Web Security | Protecting Your Website from Threats

Web security is an essential concern in an increasingly technological world. Cyber attacks cost the global economy $8 trillion annually in 2023 and are expected to reach $10.5 trillion annually in 2025. Website security demands vigilance in all aspects of website design and usage. Organizations continue to expand online cyber attacks per day, and the importance of adequate security measures cannot be overstated. In this article, we will go through what web security is, technology for web security, threats to website security, the relationship between security and privacy, and security features provided by browsers.

Let’s dive in!

What Is Web Security?

The internet has some dangerous areas, and certain websites may become unavailable due to DDoS attacks or display altered information on their home pages. Web security involves protecting networks, software data, and hardware from theft and damage. It includes organizational practices and security mechanisms designed to protect websites and applications from unauthorized external access.

Computer systems must be prevented from misdirecting and disrupting the services they are designed to provide. Data breaches, cyber-attacks, and other potential threats threaten organization security protocols, firewalls, encryption, and vulnerability management. 

Millions of passwords, email addresses, and credit card details leaked and caused financial and personal risks to users. Website security prevents these attacks from unauthorized user access, modification, destruction, use, or disruption. Design across the whole website is vital for website security and configuration of the web server; policies for creating a renewing password or client-side code all play a role. 

Some cyber security threats are considered website security concerns, such as denial of service (DDoS), phishing, ransomware, cross-site scripting, and SQL injection. Although these are different, the principle or the objective of these attacks is the same. When hackers or criminals want to control user IDs or other web-based platforms, they want to steal and use valuable data essential to the site owner.

Critical Types Of Web Security:

• Network security.
• Application security.
• Information security.
• Cloud security.
• IoT security.
• Identity and access management.

Website security assessment procedure is vital to securing a site and enabling a monitoring traffic system that identifies suspicious and malicious traffic or blocks it. This is how business can be saved by a secure web gateway. Challenges in website security include zero-day vulnerabilities, cloud security risks, inadequate authentication and authorization, DDoS attacks, outdated software and patches, phishing, and social engineering. Web security is essential for the operation of any online business. If a site is hacked,  hackers manipulate the system, software, and entire network, disrupting business operations. Companies must consider the factors that go into website security and threat prevention.

Technologies For Web Security

Many techniques available to help companies achieve web security include web application firewalls (WAF), security and vulnerability scanners, passwords-cracking web app security tools, fuzzing tools, black box testing tools, and white box testing web app security tools.

1. Web Application Firewalls (WAF):

WAF is a specific application firewall that monitors, filters and blocks HTTP traffic to and from web services. It is of 3 types: cloud website security-based WAF, software-based WAF, and hardware-based WAF. Each type has its advantages and disadvantages.

WAF uses these methods to protect: 

• IP fencing.
• Request inspection.
• Security rules.
• DDoS rate limit.
• Bot mitigation.
• Response inspection.
• Geo-fencing and geo-blocking.

2. Security Or Vulnerability Scanners:

Security or vulnerability online web security scanners scan web applications from outside to look for vulnerabilities like cross-site scripting, SQL injection, command injection, path traversal, and insecure server configuration. They identify vulnerabilities in engine and compute engine web applications. Crawl applications by following links with the scope of starting URLs and attempting to exercise as many user input or event handlers as possible. WPS is the best web security scanner. They are of three types:

1. Network-based.
2. Application.
3. Cloud vulnerability scanner.

3. Password-Cracking Tools:

Passwords are the first defense against unauthorized access to personal information and devices. Creating a strong password that combines upper-case, lower-case, counting, and symbol sync is vital, like “Tgoh95!#&247@!”. 

Hackers sometimes use complex systems to crack passwords; solid and complex passwords are protected against brute force. Ensure that your password is composed of a minimum of eight characters, including uppercase, lowercase, special characters, and numerals. 

Top password-cracking web app security tools include:

1. Hashcat.
2. John the Ripper.
3. Wfuzz.
4. THC Hydra.
5. Medusa.
6. RainbowCrack.
7. Ophcrack.
8. Brutus.
9. L0phtCrack.
10.  Aircrack-ng.

4. Fuzzing Tools:

Fuzzing tools for web security check networks, software, or operating systems for coding errors that cause web server security weaknesses.  After error identification, it pinpoint the root cause of the problem at various stages. Whether the user implemented it during initial testing, before final deployment, or in between, developers used to get into vulnerabilities that can be addressed.

