4 Insider Tips for Developers to Achieve Better Website Security

If you want to achieve better website security take a look a these 4 insider tips for web developers to build and maintain safe and secure websites for clients.

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If you’re a web developer, you’re likely already aware of the growing necessity for cybersecurity as the information age evolves.

However, knowing the best website security practices to adopt in such a fast-changing climate can be a challenge.

This is especially true in light of the growing trend of web applications used for critical service delivery and data storage, as these tend to be easy targets for hackers. In fact, according to a recent Vanderbilt University study, 49% of web applications contain a high-risk vulnerability that opens the door for cybercriminal activity. 

Even still, effective website security is a concern that extends beyond the web applications used and should include the configuration of the webserver, your password policies, and data from the client’s end. In order to achieve that, here are four insider tips for staying one step ahead of cybercriminals:

1. Store Only Necessary Data

The best web developers know limiting the amount of data you store is a smart precaution. Still, sometimes it can be difficult to narrow down which data needs to be saved and stored (and, therefore, protected), and the extent to which compromised data could harm your company or customers.

Put simply, if you don’t need to store credit card numbers or other financial information, do everything possible to avoid it. The same is true for any personal information that may or may not need to be stored. Bottom line: The less data you have available for potential cybercriminals to steal or corrupt, the better.

2. Keep Software Updated (or Disabled)

Outdated software is a cybercriminal’s best friend, especially since most users inevitably haven’t downloaded the patches needed to withstand attacks. Indeed, when it comes to web security, this is why it’s important to ensure all software used on your website is running on the latest versions in order to minimize risk.  

Hackers will also take advantage of software that’s part of your website or web application and no longer in use, or software that might have come with a web hosting package as extras that you don’t need. To avoid this, disable all programs that are no longer necessary for your web application to function.   

3. Be Aware of the Biggest Threats

As mentioned above, it can be difficult to keep track of all the new cyber threats out there. However, one way to stay informed as a web developer is to access a list of the top 10 web application security threats, which is updated regularly by the Open Web Application Security Project (OWASP). 

You can also use this list when determining the best web security programs to purchase in order to have access to the most powerful platforms for keeping your data safe from cybercriminal activity. Joining developer and web security forums or groups online is another way to stay in the know about current trends related to cybercrime and malware.  

4. Scan Your Website for Threats Regularly

In addition to keeping track of the most popular threats, keeping your data safe through vulnerability scanning tools is an important step to achieving the best website security. The right protection will assist in removing malware and discovering vulnerability patches, as well as fixing whatever threats are present before significant damage occurs. 

You should also ensure there is continuous monitoring in place that will alert you via email if any threats or attacks occur. Following these steps might seem tedious, but they’ll offer you the peace of mind you and your clients need to maintain your website’s reputation and integrity.

The Need for Cybersecurity is Real

Today, much of a developer’s role involves creating a digital environment that is user-friendly, secure, and trustworthy. Staying on top of new trends and malware in the cybersecurity sphere will help ensure you stay on top of daily threats that might occur. Better website security is something all businesses must strive for moving forward.