Web applications are vulnerable to a wide range of issues. It is important to know what can make them vulnerable and the potential outcomes. Organizations need to test for vulnerabilities early on so they can implement security measures to protect them.
What is web application security?
Web application security refers to security controls built into web applications. These help to protect them from cyber threats. It isn’t just about securing the app itself. It is also securing the data it accesses, the network it depends on, and its servers. Diligence is necessary across the whole development process from design to deployment. This will help to ensure that web apps are resilient to potential threats.
Software companies may hire a third party to deliberately hack a web application. This penetration testing can identify and address security vulnerabilities. Various pen testing approaches involve both internal and external testing. Penetration testing phases include research, scanning, and exploitation. In the exploitation phase, a pen tester tries to gain access to an application. The tester will then escalate this and finally analyze the results and report to the client. Penetration test cases may involve checking if a web app can identify spam attacks on website contact forms. It may be checking if a network is protected by firewalls.
Why is security for web applications so important?
Cybercriminals can exploit vulnerabilities in web applications for malicious purposes. Web applications are often the backbone of many business operations. An attack could affect business continuity and lead to financial losses. It could also result in reputational harm and undermine customer trust.
Governments and industries have strict regulations regarding data privacy and security. Failing to comply with them can result in fines and lawsuits. Robust data retention policies help to facilitate regulatory compliance.
The attack surface for web applications is growing with increasing technical complexity. This includes the use of cloud computing and mobile applications.
Top application security risks
The Open Web Application Security Project (OWASP) works to improve the security of software. OWASP security principles provide guidance on how to develop and maintain secure software apps. It identifies two of the most common application security threats as injection and broken access control.
SQL injection
A SQL injection attack is when an attacker injects malicious code into the database of an application through user input fields. This allows the attacker to gain unauthorized access to sensitive data. The user may also manipulate or delete data.
Cross-site scripting (XSS)
An XSS attack involves injecting malicious code or script into a website. The website then executes the script and the attacker can steal sensitive data. The results may include the defacing of a website or redirection to a malicious site enabling a phishing attack.
Broken access control
Broken access control is when a web application fails to enforce proper user access restrictions. An API endpoint may expose a function that shouldn’t be accessible to a user. An attacker may be able to execute unauthorized functions when this happens.
Mitigating web application security solutions help to address vulnerabilities. They need to be implemented as early as possible in development.
- Web Application Firewall (WAF) – A WAF helps with network application security as it provides protection between a web application and the internet. It monitors and controls traffic to identify and block any malicious activity.
- Web App and API Protection (WAAP) solutions – WAAP solutions have features like automated threat detection and behavioral analytics. They can address unauthorized data access and endpoint vulnerabilities.
- Attack surface management (ASM) – ASM involves identifying, categorizing, and managing different attack surfaces. ASM tools often integrate with other security tools for a comprehensive approach to security.
Web application security best practices
Execute input validation
Secure web application development will involve validating user inputs to mitigate threats. This involves verifying data submitted to the application. Checks are on type, length, format, and range.
Use up-to-date encryption
It is important to implement Transport Layer Security (TLS) using the latest cipher suites and protocols. This is essential for secure data transmission. If you want to boost eCommerce SEO, secure data transmission is a necessity to increase customer trust. Keep TLS configurations up to date to help maintain strong encryption standards.
Enhance authentication and authorization
Advanced authentication methods such as multi-factor authentication (MFA) help to ensure web-based security. Set complex password requirements and limit failed login attempts. This can help to protect against brute force attacks. Role-based access control is necessary to grant appropriate user permissions.
Track API usage
APIs can introduce security vulnerabilities if they aren’t properly managed. They must have solid authentication and authorization measures. Communicating through encrypted channels is essential. Monitor API logs on a regular basis and check for potential vulnerabilities or unusual activity.
Keep accurate records of code changes
Keeping code change records helps to monitor updates, bug fixes, and more. This improves transparency within development teams. It can lead to quicker identification of problems resulting from modifications.
Use dynamic testing tools
Dynamic testing tools can detect many different security issues. For example, they can detect SQL injections and broken authentication and session management.
Conclusion
Organizations need to take a proactive approach to security. They must continuously adapt and use the latest security measures. This helps them to protect web applications from security threats. An ongoing commitment to security is crucial. It can preserve organizational resilience, data integrity, and customer trust.