Four fuzzing tools include:

1. Beyond Security BeSTORM.
2. Code Intelligence Fuzz.
3. Synopsys Fuzzing Test Suite.
4. ForAllSecure Mayhem For Code.

5. Black Box Testing Tools:

The black box testing check system works without any knowledge. The only thing the tester sees is input and resulting output. The tester has only as much knowledge of the system as a random user has. Black box testing web application web-based security tools check how the system responds to unexpected actions by users or help personnel impact response time and detection of issues in the performance of the software. Some of the best and most popular black box tools are given below:

1. Mobot.
2. Appium.
3. Selenium IDE.
4. Katalon.
5. Ranorex.
6. QTP/UFT.
7. Gremlin.

6. White Box Testing Tools:

White box testing, also called precise box testing or structural testing, tells how the software works and design coding or internal structure software tests to improve the design and smooth data flow into and out of the application. 

A tester who performs white box testing accesses application source code and uses knowledge of code to execute test and design cases. Verify the code’s correctness, identify logical errors, and ensure all paths are through the test. Some top white box testing tools include:

1. Parasoft Jtest.
2. Bugzilla.
3. Fiddler.
4. OpenGrok.
5. Wireshark.
6. Sqlmap.
7. Nmap.
8. OWASP Zed Attack Proxy (ZAP).
9. Acunetix Web Vulnerability Scanner.
10. HP Fortify.

Threats to Web Security

The government imposed criteria for open web applications to adhere to OWASP standards, which are key factors in establishing a secure web-based security posture for any website security gateway. Knowing the OWASP standards and being updated with industry-standard web safety expectations is vital. Managed web security involves addressing web application security requirements and how to secure web applications while overcoming various web security challenges.

In addition to complying with criteria and standards, effective web security management involves monitoring significant web hacking incidents, ensuring proper user authentication, and applying recent patches to address vulnerabilities.

Software development teams implement protocols for the web security of data that shield hackers during or after writing it. Some threads of web security include:

1. SQL Injection:

SQL injection is a technique related to code injection used for attacking data-driven applications. A statement of malicious SQL is inserted into an under field for execution—for example, database content. SQL injection has many important which are given below:

•  In-band SQL injection.
•  Error-based SQL injection.
•  Blind (inferential) SQL injection.
•  Out of band SQL injection.
•  Union-based SQL injection.

With SQL injection, the attackers obtain access to information, create user permissions, and then modify them or execute plans for changing, manipulating, or destroying data. So, by SQL injection, hackers capture sensory information or use it to control the functioning of your device system.

2. Cross-Site Scripting:

This is utilized to get direct access to data. To carry out a cross-site scripting attack, inject malicious script to user-provided input. Also, the attack can be carried out by modifying a request. XSS is also used by hackers to predict that another user will not disclose important information.

3. Remote File Inclusion (RFI):

Remote file inclusion (RFI) is an attack that targets web application vulnerabilities to reference external scripts. The main goal is to exploit the referencing function in an application to upload malware like backdoor shells from remote URLs with multiple domains.

With remote file ingredients, attackers attempt applications to upload malware with a referencing function. These malware types are also known as backroad shells. It has two types: local file inclusion (LFI) and remote file inclusion (RFI).

4. Password Breach:

Hackers using password breach techniques, also known as password spraying, include exploits of outdated software, attacks by malware, viruses, and weak passwords like “12345678” or “Password123” or try to use them after the other until they access them again. It is when third-party access to accounts. Passwords can be breached in many ways.   

Causes of password branches include:

• Weak or guessable passwords like 123, 456.
• Password reuse for multiple sites.
• Phishing.
• Unencrypted password storage.
• Malware or keyloggers.
• Brute force attacks.
• Social engineering.

Steps Involved in a Password Breach:

• Identify vulnerability.
• Gain unauthorized access.
• Attempt password theft.
• Exfiltrate data.
• Exploit the breach.

So, prevention includes solid and unique passwords, enabling multi-factor authentication, and staying vigilant against phishing attempts.

5. Data Breach:

A data breach occurs when information is stolen or taken from the system without the knowledge or authorization of the system owner. A small company or large business could suffer a data breach.

It is of the following types.

• Phishing attacks.
• Malware infiltrations.
• Unauthorized access by insiders.
• Exploitation of software vulnerabilities.

6. Code Injection:

Code injection is used for malicious attacks that inject code into an application. The Injected code is interpreted by the application or changed its program and executed. It typically attacks or exploits an application vulnerability for invalid data processing. For example, if a vulnerable application is written in PHP, attackers inject PHP code into the web server.  

Some servers have guest book scripts that accept small messages from users, such as “very nice site.” If another uses your page, then the injected code will be executed. With code injection techniques, attackers can easily steal or corrupt data, deface apps and websites, or launch ransomware attacks.

