What are your favorite web app security techniques?

2 Authentication and authorization

Another key security technique for web apps is authentication and authorization. Authentication is the process of verifying the identity of the user, while authorization is the process of granting or denying access to the resources and functions of the web app. Authentication and authorization can prevent unauthorized access, impersonation, or privilege escalation attacks. You can use various mechanisms to implement authentication and authorization, such as passwords, tokens, certificates, or multi-factor authentication. You should also use secure protocols, such as HTTPS or SSL, to encrypt the communication between the user and the web app.

3 Error handling and logging

A third security technique for web apps is error handling and logging. Error handling is the process of catching and handling any exceptions or errors that occur in the web app, while logging is the process of recording and storing information about the events and activities of the web app. Error handling and logging can help you detect and debug errors, monitor performance, and identify and respond to attacks. You can use various tools and frameworks to implement error handling and logging, such as Try-Catch, Log4j, or ELK. You should also avoid displaying sensitive or detailed error messages to the user, as they can reveal information that can be exploited by attackers.

4 Security testing

A fourth security technique for web apps is security testing. Security testing is the process of evaluating and verifying the security of the web app, by identifying and exploiting any vulnerabilities or weaknesses. Security testing can help you improve the quality and reliability of the web app, and comply with the security standards and regulations. You can use various methods and tools to perform security testing, such as manual or automated testing, static or dynamic analysis, or penetration testing. You should also use a security testing checklist, such as OWASP Top 10, to cover the most common and critical security risks.

5 Security updates and patches

A fifth security technique for web apps is security updates and patches. Security updates and patches are the modifications or fixes that are applied to the web app or its components, such as the operating system, the web server, the database, or the libraries, to address any security issues or vulnerabilities. Security updates and patches can help you prevent or mitigate attacks that exploit known or newly discovered vulnerabilities. You can use various sources and tools to obtain and apply security updates and patches, such as the vendor, the community, or the package manager. You should also monitor and review the security updates and patches regularly, and test their impact and compatibility.

6 Security awareness and education

A sixth and final security technique for web apps is security awareness and education. Security awareness and education is the process of increasing the knowledge and skills of the web app stakeholders, such as the developers, the testers, the users, or the managers, on the security principles and practices. Security awareness and education can help you foster a security culture, improve the security posture, and reduce the human errors or negligence that can compromise the security of the web app. You can use various resources and methods to provide and promote security awareness and education, such as training, guidelines, newsletters, or webinars.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?