The trend of web applications is increasing. Users find these apps more interactive and engaging than static websites. That is why developers and stakeholders are looking forward to investing in these applications.
However, as with other digital assets, these are not immune to cyberattacks. Threat actors can identify and manipulate the vulnerabilities in these apps. Therefore, it is essential to be aware of the weak points associated with them.
If you, too, are thinking about developing a web application, keep reading the article. It will shed light on some common security threats related to web applications and how to prevent to them.
6 Most Common Security Threats for Web Applications
Ensuring the security and privacy protection of web applications and their users is a critical thing. Therefore, you must watch out for the following security threats looming on these apps:
1. Cross-site Scripting
Cross-site scripting is one of the most common security threats related to web applications. It happens when the code of a web application is injected with an executable and malicious script by a threat actor.
Cybercriminals generally exploit users’ behavior by compelling them to click on a corrupted link. Mostly, the applications that are unable to authenticate the suspicious data efficiently are more vulnerable to such attacks.
You can prevent this threat by encoding user-supplied data, employing Java components like OWASP’s AntiSamy, and implementing a content security protocol. You can consult the experts at cyber security companies in UAE to prevent cross-site scripting, protecting your application’s integrity.
2. SQL Injection
A code-based vulnerability that enables threat actors to execute their malicious attack is called SQL injection. It assists Cyberattackers in reading and accessing sensitive data present in the database.
This susceptibility of a web application allows hackers to manipulate the application, bypassing its security measures. Therefore, adding, modifying, deleting, or updating records becomes easy for them.
To prevent such attacks, you need to shun the untrusted input, use a protected API, utilize output coding, and filter all outputs. These approaches will ensure your application remains safe from injection attacks.
3. Broken Authentication
The authentication process is the backbone of web application security. If compromised, it can result in damaging outcomes. That is what happens in broken authentication.
If your application is not sufficiently equipped to authenticate or validate the user’s identity, it can result in this type of security threat. Usually, a malicious actor can enter your system, impersonating a repeat user and misusing the privileges offered by you.
Avoiding this kind of threat is relatively easy. All you have to do is use strong passwords and robust encryption mechanisms, employ multi-factor authentication, generate session tokens safely, and validate both input and output.
4. Cross-Site Request Forgery
Cross-site request forgery is another type of web application threat that exploits a user’s behavior. In this attack, cunny threat actors lure an end user. As a result, they can get them to perform unwanted actions for which they are usually authorized.
Cybercriminals can use social engineering to execute such cyberattacks. Hence, the manipulated user will do whatever the malicious actor asks them to do. This can result in fund transfers, email changes, or other sinister acts.
There are several ways to avoid such incidents from happening. For example, you can use secret cookies, authenticate POST requests only, implement a multi-step transaction technique, and validate the referrer header.
Also Read : Cyber Gal Street v0.6.3: The Evolution of Cybersecurity in the Digital Age
5. Insecure Direct Object References
Sometimes, threat actors can access private data and execute unwanted actions by using a type of security vulnerability called insecure direct object references. Cyberattackers can manipulate parameter values, utilizing unauthorized resources or objects.
The consequences of IDOR can be more severe than you might think. This can result in data theft and modification or deletion of vital resources. In a graver situation, such attackers can completely take over your application. That is why it is critical to protect your web application from such kinds of attacks.
If you want to avoid insecure direct object references, you need to take some critical steps. These include the implementation of a protected access control system, usage of indirect references, and sanitization of the user output.
6. Security Misconfigurations
If security settings are not employed properly or implemented with errors, it can result in security misconfigurations. Security gaps created by such carelessness are the favorite vulnerability points for cybercriminals.
These misconfigurations can happen at different levels, including custom codes, network services, virtual machines, databases, cloud containers, and application servers. These misconfigurations can cause several issues, such as exposure of sensitive data, directory traversal attacks, unauthorized access, and remote attacks.
To prevent security misconfiguration from happening, you need to focus on alerts, patch all software and devices on a regular basis, and improve your access controls. You can contact the experts at cyber security companies in UAE to strengthen your web application security and avoid misconfiguration.
Do You Want to Secure Your Web Application?
Web applications are transforming the digital landscape. However, they have some vulnerabilities that can land the stakeholders in trouble. Contact a reliable cybersecurity provider to prevent these vulnerabilities.
