What Are Security Best Practices for Enterprise Web Applications?

One of the most pressing concerns for enterprise companies is ensuring their web applications are as secure as possible. From data breaches to cyber attacks, vulnerable web apps lead to lawsuits, lost funds, and reputation damage for your company.

With so much on the line, one of the best things a company can do is rely on the experts to develop your digital solutions with the best security practices. Nymbl is a development agency that helps enterprise-level companies develop digital solutions like web applications that comply with standard safety regulations and go above and beyond to protect their companies from cyber threats.

As your enterprise company grows, you may wonder how to ensure your web app maintains optimal security. Keep reading to learn the answers to the following questions: what makes enterprise web apps vulnerable? What development techniques ensure a more secure web app? How can Nymbl help companies create more secure enterprise web apps?

What Makes Enterprise Web Apps Vulnerable?

When developing web applications, it is crucial to build with possible vulnerabilities in mind and consider security measures throughout the entire development process. The following are some of the most common security risks developers face when developing web applications.

• Security Misconfiguration

OWASP’s list of Top 10 Web Application Vulnerabilities includes broken access control, cryptographic failures, insecure design, outdated components, server-side request forgery, and more. Many of these vulnerabilities result from insecure frameworks, improperly configured cloud service permissions, or disabled security features.

• SQL Injection

SQL, or Structured Query Language, is used in many web applications to manage data and information. Skilled hackers can use malicious code to instruct an SQL server to provide access to sensitive data like passwords. This attack is known as SQL injection. SQL server sites are more at risk for this hack when inputs are not adequately monitored or managed.

• Cross-Site Scripting (XSS)

Like an SQL injection, an XSS attack inputs malicious code into a website or web app to directly attack the visitor. This might look like embedding a bad link on a blog that a visitor might click. Any information a user might have sent to the website is consequently at risk of being acquired by the hacker.

• Poor Access Control

Any web application that requires a user’s sensitive information has configured authentication and authorization mechanisms to ensure that anyone with unauthorized access is closed off from sensitive data. If any of these mechanisms are poorly coded or have holes, users risk having their sensitive information hacked. Poor access control also includes issues like allowing employees more access to information than is necessary or failing to implement standard session management.

What Development Techniques Ensure a More Secure Web App?

Web application security strategies should be the top priority when approaching the development process. Below are some ways developers can incorporate security best practices into the development process beyond simple security automation.

• Incorporate a web application firewall (WAF)

A WAF is a tool that sifts through and blocks malicious data packets. This kind of tool is crucial for enterprise businesses that handle sensitive data, such as banks, retailers, or healthcare organizations. WAFs protect against common hacking techniques like SQL injection, cross-site scripting (XSS), cookie manipulation, cross-site forgery, and more.

• Input Validation

Proper input validation ensures that any data entering your web application’s system meets qualified criteria and is in the correct format. Input validation protects web apps from security vulnerabilities and cyber attacks by preventing hackers from planting malicious code and using it to dump sensitive data.

Input validation also enhances user experience in cases where a user might input a username or password in the incorrect slot, and the input validation system will notify the user of the mistake.

• Encrypt User Data

Encryption is one of the most common ways to protect data in transit from security threats. Encryption intentionally confuses data for anyone without an encryption key.

Encryption is used for emails, phone calls, and other communication exchanges, using methods like TLS or end-to-end encryption.

• Apply Authentication and Access Control

Everyone forgets a password now and then; however, it is crucial to ensure that your web application includes a secure password recovery process to prevent unauthorized personnel from accessing others’ data. Some of these best practices include periodically prompting users to reset their passwords and implementing multi-factor authentication (MFA).

• Test for Vulnerabilities

It is crucial to apply standard practices and penetration testing throughout the application development process to ensure any vulnerabilities are spotted and addressed immediately. Various third-party companies offer expertise in application security testing, which can help put your company at ease, knowing any vulnerabilities are found and addressed before they become a real issue.

• Provide Security Training for Employees

Hackers have the upper hand if employees are unaware of common cyber attack techniques. All employees with any level of access to company information or sensitive data should undergo training on how to protect their access, recognize cyber threats, and address them. It is also crucial to implement a standard for how employees can notify higher personnel of security issues or known vulnerabilities from within or outside the company.

How Can Nymbl Help Companies Create More Secure Enterprise Web Apps?

For your enterprise web application, cyber security and functionality are top priorities. Secure web applications can be difficult and costly to develop, but Nymbl is here to help.

Nymbl’s web application development services will carry you through the entire web app development process, from brainstorming to deployment and maintenance. With advanced security features and use cases, you will be able to monitor and log incidents, manage security threats, and develop web applications that comply with industry-standard security regulations.

Collaborate with Nymbl’s expert development teams to realize your vision.

Read more:

AI integrations into Web and Mobile Apps - a world of new possibilities

How low code and no code platforms have incorporated AI into application development

Conclusion

Adhering to security standards is the top priority when developing an enterprise-level web application. As software development evolves, hackers find new attack vectors to breach security controls and wreak havoc. Some of the most common security risks include security misconfiguration, SQL injection, cross-site scripting, and poor access control.

In order to prevent security incidents from occurring, it is crucial to adhere to web application security best practices when developing web apps. Best practices include incorporating a WAF, validating input, encrypting data, applying authentication and access control, testing for vulnerabilities, and supplying employee training in security tools and measures.

While security threats might seem like an overwhelming obstacle to developing an enterprise-level web app, Nymbl will simplify the process. As experts in the industry, Nymbl’s development team will guide you through the entire process while ensuring your web app meets industry standards for safety and security. Rest easy knowing Nymbl’s web apps will meet your business’s unique needs while remaining safe and secure.

‍