While web application development continues to
progress at a rapid pace in prominent tech hubs like Silicon Valley and Florida,
the recent spate of malicious cyber-attacks has made
the task more challenging for developers. Integrating security into their
methodologies has become the top priority for tech companies. No longer can they
postpone the implementation of certain security measures until the app goes
live. Unless suitable precautions are taken during the developmental stages,
not only does the program remain
susceptible to outside threats but fixing any problems after deployment becomes
extremely difficult. Therefore, web developers need to adopt several security
measures on day one of the development. If you are on your way to get your
custom app created from scratch, make sure, your app-partner incorporates the
following features into it:
Implementation of Content Security Policy
This feature allows for the integration of an alert system into your
application. Turning on alerts allows you to keep track of the latest
developments while the developers work on the web application. Building an app
retroactively into your website is problematic – you either have to build an
expansive inventory, poring through every aspect of your application to ensure
nothing’s missing, or add so many white lists that it hampers the
functionality.
Switch X-Frame-Options to Block Mode
Prevent framing attacks and click jacking attacks by putting your
X-Frame-Options into block mode. Complete this step during development.
Otherwise, sites start framing your app over time and using it in that manner.
This makes it difficult for your site to update its links.
Add Nonces to Your App
Your app should have anti-CSRF cryptographic nonces for all secure
functions. What are nonces? Well, they are one-time tokens connected to user
sessions. You need to place these nonces in every form and validate them to prevent
your app from performing actions forcibly. Retrofitting these tokens means
touching a shared memory or database on each hit. This trick will save
developers from having to insert the code into every page with a form and
subsequent function to validate the nonce.
Improve Security for Sensitive Information
The moment an app is compromised, all sensitive information – passwords,
credentials, secret questions – in the answers storage is up for grabs. So, to prevent hackers and other malicious parties to get
their hands on these details, plaintext and obsolete hashing algorithms like
MD5 should be removed. This technique will helpto prevent attackers from accessing
the info in the event your entire database getting copied off.
Web applications are
designed to facilitate the growth and success of a businessand help achieve its objectives quickly. No wonder, web application development is amillion-dollar industry in emerging tech hubs like Florida. However, you
should be careful while hiring your app development partner. You must keep your
application protected from malicious cyber practices. So, select a company
which has a track record of employing the cutting-edge security measures.