MySQL

MySQL is an open-source relational database management system (RDBMS) that uses Structured Query Language (SQL) for database access. It is widely used in web applications and is a core component of the LAMP stack. MySQL is known for its reliability, ease of use, and performance.

What is MySQL

MySQL is an open-source relational database management system (RDBMS) that was initially developed by MySQL AB, a Swedish company, and later acquired by Sun Microsystems, which was subsequently acquired by Oracle Corporation. It uses Structured Query Language (SQL) for accessing and managing the data stored in the database. MySQL is highly popular due to its performance, reliability, and ease of use.

MySQL is a key component of the LAMP stack (Linux, Apache, MySQL, PHP/Perl/Python), which is a popular web development platform. It supports a wide range of applications, from small-scale projects to large-scale enterprise applications. MySQL's architecture is designed to be scalable and flexible, allowing it to handle a large number of concurrent users and transactions.

Over the years, MySQL has evolved to include a variety of features such as support for ACID transactions, stored procedures, triggers, views, and replication. It also offers various storage engines, including InnoDB and MyISAM, to cater to different use cases. MySQL's open-source nature has fostered a large community of developers and users who contribute to its continuous improvement and support.

MySQL runs on TCP and UDP port 3306 and is official IANA port.

Security risk

If port 3306 is open and the MySQL service is running, it can be a target for unauthorized access and attacks such as SQL injection. Exposing this port to the internet without proper security measures can lead to data breaches, loss of sensitive information, and potential system compromise. It is crucial to implement strong authentication, encryption, and firewall rules to mitigate these risks.

In our UFW tutorial you can follow instructions how you can configure UFW to close port 3306. Use StackChanges to monitor if the MySQL port is closed and stays closed. StackChanges will send an alert if port 3306 is open again.