Web Application Security is the process of protecting the integrity and confidentiality of web applications from threats and vulnerabilities. Web applications are the most prominent type of applications used on the Internet. They provide the functionality and features that users need to access websites, complete online forms, shop online, and exchange information, among other activities.
Web application security is the practice of using secure coding practices and security measures to protect data and resources within web applications. It involves both proactive measures, such as setting up the security configurations, and reactive measures, such as auditing the application’s security implementation.
The overall web application security goal is to provide protection against attacks, unauthorized access, and data leakage. Specific security measures implemented by web application security teams can include: authentication, authorization, encryption, session management, input validation, and logging of system activity.
Authentication involves establishing the identity of a user, and is used to control access to resources or functions. Authorization is the process of controlling the access individual users have to resources or functions. Encryption is used to protect data from being accessed by unauthorized individuals. Session management is used to track communication between web application and the user, such as timeouts, IP address, browser type, etc. Input validation is used to ensure that data entered into a website application form is valid and of the correct type. Logging of system activity involves recording information about activities related to the web application, such as login attempts, file access, or changes to data.
Web application security is an important component of any organization’s IT security program. It helps to ensure that data and resources are safeguarded from unauthorized access or malicious activity. It also improves user experience, since secure web applications are more reliable and trustworthy, and thus more likely to be used by customers.
