the risk of data exposure due to file theft. Options about query performance, data duplication, and network security misunderstand the main purpose of database encryption.

2. Access Control Method in SQLite

   Which access control method is typically used to restrict who can read or write to an SQLite database stored on a device?

   1. Table partitioning
   2. File system permissions
   3. Two-factor authentication
   4. Biometric scanning within SQL statements

   Explanation: File system permissions are used to control which users or processes can access the SQLite database file on the device, providing a basic form of access control. Two-factor authentication and biometric scanning are not features built directly into SQLite or its SQL syntax. Table partitioning is used for organizing data, not for controlling access. File system-level restrictions remain the practical method for access control.

3. Password Protection in SQLite

   In its default configuration, what does SQLite require to open and access an unencrypted database file?

   1. An external security token
   2. A secret recovery phrase
   3. No password required
   4. A strong password is mandatory

   Explanation: By default, SQLite does not require a password to access or open unencrypted database files, making it essential to use additional security controls for sensitive data. The other options—password, recovery phrase, and security token—are not enforced by SQLite unless encryption extensions or external security measures are added. Knowing this limitation is vital for understanding SQLite's baseline security.

4. Limitations of SQLite Encryption

   Which of the following is a limitation of applying encryption directly to an SQLite database?

   1. Encryption adds new built-in user management
   2. Database file size always doubles
   3. Read and write speeds improve significantly
   4. Encrypted databases may become incompatible with some standard tools

   Explanation: Encrypting an SQLite database can lead to incompatibility with tools that do not support encryption, making database access harder with standard utilities. Encryption does not automatically double file size nor does it provide user management features out-of-the-box. Performance may decrease slightly rather than improve, contrary to one of the distractors.

5. Safeguarding SQLite Database Files

   What is the most effective way to prevent unauthorized users from accessing an SQLite database file on a shared desktop computer?

   1. Rename the file to something less obvious
   2. Periodically move the file between folders
   3. Store the file in the system clipboard
   4. Restrict file permissions to authorized users only

   Explanation: Limiting file permissions ensures that only designated users or processes can read or write the database file, offering strong protection on shared computers. Simply renaming or moving the file does not prevent access if users have the necessary permissions. Storing the file in the system clipboard is impractical and insecure. File permission settings provide legitimate control over file accessibility.