Top 5 Web Application Security Threats of 2023
Over the years, technology has revolutionized the globe. People start doing business in a completely new way. New communication methods were established and networks of the computer became larger and immense. However, every coin has two faces, so does the Internet. With the great conveniences, came the uncommon risks and drawbacks to relying on web applications for business processes. With the easy flow of information, it has been simpler than ever to know how to breach security.
The Gartner Group reports stated that last year “75 percent of cyber-attacks & Internet security violations are generated through Internet apps.” Many people don’t understand the network security breaches and threats that can exist in Web apps. With some knowledge, hackers are now able to create tools that will help them exploit security glitches, breach rules and policies and finally help out gain the object of desire.
Access to configuration and debug information, session identifiers, source code, and crucial information is possible in 79 % of web apps. This is concerning when compared to past years like 2016 (60%) and 2018 (70%).
Let us have glance at the most common threats to web application security:
1– Cross-Site Scripting (XSS)
Cross-Site Scripting is similar to SQL Injection, in the way that the attacker can inject Javascript lines into input text fields of the web page, allowing attackers to execute malicious scripts into a legitimate site or app. That code can redirect to the attacker´s webpage sending session storage information, cookies, and other sensitive data. To avoid this vulnerability in web applications, you should use a GUI framework that has a way to sanitize/ break the user inputs.
2- SQL Injection
It works similarly to cross-site scripting; however, the only distinction is instead of using Javascript hackers, insert malevolent SQL statements into the website. These codes are designed to manipulate database distinctively either- accessing confidential data, steal sensitive data or deleting it entirely, creating problems for the owners.
3- Malware
It is yet another common web security threat that companies have to guard against. Upon downloading malware, stern repercussions such as access to confidential information, activity monitoring, and backdoor access to significant data breaches can be incurred. Malware can be categorized into diverse groups since they work to accomplish different goals- Viruses, Spyware, Ransomware, Trojans, and Worms.
4- Phishing Scam Attacks
Phishing attacks continue to be one of the common security threats for engineering practitioners. These types of threats are designed to acquire personal information like bank account numbers, credit card numbers, login credentials, and other data. If the individual is unaware of the distinctions and indications that the email messages are distrustful, it can be deadly since they may respond to it. Besides, such an action can result in malware to be surreptitiously installed may end up gaining access to the user’s information.
Each web application security threat is different as are its mitigation solutions! Avoiding these risks is surely not simple but it is not impossible either. What can you do to avoid these threats? The first thing is not to underrate the importance of Web application security.
ImpactQA offers a comprehensive range of customized security testing services that helps companies deal with immediate security threats to their business operations.
