Web Application Security: Things That Developers Must know

31 December 2018
Web Application Security: Things That Developers Must know
web development company
Posted by Root Info Solutions

Protecting the web apps comes as one of the crucial challenges for Most organizations.

With Modern Web Development, there also comes a variety of challenges for developers such as accessibility, unique feature, security concerns, and responsive designs. These are the vital concerns that need to be taken extra care.

Let's throw light on some of the basic security fundamentals - the developers must be aware of. Generally, the developer's efforts are focused on the server side, leaving a critical attack vector exposed;i.e the client side. It is the matter of fact that the entire web application ecosystem must be protected, end to end, and that includes mobile, JavaScript, desktop, server and API.

As we know, Data is a Massive asset targeted by the hackers to seek information and that's not mere username or passwords or credit card numbers. Thus, it's important to protect the vulnerabilities present in the app. Establishing a security checkpoint can help users to build user's trust.

Generally, the developer's efforts are focused on the server side, leaving a critical attack vector exposed; i.e the client side. It is the matter of fact that the entire web application ecosystem must be protected, end to end, and that includes mobile, JavaScript, desktop, server and API.

Web applications are client-server apps, that executes operations on clients (front end) as well as servers (back end). The servers reside on your corporate network, leading transactions and sustaining high-value information such as usernames, passwords and usage data accumulated by the application, they are enticing targets for attackers.

Must Read: Know Top Web Development Frameworks to Go With In 2018-19

To protect your business, data, and customers, apparently you need to implement traditional application security tools for your server. A common solution- web application firewall (WAF) ensures to stop network-based attacks. However,  WAF claims to be at the application level but only alarm the user what?s coming on the network ? it cannot recognize what?s occurring on, or through, the browser (client side).

As we know, the network security alone is insufficient, let's understand why?

What If an attacker analyzes the browser to see how client apps function, the WAF comes as a solution.  Furthermore, the attacker can use this information concerning the app's behavior to more efficient outsmart the WAF in a client-based network attack.

Client Side Protection:

To protect web apps, productive codes can be inserted at the time of development - this execute obfuscates and deters reverse engineering. For instance; Using obfuscation, encryption, and additional techniques - javascript can be secured. This advanced technique irritates the attackers and thus, the runtime application self-protection is detected to check if JavaScript is modified.

Undoubtedly, the security precautions ensure to maintain and safeguard client-side web application, offering additional server protection layers. This benefits to check and reduce breach and subsequent brand damage, financial loss and theft of intellectual properties.

Further securing both the client and server will help the business to from being hacked

As we understand, it is necessary to protect the entire application ecosystem, when initiating any web project. Unfortunately, the web app frontend is ignored by most of the organization, prioritizing the backend with complete security. If you are leaving an area from being secured, your app security is at risk. Thus, you need to take a comprehensive server and web app approach towards application security.  

Checklists to ensure your application is secure!

1 Cross-site scripting (XSS)

a) Protect your app during File upload

The valid way to dodge this vulnerability is to modify the type of file that is to be uploaded. Whitelisting filters, limits on file-size, and validating file content are also efficient plans.

b) Stored XSS

To protect the app: Authorize the user data, and leave on the server-side.

c) Reflected XSS

In order to protect app: Use stern input validation, based on the content that the input is suspected to restrain.

d) Additional precautions

OWASP has a terrific cheat sheet for checking numerous types of XSS. You can manage their XSS Code Review to verify the security of your code.

2) Client-state manipulation

To secure your web apps - it is suggested not to trust web-clients, and should always validate input received from them. Hidden inputs should avoid containing sensitive information and validation to be done like any other input, even if the server is generating the information stored in this hidden input.

Further, avoid using GET requests for sensitive info. Instead, what you can do is - store a session-id and send that to the client, in spite of genuine data value.

3) SQL injection

With this process- The best way to thwart SQL injection attacks is to practice prepared statements with fickle binding. This authorizes the database to identify between data and code, irrespective of the input proffered. Whitelisting is also a good defense, as it defines what the input is like and ignores input that doesn?t suit the detailed pattern.

Conclusion:

When your Web Application Development Company is the top of web security trends, it significantly increases your chance of developing a trust with the clients.

At Root Info Solutions - we ensure that the application we have built- takes precautions to keep your app?s data secure.

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