What is web security?
Web security, synonymous with “cyber security,” is a broad category of security solutions that protect users and devices against cyber attacks that can lead to breaches and data loss. Protection of a virtual private network (VPN) also falls under the web security umbrella.
Companies can use website security software to protect themselves from various internet-based threats. This type of software combines features of distributed denial of service (DDoS) protection software, content delivery networks (CDN), and web application firewalls (WAF) to create an all-encompassing website protection solution. These tools reduce a company’s risk of attack and data theft while ensuring the site is available to the public.
Benefits of web security
Web security is crucial for any business that uses computers. If hackers successfully infiltrate a company’s systems or software, the entire network may be brought down and halt business operations. Web security also:
- Ensures business protection and compliance.
- Improves customer confidence.
- Offers data protection from unauthorized access.
- Promotes customer and employee protection.
- Protects against financial loss.
- Prevents damage to hardware that can impact productivity.
- Provides a better user experience.
- Maintains customer loyalty and trust.
- Guards against financial fraud and embezzlement.
Web security technologies
To help companies maintain the highest security standards, various types of technologies are available, including:
- Web application firewalls (WAFs). This technology helps protect web applications against attacks such as cross-site scripting (XSS), SQL injection, and file inclusion, among other threats. Attacks on apps are one of the leading causes of data breaches, but having the right WAF in place can help block an attack.
- Vulnerability scanners. Organizations use these tools to constantly monitor applications and networks to identify security vulnerabilities. These automated tools identify and create an inventory of all IT assets, including servers, desktops, laptops, firewalls, printers, and switches.
- Password-cracking tools. These tools allow companies to regain access to their systems in the event of a system hack or forgotten password. By creating a password that’s tougher to figure out, a business can protect against future system infiltrations.
- Fuzzing tools. These tools help companies gain web security by introducing unexpected inputs into a system and monitoring it for any negative reactions to the inputs that indicate security or performance issues.
- White box testing tools. Testers use these to inspect and verify the inner workings of a software system. Developers can test the software’s design, coding, and internal structure to ensure the smooth flow of data into and out of the application.
- Black box testing tools. While white box testing gives a user an inside look at how the software works, black box testing tools are put into place from the user’s point of view, without any insight into the code itself. Companies use black box testing tools to see how the system responds to unexpected actions by users. This information helps security personnel inspect response times and determine whether or not the system is reliable.
Threats to web security
From malicious emails to encrypted threats and hijacking, web security protects companies from a wide range of threats. Some of the most common threats to web security include:
- Ransomware. Also known as ransom malware, ransomware encrypts data and prevents users from accessing their system and personal files. To restore user access to data, hackers demand a ransom payment.
- SQL injection. These attacks exploit vulnerabilities in a database’s search process. An attacker can capture sensitive information and change, manipulate, or destroy data to interrupt a system’s functions.
- Phishing. This type of fraudulent activity lets hackers steal confidential information such as credit card numbers, logins, and passwords. Scammers often use email, text messages, or malicious websites to trick people into thinking the message is coming from a reputable source.
- Denial of service (DoS). These types of attacks aim to slow or shut down network devices by interrupting the device’s entire functioning. DoS attacks typically overwhelm or flood a targeted machine with requests, resulting in more data than the device can process and denial-of-service to additional requests.
- Cross-site scripting (XSS). This vulnerability allows hackers to inject malicious scripts into otherwise trusted websites. Using XSS, hackers pretend to be another user and fool others into disclosing crucial information.
Best practices for web security
Developers can use two main defense methods to protect their website or web application. They are:
- Resource assignment. This type of strategy allows developers to designate all necessary resources so they can identify new web security issues and threats as they arise. The constant updates help developers detect and eradicate any threats before an official security breach.
- Web scanning. This strategy uses an application to crawl websites in search of vulnerabilities that can leave sites susceptible to bots, spyware, denial of service (DoS) attacks, and other threats. Web scanners check all website pages, then form a diagram with the site layout. After completing the diagram, it systematically checks the entire site for potential weaknesses.
Web security vs. web application security
The term web security refers to protecting a website by detecting, preventing, and responding to cyber threats. Many web security solutions reduce the security risk to an organization when users accidentally access malicious files and websites.
Web application security (also known as Web AppSec) is the idea of building websites to function as expected, even under a cyberattack. For the websites to function properly, security controls are engineered into a web application to protect assets from potentially malicious agents. Web application security also involves leveraging secure development practices and implementing security measures throughout the software development life cycle (SDLC). This addresses design-level flaws and implementation-level bugs, ensuring that all functions are secure.
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Amanda Hahn-Peters
Amanda Hahn-Peters is a freelance copywriter for G2. Born and raised in Florida, she graduated from Florida State University with a concentration in Mass Media Studies. When she’s not writing, you’ll find Amanda coaching triathletes, cuddling up with a good book, or at the theater catching the latest musical.
