What are the most common security risks in web application governance?

1 Insecure coding practices

One of the main sources of security risks in web application governance is insecure coding practices. Insecure coding practices are those that introduce vulnerabilities or flaws in the web application code, such as injection, cross-site scripting, broken authentication, or insecure configuration. These vulnerabilities can allow attackers to compromise the web application, steal data, or perform unauthorized actions. To prevent insecure coding practices, you should follow secure coding guidelines, use secure frameworks and libraries, perform code reviews, and use tools such as static and dynamic analysis to detect and fix vulnerabilities.

2 Lack of security testing

Another common security risk in web application governance is the lack of security testing. Security testing is the process of verifying and validating that the web application meets the security requirements and does not contain any vulnerabilities or weaknesses. Security testing should be performed throughout the web application development lifecycle, from the design phase to the deployment phase. Security testing should include both automated and manual methods, such as vulnerability scanning, penetration testing, code analysis, or ethical hacking. Security testing should also cover different aspects of the web application, such as functionality, performance, usability, or compatibility.

3 Insufficient monitoring and auditing

A third common security risk in web application governance is insufficient monitoring and auditing. Monitoring and auditing are the activities of collecting and analyzing data about the web application's performance, behavior, and activities. Monitoring and auditing can help identify and respond to security incidents, such as attacks, anomalies, or errors. Monitoring and auditing can also help measure and improve the web application's security posture, compliance, and quality. To ensure effective monitoring and auditing, you should use tools such as log management, security information and event management, or web application firewalls. You should also define and implement policies and procedures for reporting, alerting, and remediation.

4 Inadequate access control

A fourth common security risk in web application governance is inadequate access control. Access control is the mechanism of granting or denying access to the web application's resources, such as data, functions, or features. Access control should be based on the principle of least privilege, which means that users and entities should only have the minimum level of access required to perform their tasks. Access control should also be enforced by using strong authentication, authorization, and encryption methods. To avoid inadequate access control, you should define and implement roles and permissions, use secure protocols and tokens, and protect sensitive data.

5 Poor incident response

A fifth common security risk in web application governance is poor incident response. Incident response is the process of handling and resolving security incidents, such as attacks, breaches, or disruptions. Incident response should be planned and prepared in advance, with clear roles and responsibilities, procedures and protocols, and tools and resources. Incident response should also be executed and evaluated promptly, with the goals of containing, eradicating, and recovering from the incident, as well as learning and improving from the incident. To improve incident response, you should establish and maintain an incident response team, conduct regular drills and simulations, and document and review the incident response activities.