A relational database management system (RDBMS) is software that stores data in structured tables and links those tables through relationships. It uses rows, columns, keys, and queries to organize records so applications can search, update, and protect information efficiently. Common enterprise platforms such as Db2 are RDBMS products.
In cyber security, an RDBMS is a high-value target because it often holds business-critical data and enforces access control. Attacks may aim at the database itself, but many real risks happen after login: a compromised account, weak role design, or a software flaw can let a user gain more privileges than intended. Defenders reduce that risk with least privilege, separate administrative roles, strong authentication, patching, and monitoring for unusual permission changes or database activity.