In software development, innovation and security go hand in hand. As Australian businesses harness the power of bespoke software solutions, they're not just investing in functionality but also need to consider how to protect their data from bad actors.
The OWASP top 10 represents a broad consensus of the most critical security risks for developers of web applications. It is globally recognised as the first step towards more secure coding.
The unique security posture of custom software
Custom software gives businesses a distinct edge. It's tailored to a company's unique needs, reducing the security risks common in off-the-shelf products.
However, cyber threats are always evolving. Being aware of these threats allows businesses to maximise the benefits of custom software without compromising on security.
The top 10
Here are the OWASP Top 10 (2021 revision) list of vulnerabilities for web applications and APIs, with a brief explainer as to what each item means.
- A01:2021-Broken Access Control is the most common problem; failure to limit what authenticated users can do, letting them access data they shouldn't.
- A02:2021-Cryptographic Failures It's not just about encrypting data, but doing it right—using strong algorithms, proper key management, and ensuring secure transmission..
- A03:2021-Injection. Harmful data is sent to an interpreter, tricking the system.
- A04:2021-Insecure Design emphasises the importance of security from the ground up, right from the design phase. It calls for more use of threat modelling, secure design patterns and principles, and reference architectures.
- A05:2021-Security Misconfiguration. Default or incomplete setups can make the system vulnerable.
- A06:2021-Vulnerable and Outdated Components Employing outdated or flawed software that attackers can exploit.
- A07:2021-Identification and Authentication Failures encapsulates issues like weak passwords, lack of multi-factor authentication, and outdated or insecure authentication mechanisms. Failures in this area can lead to unauthorised access, with attackers potentially gaining the ability to perform actions as a legitimate user.
- A08:2021-Software and Data Integrity Failures is a vital reminder that security isn't just about preventing access; it's also about ensuring the integrity of the software and data.
- A09:2021-Security Logging and Monitoring Failures. These failures make it difficult to detect, investigate, and respond to security incidents in a timely manner. Without proper logging and monitoring, even minor vulnerabilities can escalate into major breaches.
- A10:2021-Server-Side Request Forgery. This vulnerability allows an attacker to trick the server into making requests to other internal or external resources, potentially exposing sensitive data or functionality. It's a significant concern because it can be exploited to bypass security measures and gain unauthorised access to systems.
Taking a proactive approach to keep ahead of threats
Awareness is crucial, but action is key. Choose developers who not only know about security threats but also take steps to counter them. With regular audits, ongoing training, and a commitment to best practices, you can enjoy the advantages of custom software without the risks. By partnering with experts like us at Airteam, you get a product that's both innovative and secure.
Reach out to us at hello@airteam.com.au or via our contact form to talk about your project.
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