How can you identify web application security risks during procurement?

Getting down to brass tax on this one. * Identify the platform: Windows vs Linux. * Know the web provider: IIS, Tomcat, etc. * Learn the application deployment Questions to ask: 1. Will their be plain text passwords used for application publishing on the web server? 2. Does the application manage itself across multiple web servers or will you need to manually configure each server one by one? 3. Whats the security between web servers and database if they are not on the same machines? Grasping the scope of these things before deployment will help bring in security standards that keep applications save, highly available and focus on providing people with a solid experience on both the frontend and backend.

Identifying web application security risks during the procurement process is crucial for ensuring that the applications your organization acquires meet security standards and do not introduce vulnerabilities into your environment. Here's how you can identify and mitigate web application security risks during procurement: Define Security Requirements Conduct Vendor Security Assessments Review Software Development Practices Perform Security Testing Assess Third-Party Components By following these steps, organizations can effectively identify and mitigate web application security risks during the procurement process, helping to ensure that the applications they acquire are secure and do not pose a risk to their environment.

Understand any applicable compliance requirements (HIPAA, PCI DSS) and ensure application meets them. Also, identify potential attack vectors and vulnerabilities specific to application and industry.

Unfortunately, you will be fighting a tough battle if you are looking to assess the security of a 3rd party product/service during the procurement phase. There are a few frameworks that contain 3rd party management modules specifically to address your concern. You can make use of those. Or, which is my preferred method: build your own Security questionnaire. There, ask if they are independently assessed, if they can share a SOC-2 report, or attestation of compliance for other regulations. This will only get you so far, though. Another option is to request a pentest report or ask to be allowed to assess the software yourselves.

Don't build blindly! Hire like a detective.? Vet web developers: check credentials, reputation, project history. Dive into their processes - are they security ninjas? Coding standards, testing, best practices matter! Choose wisely, build smart, and enjoy a secure, dream-come-true web app. #SecureDevelopment #ChooseWisely

Researching a web application developer involves reviewing their portfolio, testimonials, and references to assess experience and reputation. Evaluate their adherence to security standards, coding practices, and testing procedures. Confirm their compliance with industry best practices and inquire about certifications. Ensure effective communication and collaboration. By scrutinizing these aspects, you can make an informed decision regarding the developer's capability to deliver a secure, high-quality web application that meets your requirements.

Before acquiring software from vendors, we consistently request the latest security testing report, which should comprehensively detail all identified bugs along with their current status. In cases where the vendor does not possess such a report, we seek their permission to conduct testing internally. Following the signing of a standard Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA), we proceed with testing using our internal security team to assess the vendor's security posture. If the results indicate a clean slate, we proceed with subsequent steps in the procurement process.

During the procurement process, it's crucial to include a requirement for a comprehensive security audit or testing of the web application being considered. This audit should involve thorough vulnerability assessments, penetration testing, and code reviews to identify potential security risks and vulnerabilities. By incorporating this step into procurement, organizations can ensure that the selected web application meets security standards and is resilient against potential cyber threats, ultimately enhancing the overall security posture of their IT infrastructure.

Identifying web application security risks involves seeking an audit or penetration test report, or proof of such recent evaluations (the more data that can be provided here, the better). These reports should detail all tested assets, discovered issues, and a follow-up report on the remediation of these issues. A long and detailed testing history of the web application instills confidence that it was developed and maintained with security considerations in mind.

During procurement, reviewing security documentation for web applications is essential to identify potential security risks. This documentation should include details about security features, protocols, compliance certifications, and past security incidents. By thoroughly examining this documentation, organizations can assess the web application's security posture, identify any gaps or weaknesses, and make informed decisions about its suitability for procurement. Additionally, comparing the security documentation with industry best practices and standards can help ensure that the chosen web application meets the necessary security requirements.

Don't just build, secure! Before finalizing your web app, negotiate an ironclad security contract. This legal shield defines roles, expectations, and your rights. Think standards, audits, documentation, breach response, updates, and liabilities. By securing your interests upfront, you reduce risks, protect data, and ensure a peaceful, breach-proof future for your app. #SecureDevelopment #NegotiateSmart #ProtectYourData

1. Clearly define organization's security requirements and expectations for the web application. 2. Conduct thorough due diligence to assess vendor reputation, track record, security practices, and compliance with relevant standards and regulations. 3. Request and review the vendor's security documentation, including security policies, procedures, and incident response plans. 4. Evaluate security features such as authentication mechanisms, authorization controls, encryption of sensitive data, input validation, session management, and secure coding practices. 5. Ensure application incorporates security best practices and mitigations for common vulnerabilities such as SQL injection, XSS, and insecure direct object references.

It is advisable to test a new web application in a test environment before it goes live. A test environment, also referred to as a sandbox, allows the application to be tested in an isolated environment without the risk of impacting live operations.