For corporations, web development remains an enticing option for several reasons. Firstly, they provide a quick and easy access to deployment for remote users. They also boast a very user-friendly interface for users. However, using web applications can be quite risky for several reasons.
The same easy to access and user-friendly interface can make it easy to access corporate data for unauthorized users. This is where OWASP and SANS security protocols can be quite useful. Here is how they help protect your web applications from hackers and unauthorized personnel.
The Challenges
For most corporations, funding remains a major obstacle in implementing web app security programs. Around two third of businesses are unable to address security vulnerabilities due to lack of funding. SQL injection is another very common challenge that keeps entrepreneurs busy dealing with it. For instance, cross scripting has several types such as injection attacks like LDAP injection, operating system, and through email.
All these threats work through sending harmful data into an app as a part of the command query. This data is carefully crafted and can trick the web app into executing unintended commands. Sites generating Queries for SQL remain quite vulnerable to SQL injection type threats. By generating SQL query without checking its authenticity. Once the query is executed, the attacker now has access to pass commands directly to the database.
In Cross-site scripting, the attacker injects a code through scripts such as JavaScript. The code is injected to a web app’s output. This enables the attacker to hijack sessions, deface the site or just redirect users to a malicious web page.
The Need For Software Security Testing
Interestingly, a vast majority of web application vulnerabilities are well cataloged by experts. This is due to the repeated use of these threats by hackers as they try to snoop in through them. Vulnerabilities such as SQL Injection and cross site scripting have been known for a while and can be removed by using SANS guidelines. Similarly, the Open Web Applications Security Project (OWASP) standard also helps to defend web applications from software vulnerabilities. In short, these two have become the benchmarks of web application security and publish their respective lists of common vulnerabilities in for web applications.
The Solution: OWASP
To address these challenges, developers must utilize the existing security control libraries such as Enterprise Security API by OWASP.
The OWASP releases a list of top 10 most threatening risks for web applications. All security threats and vulnerabilities in this list are agreed upon by major security experts around the world. The list is based on the frequency of attacks and the magnitude of these threats on any business.
OWASP also has a set of comprehensive list of remediation guidelines on addressing their vulnerabilities
Not only this, but OWASP also has a set of comprehensive list of remediation guidelines on addressing their vulnerabilities. This list serves as a checklist and an internal web application development for major organizations today. The idea of maintaining OWASP’s top 10 list is to provide awareness and solutions to identify and assess security risks for a broad range of web applications. Due to its reliability and appropriate remedies, OWASP standard has been widely trusted for mitigating app vulnerabilities and fulfilling compliance issues. Renowned web security bodies that trust and frequently utilize OWASP guidelines include National Institute of Standard Technology, PCI Security Standard Council, and Federal Trade Commission.
SANS Security
There is little doubt that most organizations face a number of challenges in implementing security protocols. Problems like lack of security training, inability to manage legacy code, and lack of technical resources are quite common. To address this, SANS has come up with some of the most versatile and efficient security training programs.
SANS is a broadly acclaimed source of security and protocols to protect your web applications
Much like OWASP, SANS is a broadly acclaimed source of security and protocols to protect your web applications. SANS provides information and security guidelines for businesses and entrepreneurs around the world. SANS has training arrangements through various means including virtual, live, webcast, Simulcast and online training sessions.
The Need For Adding Web App Security
Lastly, is there a need for securing your web apps at all, if so, why? It is a fundamental question, and the answer to it is yes, there is a need. At its core, each web app is bound to provide an optimum secure environment to its users. Without security, your web apps may not remain usable for long. This is where SANS and OWASP security protocols fit in. Not only do both these provide your apps optimal security, but they also offer you an elaborate security plan for keeping your web app secure for the future.
For example, the. NET or J2EE is the building block for all your Winforms, web or Java based web apps. Despite having inbuilt security features, you would need to secure it from newer and more dangerous vulnerabilities. For this purpose, SANS and OWASP provide you just the right tools, guidelines, and training for the purpose.
