Posted by: Hasan Sameer
January 25, 2023
Most businesses use web applications as a platform to represent their presence online. Also, these applications improve the client reach for the business they represent. Moreover, it becomes easier for companies to control a lot of operations more efficiently through web applications. These companies tend to host a huge amount of valuable data and crucial business information on their web applications. This makes these applications a prime target for threat actors online. Web applications become even more prone to malicious activities if their security posture is weak. If hackers somehow penetrate through your web application’s line of security, they will be able to use your data against you in so many ways that you can only imagine. This is the reason why you need to deploy competent cyber security solutions for your web applications.
of websites in a recent survey were susceptible to getting completely compromised automatically.
of web applications contain high-risk vulnerabilities.
of web applications according to a survey in 2021 were not compliant with PCI DSS.
increase is registered in cases of information leakage from web applications in the same survey.
There are many different attack methods that can be used against web applications, but some of the most common include:
1. SQL injection: This type of attack involves injecting malicious SQL code into a web application’s database, which can be used to steal sensitive information or manipulate the data stored in the database.
2. Cross-site scripting (XSS): This type of attack involves injecting malicious code into a web page, which can be used to steal user data or launch other attacks.
3. Cross-site request forgery (CSRF): This type of attack involves tricking a user into performing an action on a web application without their knowledge or consent, such as making a purchase or changing their password.
4. Denial of service (DoS): This type of attack involves overwhelming a web application with traffic in order to make it unavailable to legitimate users
5. File inclusion vulnerabilities: This type of attack allows an attacker to include a file, usually through a script, that should not be accessible.
6. Remote code execution (RCE): This type of attack allows an attacker to execute arbitrary code on the server.
7. Password cracking: This type of attack involves attempting to guess a user’s password, either by trying a list of common passwords or by using a program to try all possible combinations of characters.
8. Phishing: This type of attack involves tricking users into providing sensitive information, such as login credentials or financial information, by disguising a malicious website or email as a legitimate one.
To protect against these attack methods, web applications should be designed with security in mind from the start and regularly tested for vulnerabilities. Additionally, users should be educated about the risks and how to protect themselves.
One of the best things you can do to improve your security posture is to conduct web application pentesting on a regular basis. There are several best practices for securing web applications, some of them are:
1. Input validation: Ensure that all user input is properly validated before it is processed. This will help to prevent attacks such as SQL injection and cross-site scripting.
2. Authentication and access control: Implement strong authentication and access control mechanisms to ensure that only authorized users can access sensitive data and functionality. Use two-factor authentication when possible.
3. Encryption: Use encryption to protect sensitive data in transit and at rest. This will help to prevent data breaches and ensure that even if data is intercepted, it cannot be read or used.
4. Use of security frameworks: Use security frameworks that have been thoroughly tested and are known to be effective, such as OWASP Top 10, NIST SP 800-53, and ISO 27001.
4. Use of security frameworks: Use security frameworks that have been thoroughly tested and are known to be effective, such as OWASP Top 10, NIST SP 800-53, and ISO 27001.
5. Regular testing: Regularly test your web application for vulnerabilities using both automated and manual testing methods. This will help you identify and fix issues before they can be exploited by attackers.
6. Keep software up to date: Keep all software and frameworks used in your web application up to date to ensure that any known vulnerabilities are patched.
7. Incident response plan: Have a well-defined incident response plan in place that outlines the steps to be taken in case of a security incident. This will help you respond quickly and effectively.
8. Employee Training: Regularly educate your employees about security best practices and the importance of security in their day-to-day work.
By following these best practices, organizations can significantly reduce the risk of a security incident and ensure that their web applications are as secure as possible.
