Why Server Security Should Be a Priority for Web Developers

Web developers mainly prioritize the creation of new features that align with business value, functionality, and efficiency. However, security is not always on their list of major priorities. Developers mainly consider that this is the area of responsibility for others.

The prioritization of the protection mechanisms should be the major aspect of the work. Otherwise, there will be serious consequences and more vulnerabilities than ever before. That’s why VPS DDoS protection rent is recommended as the initial step.

WHY SECURITY OF THE SERVER IS SO IMPORTANT?

The security of the server is extremely important because of the data management processes that are done, the functioning of the website, the response to the users’ requests, and much more. Because of all the sensitive information that is stored on the servers, they are extremely vulnerable to insider threats. When businesses don’t have a protected server then it directly creates the following risks:

• Threats to the sensitive information: Because of the low-security standards, data might be stolen or leaked from the server.
• Slow functioning of the website or apps: During DDoS attacks, the webpages are slowed down significantly so that it can make a platform totally unusable for the clients.
• Legal issues: The businesses that cannot create a secure environment can directly violate laws, standards, and other regulations. That in the long run will lead to huge fines, audits, and even court proceedings.
• Loss in profit: During the attack, the website can be unavailable for some time which directly impacts the reputation of the business.
• The necessity to distribute operation: In case a company fully relies on the functioning of the website or an app and they have been attacked then the workflow might be also stopped for some time.

HOW TO IMPROVE THE WEBSITE SECURITY?

To improve security standards, companies can implement a diversity of technical and administrative practices. The chosen mechanisms should be based on:

• Standard security risks for your type of platform
• Needs and requirements of the project
• Tech stack of your project
• Compliance requirements

MUST-HAVE PRACTICES TO SECURE WEB SERVER

Regular security testing

Security testing is necessary for finding vulnerabilities, and risks, and immediately reacting to these threats by preventive mechanisms. The aim is to find these weaknesses as soon as possible before they directly impact revenue, reputation, and other factors.

Also, it is crucial to monitor server logs regularly so that unusual activity can be immediately detected. Quick monitoring and immediate alert systems guarantee higher security standards.

Access control and authentication

Only authorized users should have access to the server so the main practices here relate to the implementation of:

• Multi-factor authentication
• Strong passwords
• Digital certificates

To add even more security, it is highly recommended to use access control. This means:

• Access to specific resources should be done by the users who have certain rights.
• The major principle here is of least privilege so users should have minimal possible access for working with specific tasks.

Firewall configuration

A firewall is crucial for the monitoring processes of the outgoing and incoming network traffic and can be extremely helpful for the prevention of unauthorized access. To get a more complex protection mechanism, it is recommended to combine:

• App-level firewalls
• Network-level firewalls

Patch management and regular software updates

All the software should be regularly updated and that is specifically related to the patches for security vulnerabilities. This is crucially important for all server software, specifically:

• Apps
• OSs
• Web server software

Encryption: SSL/TLS

For better encryption of information that is going between the user and server, such protocols as:

• TLS
• SSL

should be used. By utilizing this technology, you can be sure that sensitive data relating to personal information and payment details will be secure. After the implementation of the security protocols, try also to update the process regularly to get the maximum result.

Data backup and recovery

One of the crucial steps that is connected with security is planning the recovery process and regular data backups. In case of some security trouble or human error, access to the information can be easily restored and can help to return to usual functioning extremely quickly.

Coding practices for security

Among the most practical methods that are used by the developers are:

• Validation of the input
• Managing sessions securely
• Guaranteeing that app-level security measures are correct

Don’t forget to follow standard security coding practices and you will definitely notice a huge shift in the protection level.

SUMMING UP

Server security is a top priority that directly impacts the data protection, reliability of the server, and of course performance characteristics. Implementation of the security practices is a rather individual approach that should be oriented towards the business risks, used technologies, and other factors.