Types of code injection include:

• XSS attack:  It injects malicious script into the web and its apps, in which the user device executes or allows the impersonation of legitimate users or bypasses security control. Some programming languages or environments are vulnerable to XSS exercises like Flash, ActiveX, or JavaScript. For example, JavaScript is standard in web pages and browsers, which makes it a target for malicious attackers.
• SQL injection: SQL can be exploited for communication to target all databases in programming languages like XML.
• Command injection:  It is a subject of coding reaction in which attackers use your malicious commands on a host, which involves injecting files Into the environment of a server.
• LDAP injection: Attackers use LDAP for network resources, like users, files, and devices.

Relationship Between Security And Privacy

Privacy is an essential consumer protection issue as technology expands in the digital world. Apps or businesses store data like:

• Name.
• Birthday.
• Phone number.
• E-mail.
• Address.
• Credit card.
• Bank details.
• Information on health and activities.

This data might be vulnerable to cybercriminals for identity theft—nearly 5 million frauds received by the Federal Trade Commission in 2020.

Security involves protection from web security threats, harm, and danger. New cyber attacks start every 40 seconds, costing businesses or individuals billions of dollars and countless hours of hassle. Cybersecurity has many methods and tools, including these:

• Network installation.
• Firewalls.
• Security software.
• User authentication.
• Internet security measures.

Keep your information private and secure by following these tips:

1. Keep social security numbers secure and avoid popularizing it as much as possible.
2. Read the organization’s privacy policy before agreeing to and accepting the terms.
3. Limit social media presence and data shared online.
4. Use security software and install it early.
5. Utilize multifactor authentication to log in to secure sites.
6. Use a VPN when on public wifi.
7. Ensure the router is secure and use a firewall.
8. Consider identity theft protection services.
9. Use different passwords for different sites and applications or make complex ones.

Privacy and security are vital in the digital and physical worlds. Privacy refers to how information is used and viewed. Security is protection against threats, danger, or unauthorized data access, often involving protection against hackers and cybercriminals. 

Privacy involves the right to manage personal information, and security protects this information. Both are essential aspects of web cyber security and website security. Individuals have privacy rights and take measures to secure personal data and information within the digital environment.

Security Features Provided by Browsers

1. Same-Origin Policy and CORS:

The same-origin policy is a browser security feature that restricts how documents and scripts on one origin interact with other origins or resources. The browser can display resources from multiple sites at a time. 

Same origin policy (SOP) is based on three components of an origin:

• Origin Domain: The domain name of the web page where resources originate, like “example.com”.
• Protocol: The communication protocol that utilizes lies for accessing web pages or “http://” or “https://”.
• Port: Port 80 or 443 as default.

This means that a web page only accesses resources from the exact origin it belongs to. For example, Java Script retrieves data from a resource that shares the actual origin (same domain, protocol, and port).

2. Cross-origin Resource Sharing (CORS):

CORS (Cross-Origin Resource Sharing) relaxes the same-origin policy while maintaining security. It allows browsers to relax restrictions and grant access to resources for requests from different origins. It is an HTTP header-based mechanism. When a browser makes a request to a different origin, CORS is initiated, and the server’s response includes access control headers that specify which origins are allowed to access the resources.

When a site at ‘example.com‘ wants to request resources from the ‘example.org‘ API server, the server needs to include the appropriate CORS headers in its response, such as ‘Access-Control-Allow-Origin: http://example.com‘.

3. HTTP Model for Communication:

Web browsers utilize HTTP protocol as a service for communicating, requesting, and providing resources and security features. Decide privacy and security by encrypting data transport over the network. TLS is good for privacy but stops third parties from intercepting transmitted data and using it maliciously. All browsers moving towards require https by default.

4. Secure Contexts and Feature Permissions: 

Browser control powerful usage in multiple ways. These features have generated system notifications on a site using a webcam to access media streams and use web payments. If a website uses the app, it is just then control such features without restrictions or malicious developers attempt to do the following:

• Turn the webcam without warning to spy on them.
• Annoy users with unaided notifications or other UI features.
• Clog up the system or browser to create a DDoS attack.
• Steal money or data.

Conclusion

Website security is vital to protect websites from disruption, modification, and unauthorized access and to secure online operations. Cyber web security threats like SQL injection, cross-site scripting, and password breaches impact users and organizations. Technologies of web security services like WAF, website security scanners, and password-cracking tools help businesses safeguard their web applications. Implement security protocols to website security standards like OWASP and maintain a stance against cyber threats. 

Privacy and security go hand in hand, and security features like SOP, CORS, and secure context play a role in maintaining and protecting web interaction. If you have any questions, ask in the comment section below!

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