Even experienced web security experts are required to stay vigilant and guard against the bad guys. Because unfortunately, no one is safe, especially without knowing the factors to be cautious of. Without further ado, here are some of the most common security vulnerabilities you must look out for
Most Common Website Security Vulnerabilities
1. SQL Injections
SQL injection is a distinct type of web application security vulnerability in which the attacker attempts to use an application code to access or corrupt your database content. If the attacker is successful, it allows the attacker to delete, read, update, alter, or create data stored in the back-end database. As a result, SQL injection is one of the most pervasive types of web application security vulnerabilities.
2. Cross-Site Scripting (XSS)
Cross-site scripting, also known as XSS, targets an app’s users by injecting code habitually into a web application’s output. The theory of XSS is to utilize client-side scripts of a web application to execute in the manner desired by the attacker. For example, XSS allows attackers to execute scripts in the victim’s browser, hijack user sessions, tarnish websites, or diverge users to malicious sites.
3. Broken Authentication & Session Management
Broken authentication and session management entails several security issues, all of them having to do with maintaining the identity of a user. For example, if authentication credentials and session identifiers are not guarded at all times, an attacker can take over an active session and assume the original user’s identity.
4. Insecure Direct Object References
An insecure direct object reference is said to occur when a web application exposes a reference to an internal implementation object. Internal implementation objects include files, database keys, database records, directories. When an app exposes a reference to one of these objects in a URL, the hackers can manipulate it to access a user’s data.
5. Security Misconfiguration
Security misconfiguration encompasses several types of vulnerabilities, and all are centered on a lack of maintenance and or a lack of attention to the web application defect. A secure layout must be defined and deployed for the application, frameworks, app server, web server, database server and platform. Security defects give hackers access to private data or features and can result in a complete system compromise.
6. Cross-Site Request Forgery
Cross-Site Request Forgery, known as (CSRF), is an attack where a user is tricked into performing an action they didn’t intend to do. A third-party website sends a request to the particular web app that a user is already authenticated against (like personal information and their bank details). The attacker can access functionality via the victim’s already authenticated browser. Targets include web apps like social media, browser email clients, online banking, and web interfaces for network devices.
Don’t get caught with your guard down. Instead, it would be best to practice safe website security measures and always protect yourself from an attack that you might never recover from. The best way to tell if your website or server is vulnerable is to conduct regular security audits of the website you visit.
To learn more or if you have any questions regarding marketing, web design and development, contact Windy City Web Designs today.