Final answer:
SQL injection is a technique used by hackers to exploit vulnerabilities in a website's database. It can lead to unauthorized access, modifications, or data breaches. Preventative measures like parameterized queries and input validation are important to mitigate this risk.
Step-by-step explanation:
SQL injection is a technique used by hackers to exploit vulnerabilities in a website's database. By inserting malicious SQL statements into user input fields, hackers can gain unauthorized access to, modify, or delete data. For example, let's say a website has a login form that asks for a username and password. If the website is not properly secured, a hacker can enter SQL commands into the username field and potentially gain unrestricted access to the database.
This technique is a serious security threat and can lead to significant damage or data breaches. It's important for developers to take precautions to prevent SQL injection vulnerabilities in their code, such as using parameterized queries or prepared statements, input validation, and proper sanitization of user input.
Understanding SQL injection techniques is crucial for both developers and security professionals to protect against potential attacks and ensure the security of websites and applications.