7. Security of a distributed database

Security is more difficult to maintain compared to a central database.

Multiple entry points

One of the weaknesses of a distributed database is that there are many entry points to the system. Each 'node' of the system has to be kept physically and logically secure.

Encryption keys

Encryption works by parts of the system exchanging secret keys that are then used to encrypt network traffic. So the more these keys are spread around, the more likely they are to be compromised.

Corrupted node

If one node is compromised by a virus or hacking attempt then the rest of the system is vulnerable as well.