Best Practices for Application and Website Security
It is impossible for a structural change (and any change for that matter) to be imperceptible and for alterations of eco-systemic level to be one-dimensional. In a past so recent, that it hasn’t yet entered the subconscious, security meant locking the doors of your business. Today, security and safety translates to Website and Applications Security. Our surroundings have changed so much that re-assessment of policies and strategies must accompany this shift.
During the last decade, we have witnessed an unprecedented rise in App Development. With mobile phones and other devices becoming organ-like entities, the use of Web services and apps has skyrocketed. However, in this new reality, problematic situations have also emerged and organizations of all kinds must address them. In this digital realm, the importance of web application security cannot be expressed with words (maybe with Code…)
Optimal Application Security practices will eliminate or reduce significantly vulnerabilities in your application before deployment, your data (financial, personal, professional) will be better protected and applications with vulnerable code won’t be released into the hands of users. Unfortunately, cyber-attacks and data breaches have become commonplace and security standards must rise to the highest level!
The why’s of Breaches and the WHY of Security
- Unprepared programmers: As the demand for applications only grows, qualified developers become something of a scarcity. Many development teams lack the knowledge to write top-notch application code or face security issues that might arise
- Inefficient use of tools: To have a tool is one thing, know how to use it another. Many people in the field don’t know how to reap the benefits of the arsenal they possess (More on the matter later…)
- App-attack: Web applications are the main attack vector in data leaks. Therefore, businesses should be aware of the presence of APIs in their apps and the underlying risks. API breaches will affect all businesses that are unaware of the presence of such interfaces in their systems and software
- DevSecOps: The integration of Security into DevOps practices is a must and it must be done “seamlessly and transparently” It is a source of danger when organizations do not follow the best application security practices to safeguard their software. Neglecting to implement DevSecOps process will be harmful to security-related issues as well
- Open-source: Open-source software with a great number of vulnerabilities is another source of risk as the great majority of enterprises in the apps market, use open-source software and libraries
Some alarming stats and the sad realization that a good friend sometimes might turn into our worst enemy
Due to the pandemic, cybercrime went up 600%. From 12,4 million in 2009, the total Malware infections have climbed to the astonishing (or maybe we should say staggering) figure of 812,67 million in 2018…and the list of similar unfortunate data can go on!
What’s more, to think that all this happens to medium, bigger, big or giant enterprises is nothing but a naïve fallacy; small businesses face the same risks as any other! 28% of all data breaches involve small businesses.
The Importance of Security in Information Technology
Security needs to be a central part of your business, not a luxury to be acquired when and if decided. Security practices during the design and development phases, will ensure that your applications will be safer and your customers’ sensitive data optimally safeguarded.
Let’s uncover now the 10 best Application Security Practices!
- Adopt DevOps Practices
We have already said it, DevSecOps is essential. To detect security holes from day one and resolve them as quickly as possible is critical. DevSecOps will enable development teams to spot security issues at all stages of the software supply chain, from design to implementation.
- Address Open-Source Vulnerabilities
Open-source Software must be airtight! Built in a secure environment, deployed to the Market complete (in every sense) and securely delivered to the Users securely.
- Automate
The number of vulnerabilities that exist using a manual approach is almost endless. Automation is critical. All simple tasks should be automated in order to have more time to focus on more challenging undertakings.
- Know Your Own Assets
You must have the clearest insight into your business’ security state. You cannot save what you don’t know is in danger. Understand the assets that make up your applications and software development is elemental!
- Risk Assessment
Assess thinking that you are the attacker. Make sure that you have everything covered. Make a list of your protection needs. Identify threats and then isolate them and contain them. Don’t leave any of your applications open to the risk of being compromised. Are all the proper security measures in place? Do you need to take further action or acquire different tools?
- Passwords
The passwords of your users choose must be complex. They should have a minimum of eight characters (the longer the better) and contain a mix of upper, lower and special characters. This way attacks will be more difficult to execute. Use two-factor authentication too and implement an account lockout when a maximum number of password attempts is detected.
- Limit User Access to Data
Restricted access to your data will improve security. Who really needs access to your resources? Set access rules. Ensure that access privileges remain up-to-date by removing active credentials once access to the data is no longer needed.
- Stay Updated
Installing software updates and patches is another effective practice to enhance your software security. In addition, you will avoid compatibility issues and upgrading to new versions will become easier. But… plan for each new update, updating is not a one time thing.
- Encryption & Secure Coding
Encryption is one of the most important tools when securing your work. Make sure it is in place for data both in transit and at rest. Take into account the fact that it is preferable to use well-known encryption techniques instead of trying to implement your own.
Your IT team should also follow the web application security best practices to avoid weaknesses in the code (Input Checks, Command Injection, SQL Injection etc.) Secure coding is very important.
- Pentesting
This method will help you spot potential gaps that might have gone unnoticed. An experienced Pentester (also known as ethical hacker) will unveil any last hidden dangers while testing your application. Just don’t forget that Pentesting must be performed by an external expert who is not involved in the project.
From the Present to the Future
Deep knowledge and understanding of your environment is the best way to protect yourself and your business (this will never change!). There are tendencies and trends in everything and the same goes for cybercrime. Being in the loop will enable you to find the denominator that will unify all your efforts towards a secure digital environment.
You must know, for example, that the frequency of Cyber Attacks is constantly rising (From 40s in 2016 to 11s in 2021) or that on the long run costs of data breaches can extend for months to years and will create unwanted expenses that companies did not anticipate in their planning. Your defense system will be contextualized if you are aware that 70% of the breaches comes from Outsiders, 55% from Organized Criminal Groups, 30% from Internal Bad Actors, 4% from Four or More Attacker Actions and a 2% of Partners or Multiple Partners.
Investing on Application Security is not costly! Set strict software development security standards and opt for long-term solutions. Here, at Uptrend Labs we get under the bonnet of any tech challenge, we assess code quality, cyber security and identify all areas of possible improvement! Our people will examine the technology stack, coding and architectures of your software products and will evaluate the scalability, reliability, vulnerability and maintainability of your systems.
We want to help you keep away from cyber attacks and move towards relationships of trust with your customers. In the end, it’s our foundations and values that build our height!
Ps. Tonight, turning off the lights of your business to go home, it seems that you can leave the doors open…but, by all means, don’t leave your applications and IT infrastructure unguarded…