Top Application Security Threats and How to Counter Them {Slideshow}

By: Nori De Jesus

One of the easiest ways for hackers to compromise your network is via applications. From timid testing to DDoS attacks, SQL injections, and hijacking sessions, malicious actors are finding ways to break through app defenses — and wreak havoc.

As a result, it’s critical for companies to develop an application security framework that addresses threats at every stage of the app lifecycle — from development to initial release, into live support and throughout their availability on internal networks or the Internet at large. Given the far-reaching impact of Web- and cloud-based applications, combined with the rise of new technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), even a supposedly “minor” back-end application could give hackers the key to your network if compromised. More worrisome is that you may not know the app has been affected until it’s too late.

Developing robust app security means starting from the ground up: How rigorous is your testing procedure? Are you doing the bare minimum, or giving developers the freedom to make and break their apps, and look for any potential backdoors? You need to understand the telltale signs — and risks — of a DDoS attack, and make sure your app is capable of blocking SQL injections, avoiding cross-site attacks and ensuring only verified users have admin permissions.

Your best bet to reduce application threats and enhance overall security is to start with our quick-start guide and discover more about the top application security threats, how to counter them and how to build naturally defensive, adaptable apps.

Author bio: Nori De Jesus is Global Director of Marketing at Column Information Security. De Jesus brings more than 20 years of experience as an advent marketer and business strategist working with software manufacturers and launching proprietary software solutions into the market. With expertise in BPM and case management B2B marketing, she focuses on innovation and making a difference by maintaining agility as the technology climate continues to shift. De Jesus is an evangelist in educating buyers through their technology-purchasing journey via content and research.