8 tips for better web application security

Nowadays, data and web application security are essential. However, owners of companies offering web services or related to the IT world do not always pay much attention to this topic. Nonetheless, it is web application security that should be prioritized. The chances are that not everyone is aware of the seriousness of the situation regarding protection, but it is also possible to lack information on how to ensure proper web application safety and prevent cyber attacks. In this article, we bring you some valuable tips! 

Create a security plan for your web application.

To create a thorough web application protection plan, it’s worth analyzing all current resources, threats, and security objectives. Application prioritization is vital here. To determine which applications’ preservation needs to be addressed first. It’s worth considering whether the applications will be tested manually, with internal software, or with the help of cloud-based testing or another external tool. Analyze the costs that are associated with the implementation of any measures and adjust them to your budget. 

Programmers cooperating at IT company developing apps

Take inventory of your current web applications 

Review the applications that are used daily in your business. Identifying the most commonly used ones will allow you to organize your web security better, making it easier to keep it at a high level. It’s a good idea to focus on the basics:

  • Where you store your applications.
  • How many of them you use.
  • How many of them are an unnecessary expense.

Also, classify the most critical ones and those that store sensitive data. This research and categorization of the apps would help you move on with your cybersecurity plan. It will help you understand when more rigorous research is needed and when less intense testing will suffice.

Determinate security weaknesses

Self-testing and self-checking is the best way to protect yourself from cyber-attacks. Security scanning for vulnerabilities is an activity that should become routine in your business. The most critical threats to web application safety involve injection attacks, authentication and session management, security misconfiguration, compromise of sensitive data, etc. With this knowledge, conduct random and scheduled audits of your system. The frequency should not be less than once a week, but remember that every change to a given application should be conducted along with a safeguards audit. By increasing your control and having regular information about the state of your security, you will be able to react faster to any irregularities, thus avoiding prevalent cybercrimes.  

Make sure that your cookies are safe

A crucial element that you should take into consideration is cookies and their use on your site. Cookies allow site owners to collect information about users and conduct insightful analytics, and they give visitors the ability to visit the site faster in the future and have a more personalized experience on the website – however, some risks to be aware of. Cookies are a tempting piece of information that can be stolen very quickly, and the consequence could be that the files will be used in unwanted ways or used to blackmail other sensitive information. To reduce the risk of hacking, don’t use cookies to recall confidential data like users’ passwords, as this will allow hackers to gain unauthorized access. Also, if you’re going to set a cookie expiration date, make sure it’s no later than 30 days to avoid a security breach. Finally, to prevent unwanted entry, ensure that all information contained in cookies is encrypted.

Remember to update all scripts and data

As you work to improve your protection system, it’s a good idea to remember to continually update your applications, procedures, and any plug-ins associated with them. If keeping an eye on this topic causes you problems, opt for automating this process, but remember that manually reviewing and approving updates is also an acceptable option. Focus on security-related systems first, but don’t overlook apps related to less critical topics either. 

Choose unique and strong passwords

You’ve probably heard this more than once, but having strong passwords is the key to proper security. The sooner you focus on developing unique passwords, the sooner you will understand the entire security process’s importance. Remember that any passwords you use should be unique. Try not to repeat two of the same characters in a single identification. Instead of a password, you can also use different phrases, strings of words, or random combinations of lowercase and uppercase letters, symbols, and numbers. Try using multi-factor encryption to provide an additional layer of protection against cyber criminals attempting to hack the site.

Encrypt the data with SSL (HTTPS).

Use the most secure protocol systems available, such as HTTPS, which encrypts all message information, including HTTP headers and request/response data. To keep all of your data secure even though anyone has access to it, including SSL security technologies in your simple checklist for encryption. SSL provides an encrypted connection between a server and a recipient, enabling confidential data such as payment card numbers, social security numbers, and login credentials to be transmitted safely.

Back up your files

This tip may be obvious to you, but it is worth paying attention to when it comes to security. Routine backups are an essential component when it comes to safety. Both if we are talking about external threats in the form of hacking attacks aimed at completely wiping out the data in the system and any mishaps that may happen inside your company. In any situation, getting your system back up and running can be quite a challenge. Therefore, always remember to create backups. 

Undertake all the necessary steps for web app security

Implementing all of the tips outlined should help improve application safety in your business. Chances are, you’ve been using some of these practices for a long time, and you may have overlooked some of them. Remind that it is better to implement all available measures and prevent possible accidents when it comes to security. If your technical knowledge does not allow you to implement the above solutions yourself, remember that there are companies on the market specialize in protecting and securing files in mobile applications. It is worth making security a priority. 

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Technology Sage
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