How to improve web application security
Security is an element of web application development that is often overlooked. Business websites and applications need to be accessible and easy to use, and that openness brings a wide range of security challenges. These are practical ways to improve the security of your web applications.
Encrypt all traffic with HTTPS
Use HTTPS (TLS) on every page, not only the login page. It encrypts data such as login credentials and payment details in transit, so anyone who intercepts the traffic cannot read it. Disable old protocol versions and add the HSTS header so browsers always use HTTPS.
Scan for vulnerabilities regularly
Take proactive steps to uncover weaknesses before attackers do. Use a web application scanner to test the application itself for issues such as injection and broken access control, and a network vulnerability scanner for server-level issues such as open ports, unpatched systems and insecure configurations. Scan on a regular schedule and after every significant change.
Back up your data
Keep regular backups of your site files and databases in case the site becomes unavailable or data is lost. Your hosting provider may back up its servers, but you should keep your own backups too, store them separately, and test that you can restore from them.
Keep your website clean
Every plugin, database and application on your site is another possible point of entry. Remove files, plugins and databases that are no longer in use, and keep your file structure organised so changes are easy to track.
Keep your software up to date
Attackers actively target known security flaws in popular web software. Apply updates for your platform, plugins and libraries promptly, and remove software that is no longer maintained.
Make testing a habit
Finally, run security scans as a routine part of releasing and operating your site, and fix what they find.
How Vooki Pro helps
- Adds continuous DAST to your development process, on demand, scheduled or in CI/CD.
- Tracks triage and retest status, so improvement is measurable over time.
- Compliance reports show progress against OWASP Top 10, PCI DSS and other frameworks.
Frequently asked questions
Where should I start?
Get visibility: scan your applications, fix the Critical and High findings, then make testing continuous.
How do I measure progress?
Track open findings by severity over time, and retest fixes to confirm them.
Try Vooki Pro free for 7 days
Start improving your application security this week. The trial unlocks every feature for 7 days, and scanning runs on your own machine.
Related: Adding DAST to your CI/CD pipeline · Keeping third-party components up to date
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