#  Best Practices - Application & Web Security 

 



   ![human hands holding mobile device with an overlay of a login diagram hologram](/sites/g/files/omnuum12036/files/styles/hwp_1_1__360x360_scale/public/2026-02/appwebsecurity2.jpeg?itok=f4v2E4qL) 

 

## Why Application & Web Security Matters

Even well-written code can be undermined by insecure deployment, weak authentication, exposed secrets, or outdated dependencies. Administrators and DevOps teams play a critical role in configuring, securing, and maintaining application environments to prevent breaches, data exposure, and service outages.



 

##  Common Risks 

SortCategoryDescriptionKey Controls (At a Glance)Insecure Input/Output Handling 

Poor validation and encoding can cause injection and XSS vulnerabilities.

Support secure coding practices; enforce input validation and output encoding.

Weak Authentication & Authorization

Custom or misconfigured login flows may allow unauthorized access. 

Use centralized SSO; require MFA (preferably biometric or passkeys); enforce server-side authorization checks. 

Hard-Coded or Exposed Secrets 

Secrets in code or config files are easily leaked or misused.

Use approved secrets vaults; rotate secrets; restrict access.

Vulnerable Dependencies

Outdated libraries can be exploited even if the application logic is secure.

Track and patch dependencies; use Software Composition Analysis (SCA) tools; remove unused libraries.

Misconfigured TLS & Sessions

Weak ciphers or insecure cookies enable interception or session hijacking. 

Require modern TLS; enforce secure cookie flags; use proper session policies.





**Note:**  
*The “Key Controls (At a Glance)” column is intended as a quick reference. Detailed expectations and implementation guidance are described in the Best Practices sections below.*



 

###  General Best Practices 

 



#### Support Secure Coding & Input/Output Controls

- Ensure developers validate input server-side (type, length, format).
- Encourage use of Object-Relational Mappings (ORMs) or parameterized queries.
- Ensure output is encoded for its target context (HTML, URL, JS).
- Disable debug endpoints in production.

#### Harden Authentication & Authorization 

- Prefer central authentication (SSO via SAML/OIDC) over local authentication.
- Require MFA (preferably biometric or passkeys) for admins and systems supporting sensitive data/functions.
- Enforce server-side authorization checks on every request.

#### Manage Secrets Properly

- Store credentials in approved secrets management systems, not in code.
- Limit access to secrets and log secret access when possible.
- Rotate secrets after staff transitions or suspected exposure.

#### Secure TLS & Sessions

- Enforce HTTPS with modern TLS versions and ciphers.
- Configure secure cookies (Secure, HttpOnly, SameSite).
- Set reasonable session timeouts; invalidate sessions after logout.



 

 

#### Minimize Internet Exposure 

- Only expose services that must be publicly reachable.
- Place web applications behind reverse proxies or application gateways.
- Use Web Application Firewalls (WAF) for externally facing apps.

#### Keep Dependencies Up to Date

- Track major frameworks and libraries.
- Use automated SCA tools in CI/CD pipelines.
- Apply security updates after testing.

#### Integrate Security into the SDLC

- Add SAST to build pipelines.
- Use DAST for public-facing applications.
- Include security criteria in change requests and release notes.

#### Log and Monitor Application Activity

- Log authentication, authorization failures, and admin actions.
- Send application logs to central SIEM for correlation with infrastructure events.
- Investigate anomalies promptly and adjust controls as needed.



 

 

 

 

##  Related Resources 

- [University Standards](/apply-standards "Apply Standards")
- [OWASP Top 10 (Critical Web Risks)](https://owasp.org/www-project-top-ten/)
- [CISA 'Secure by Design (Software Architecture)](https://www.cisa.gov/securebydesign)
- [Mozilla MDN Security Docs (Browser/Web Security)](https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/docs/Web/Security)
- [GitHub Security Lab (Automated Code Analysis)](https://securitylab.github.com/)