Advo’s resident IT Expert, Colin Middleton continues his IT Security series looking at Application & Software Security
What is Application Security?
Application Security involves identifying, fixing, and preventing vulnerabilities in software applications—whether they’re web apps, mobile apps, or internal tools. It spans the entire software development lifecycle, from design and coding to deployment and maintenance.
Why It Matters
Applications are a common target for cyber attackers looking to exploit flaws like SQL injection, cross-site scripting (XSS), or broken authentication. Poor software security can expose sensitive data, impact business operations, and harm an organisation’s reputation.
Key Components of Application Security:
- Secure Coding Practices: Writing code that avoids common vulnerabilities and follows security standards.
- Code Reviews & Testing: Manual and automated checks to find and fix issues early.
- Static & Dynamic Analysis: Tools that scan source code or run-time behaviour to detect vulnerabilities.
- Web Application Firewalls (WAFs): Protect live applications from known attack types.
- Software Composition Analysis (SCA): Identifies and updates vulnerable third-party libraries or open-source components.
Tips for Better Application Security:
- Integrate security early in the development process (known as “Shift Left”).
- Perform regular vulnerability scans and penetration tests.
- Use HTTPS for all web applications.
- Keep software frameworks, libraries, and plugins up to date.
- Train developers on secure development practices and OWASP Top 10 threats.
Did You Know?
Over 90% of web applications tested by security firms contain at least one known vulnerability. Building secure software from the start saves time, money, and risk later on.
Next Issue: We’ll take a closer look at Information Security and how to protect sensitive data from internal and external threats.