The web application is a network that connects the world. We can get connected online from any corner of the world. It is a connection that allows us to be in touch even if we can’t reach anywhere physically. It looks very simple to get connected digitally. It is not that simple as it looks. We are connected through a web network which is very complex in nature. Your online presence makes you available to those who want to get connected with you. At the same time, your presence needs to be secured on the digital platform. We have explored various aspects of web applications and digital platforms in our earlier articles. In this article, we will learn about the varied prospects of Web Application Security.
A web application works with the aspect of input and output of data. When the user’s browser gets connected, it demands a path that is secured. There should not be a threat of getting your data leaked or any malfunctioning. Your site should be rightly coded with web security. It does not mean to restrict the type of value that the user is entering in the form. Though we put restrictions, the data is going to be attacked if not secured. Users can easily have command on the details he or she fills up from his or her browser. Users can use command-line applications and they have the advantage to grab the data. There are chances that an innocent user may fill-up the form from a hostile site. Even if we use the same-origin policy, it will not end up without zero risks. In order to maintain the integrity of data, it is important to handle the validation on the server.
There are certain objectives behind the development of a web application. The code developed by a developer is expected to be precise and it should be done quickly. The code created should be comprehensible and sufficiently flexible. It should allow a user to get connected easily. Along with all these features, the most in-demand is the security of your application’s code. It should be secured enough to give you protection against any risk or malfunctioning. If your website is doing well online, it doesn’t mean, it is safe to trade online. It becomes riskier to function without assured security.
Why do we need security while operating our web application? Definitely, we need security because one can’t rely on the integrity of a user’s request to our portal. We can’t take a risk to take it easy while operating a user’s browser with our application. It becomes a challenge in front of the web developer to create an application on the web which gives assurance for the development along with security.
Input method
When a developer is channelizing the data, values put in, decide the risk of getting attacked by the outsiders. Different origins can prevent the risk of hostile websites. Unwanted activities or leaking of data can be avoided by appropriate output encoding and properly built application logic.
How to get the best results
Ensure that the data is consistent enough with the application criteria like a violation of business logic, triggering faults, making a way for anyone to disrupt the functioning. Executable code on the server which is evaluated input, for example, database query or details about clients as on HTML or JavaScript can be damaged by the attacker but It can be protected with the help of validating input. Enter input with positive integers or non-null. Use numerical values within a specific limit. Present your form validation in accordance with the contract so as to restrict the leaking of data or unwanted results.
Avoid invalid inputs
The unwanted inputs which have violated the entry criteria, make a strong path to remove those before it reaches complex application code. Whitelist the entries which have followed the instructions. Make a restrictive contract so as to avoid the attackers. Don’t entertain the content which follows untrusted data. Cultivate a habit of developing a web framework with minute correction of errors. Make sure that the data on your website is clean and healthy. It is not damaged by the outsiders.
Understand the importance of data as it is going to be your responsibility to secure it and keep it safe so as to gain the confidence of your valid whitelisted users. HTML forms give you an impression that it is safe to use but again looking at the other side of the coin, it becomes equally risky if proper form validation programming is not conducted by the developers. This article gave us a glance towards a safe process of data handling on your server so as to give you a well-performed web application. The proper input validation process is a little complex but a safe way to secure the data on the web application. Drop your valuable feedback in the suggestion box. Keep on reading and exploring with us.
