The Benefits of Web Security
Web security is the discipline that protects networks, servers, users, devices, and IT systems from internet-based cyberattacks. It includes technologies and layers of defense that may include a web application firewall, intrusion prevention systems, URL filters, and antivirus/anti-malware solutions. In addition to blocking attacks, web security can also detect and respond to them to mitigate damage.
The massive importance of the web and cloud to modern businesses has radically expanded the attack surface for hackers. This increase has led to a huge spike in the frequency, sophistication, and impact of cyberattacks that can expose sensitive data, disrupt operations, damage reputations, and cause financial losses. Effective web security measures help safeguard against the vast majority of these attacks and can provide an organization with several important benefits.
A successful cyberattack often involves exploiting vulnerabilities in web applications or infrastructure components. Those vulnerabilities can give attackers access to IT ecosystems and allow them to steal or exfiltrate data, hijack accounts, or impose ransomware demands, among other devastating outcomes. Web security prevents these types of attacks by blocking malicious and inadvertent leaks, protecting against unauthorized access, and ensuring that data can’t be deleted or modified.
Web scanning involves using an application to crawl a website for vulnerabilities that could leave it open to a bot, spyware, rootkit, Trojan horse, or distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attack. These applications are designed to systematically examine every page and all its contents for vulnerabilities that can be used by bad actors. Once a vulnerability is discovered, the tool can then recommend an appropriate fix for the problem.
Cross-site scripting (XSS) is a common vulnerability that gives hackers openings to inject client-side scripts into a webpage and use them to gain access to critical information directly, impersonate users, or trick them into disclosing crucial data. It can also lead to the theft of passwords, phishing attacks, and remote file inclusion attacks.
SQL injection is another commonly found attack that exploits input vulnerabilities in database servers to execute commands and retrieve, manipulate, or delete data. It can also be used to spoof websites, create fake logins, eavesdrop on traffic, or even hold a site hostage in ransomware attacks.
The benefits of a strong web security program include reduced risk for data loss, scalability for business expansion, and improved support for remote workers. Web security can also help to protect a brand’s reputation and customer trust. And, organizations that successfully defend against cyberattacks can more easily meet regulatory compliance requirements, minimize the cost of disruption and recovery, and avoid financial losses associated with the resulting fines and lawsuits.