Web application security is one of the most overlooked aspects of web app development. Seemingly, if you want your web app to stand the test of time and remain secure as a fort, then you must regard website security with the importance it deserves. Additionally, you must try an SSL certificate if you want your web app very secure and be ranked top among the various search engines.
If you are planning on selling your app or making money off it, you must consider that the security of your app is of paramount importance. It would help if you always put your clients first when designing your web app’s security structure.
Here are the top ways to ramp up web application security in 2020.
- Do constant back-ups
Back-ups are lifesavers. Tucking away your website always may prove very useful, especially in the unfortunate event you got a data breach. It would help if you did these backups as often as possible because each time you update your website, you need to update it.
You will be grateful that you backed it up when you got hacked, and now you can go live again in no time. However, most hosting providers do backups for you. If your provider does not offer this service, you must carry out the back up yourself.
- Carry out a ‘hack attempt’ on your website
This practice has been alive for some time now. Some ethical hackers are certified to carry out hacks. You can employ one to attack your website to see if there are any loopholes. This enables you to understand your website’s weak points and how you can rectify this problem. Additionally, this practice helps you understand the ways of hackers and their various techniques. This gives you the upper hand, and you can beat them at their own game.
- Carry out website scans as often as possible
Web scans are a good way to detect malware and any virus that may inhibit your site. However, there is a downside, and some malware are engineered to be invisible such that no scan will detect them. These scanners are mostly pattern-based, and malware are very evasive of these scans.
Regardless, it would be best if you always carried out scans after every update you carry out. This will ensure that you weed out any virus or detectable malware.
You should use various scanners because they all work differently, and this way, you can detect more malware.
- Do extensive research on web app security
The internet is not always full of evil. It also contains web security blogs that can prove very effective. If you are not a professional, you probably need all the help you need for program development. In this regard, you also need to read widely on the various security measures other developers put into place to protect the client and your business.
You should look for reputable bloggers that provide quality content because not everything you read will be useful.
- Use an SSL certificate
This is probably the best piece of advice you will ever receive. You need to buy an SSL certificate because it offers quite a list of benefits. They come in various sizes that are suitable for various purposes. There is the organization validated (OV); this one is for large companies and corporates. They are safe and effective.
Secondly, there is the domain validated (DV); this is the most common type of SSL. It is suitable for small websites. They are cheaper and easier to obtain.
Lastly, there is the extended validation (EV). This is for reputable institutions. Mostly government websites and banking websites prefer EV SSL Certificate. It is costly and takes longer to obtain.
SSL certificates encrypt the information, and only the sender and the receiver can read its contents.
- Do regular updates
Updates contain the latest version of security protocols. Hackers are always on the lookout for any security flaws they can exploit. Keeping any Plugin or software, you are using up to date will save you a great deal of trouble if hackers try and get past your security measures.
Additionally, it would help if you turned on the automatic updates feature to get the latest updates whenever they are available. Lastly, keep tabs on any Plugin you have and make sure they are up to date.
- Use a strong password
Always use a good password for your web application. This is a weak point if your password is insecure and predictable. It would help if you used an alphanumeric password. This means that you should use both alphabets and numeric to curate your password. This makes it stronger.
Additionally, you should change it after three months to make sure no one has been creeping up behind you and mastering your password.
Lastly, make it as unpredictable as possible. Things like birthdays and family names will make it weaker.
- Get a secure host
Always take your time while choosing a web host. Do not rush to give the job away to the lowest bidder in a bid to save money.
A good web host will also have positive reviews from clients that worked with them previously or currently. It will help if you read these reviews keenly. Lastly, their memorandum of understanding should favor the client and put your needs first.
Wrapping Up
The web development process should regard security as the core mandate. It should be factored in every step of the development journey and not just at the end of the process. Also, you should buy an SSL certificate to be on the safe side of things. Lastly, if you plan to go commercial with your app, make it as secure as possible by putting into practice the above insights.
