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Web Application Security: Key Standards

G5 Cyber Security

TL;DR

Yes! Several standards help make web applications safer. This guide covers the most important ones – OWASP Top 10, PCI DSS (if you handle card details), and NIST guidelines. We’ll explain what they are and how to start using them.

Understanding Web Application Security Standards

  1. OWASP Top 10: This is a regularly updated list of the most critical web application security risks. It’s free, widely used, and a great starting point.
    • What it covers: Injection flaws (like SQL injection), broken authentication, sensitive data exposure, XML External Entities (XXE) and more.
    • How to use it: Review the list, understand each risk, and test your application for vulnerabilities. Tools like OWASP ZAP can help automate some testing. 
      # Example using OWASP ZAP command line scanner
zap-cli quick-scan -t http://example.com/
    • Resources: OWASP Top 10
  2. PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard): If your web application stores, processes or transmits cardholder data, you *must* comply with PCI DSS.
    • What it covers: 12 requirements covering network security, data protection, vulnerability management, access control and more.
    • How to use it: This is a complex standard. You’ll likely need a Qualified Security Assessor (QSA) to help with compliance. 
      # PCI DSS requires regular scans - example using Nessus:
nessuscli scan --policy-id 123456 http://example.com/
    • Resources: PCI DSS
  3. NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF): A broader framework for improving your overall cyber security posture, including web applications.
    • What it covers: Five core functions – Identify, Protect, Detect, Respond, Recover.
    • How to use it: Use the CSF as a guide to assess your current security practices and identify areas for improvement. It’s less prescriptive than PCI DSS. 
      # NIST CSF doesn't have direct commands - it's a framework for policies & procedures
    • Resources: NIST CSF

Practical Steps to Improve Security

  1. Regular Vulnerability Scanning: Use tools like OWASP ZAP, Nessus or Burp Suite to scan your application for known vulnerabilities. Automate these scans where possible.
  2. Secure Coding Practices: Train developers in secure coding techniques to prevent common flaws like SQL injection and cross-site scripting (XSS).
  3. Input Validation: Always validate user input on both the client *and* server side. Never trust data coming from the user. 
    # Example PHP Input validation:
$username = filter_var($_POST['username'], FILTER_SANITIZE_STRING);
  4. Authentication & Authorization: Implement strong authentication mechanisms (multi-factor where possible) and robust authorization controls.
  5. Keep Software Updated: Regularly update your web server, frameworks, libraries, and any other software components to patch security vulnerabilities.
  6. Web Application Firewall (WAF): Consider using a WAF to protect against common attacks like SQL injection and XSS.

Further Resources

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