Rule based database security system and method

The present invention relates generally to database management systems, and more particularly to database security for controlling database access and updates. A rule-based database security system and method are disclosed. A method for processing requests from a user to perform an action with respect to data stored in an electronic database includes defining a plurality of user defined rules containing security constraints for accessing the data and receiving a request at a user interface. The request is transferred from the user interface to a rule engine and the plurality of rules are applied to the request to determine if the request passes the security constraints. The method further includes modifying the request if required to meet the security constraints. The data is accessed to perform the request if the request meets the security constraints.