Top 10 recommendations for protecting your web applications

Protecting web applications is critical for any business, as they often contain sensitive information and access important resources. In this article, we'll go over the main recommendations to help you protect your web applications from cyberattacks.

1. Use prepared statements and parameterized queries to protect against SQL Injection

SQL Injection attacks are one of the most common types of cyberattacks that can severely damage your web application's database. Use prepared statements and parameterized queries to prevent the execution of malicious code entered through forms on your website. Clean up all user input and avoid using dynamic SQL queries.

What is SQL Injection?

SQL Injection is an attack method in which attackers inject malicious code into SQL queries through user input, such as feedback forms or search fields. This allows them to perform undesirable actions on the database, such as extracting sensitive information, modifying data, or even deleting the database.

How to protect yourself from SQL Injection?

1. Use prepared statements and parameterized queries. This means that all data entered by the user should be passed as parameters, not as part of the SQL query.
2. Clean up the data you enter. Check all entered data for compliance with the expected format, for example, using regular expressions.
3. Use ORM (Object-Relational Mapping). This is software that automatically generates secure SQL queries based on objects in your program.
4. Keep your software up to date. Regularly update your database management systems and other software components to address known vulnerabilities.

2. Use Captcha and other anti-spam tools

Spam can be a serious problem for your web application and can also be a source of cyberattacks. Use Captcha and other anti-spam tools such as Akismet or Google reCAPTCHA. They will help filter out unwanted comments and prevent automatic attacks on your website.

What is spam and why is it dangerous?

Spam is unwanted messages that may contain malicious links or malicious code. Spam can not only clog up your website, but can also be used for phishing attacks, malware, and other cyberattacks.

How to protect yourself from spam?

1. Use a Captcha. Captcha helps to determine whether a visitor is a human or a bot by requiring the user to perform a specific task, such as recognizing an image.
2. Use anti-spam filters. Tools like Akismet automatically detect and block spam messages.
3. Limit the number of form submission attempts. Set a limit on the number of form submission attempts from one IP address within a certain time.
4. Use honeypot techniques. This is a method in which a hidden field is added to the form that the user does not see, but bots try to fill it in. This helps to identify automated attacks.

3. Monitor your web application for suspicious activity

Monitoring your web application for suspicious activity is an important step in protecting it. Review access logs, pay attention to unusual traffic patterns, and use web application firewalls (WAFs) to detect and block malicious traffic. Regular monitoring of your website will help you quickly identify and stop potential attacks.

What is suspicious activity?

Suspicious activity may include unauthorized login attempts, unusual traffic patterns, multiple requests from the same IP address, or attempts to access secure areas of the site. These can be signs of preparation for an attack or an actual attack.

How to monitor website activity?

1. Use monitoring tools. Install software that automatically analyzes access logs and detects suspicious activity.
2. Set up an alert. Set an alert to notify you immediately when suspicious activity is detected.
3. Use web application firewalls (WAFs). A WAF helps detect and block malicious traffic, protecting your site from known and unknown attacks.
4. Periodically review access logs. Regularly analyzing logs will help identify potential threats and ensure a timely response.

 

4. Protect your web application from DDoS attacks

DDoS attacks are aimed at overloading your web application with requests, making it unavailable to users. Use high-quality hosting that provides protection against DDoS attacks and content delivery services (CDNs) such as Cloudflare. They will help distribute traffic and prevent your server from being overloaded.

What is a DDoS attack?

DDoS (Distributed Denial of Service) is an attack in which attackers use numerous computers or other devices to send a large number of requests to your website, which leads to server overload and inaccessibility of the site for users.

How to protect yourself from DDoS attacks?

1. Use a content delivery network (CDN). A CDN distributes traffic across multiple servers, which helps reduce the load on the main server.
2. Choose a quality hosting service. Many hosting providers offer built-in solutions to protect against DDoS attacks.
3. Use protective services. Specialized services such as Cloudflare offer protection against DDoS attacks, redirecting malicious traffic and ensuring that your site remains available.
4. Set up alerts. Set up an alert system that notifies you of a potential attack so you can take appropriate action.

5. Use long and complex passwords

Password-based attacks include brute force and dictionary attacks. Use long and complex passwords, limit the number of login attempts, and enable two-factor authentication. This will make it much more difficult for attackers to access your web application.

6. Check your system for malicious code

Malicious code can be injected into your web application through vulnerable entry points, such as feedback forms or comment systems. Scan your system for malicious code and update it to the latest version to address known vulnerabilities. Regularly scan your web application for malicious code with anti-virus programs and tools.

7. Back up your data regularly

Backing up data is an important aspect of web application security. Make regular backups of all data, including site files, database, and other information. Store the backups in a safe place, separate from the web application, so that in the event of a cyberattack, you can restore your site with minimal losses.

8. Update the software

Regular software updates are important to keep your web application secure. Updates help to address known vulnerabilities and protect against new threats. Always use the latest software versions and install security updates.

9. Install security software

Installing security software will help identify malicious scripts and Trojan horses that may threaten your web application. Avoid conducting transactions and sending card data over public Wi-Fi networks without using a VPN to protect yourself from hacker attacks.

10. Protect web applications from Brute force and SQL injection attacks

Web applications such as mobile banking apps and online stores are frequent targets of hacker attacks. To protect your web applications, use brute force and SQL injection protection methods, implement complex passwords, and restrict access to sensitive data.

How to protect web applications?

1. Use a secure development process. Include security measures at all stages of web application development.
2. Protect user data. Use encryption to store and transmit sensitive data.
3. Implement complex passwords and two-factor authentication. Ensure that users use strong passwords and additional authentication methods.
4. Conduct regular security checks. Test your web applications for vulnerabilities and fix them.
5. Restrict access to sensitive data. Restrict access to sensitive information and critical functions to minimize risks.

Conclusion.

Protecting web applications from cyberattacks is a complex task that requires constant attention and regular updates of security measures. By following these recommendations, you can significantly increase the level of protection of your web applications and reduce the risk of data loss and financial losses. Always remember the importance of cybersecurity and respond to new threats in a timely manner.

This article will help you understand the main aspects of protecting web applications from cyberattacks and ensure reliable security of your online resource.