In the web site’s security, a vulnerability is like a weakness exploited by attackers and hackers using different powerful tools, specially built to weaken websites’ security.

No doubt, the major website building platforms like WordPress, Wix, Blogger, etc. offer advanced security features for websites, but still malicious bots and hackers attempt to attack websites.

While developing your website, you should know the basic security vulnerabilities that can be harmful to your website. If you are using the WordPress platform, you can simply hire WordPress developer for maintaining the security of your website.

In this article, I’m going to discuss the 5 most common website security vulnerabilities you should know about while developing your website. So, without further delay, lets dive into it.

 

5 Common Website Security Vulnerabilities

Following are the 5 common website security vulnerabilities with possible examples and solutions:

1. SQL Injection

SQL injection is a security vulnerability that involves altering the backend SQL statements by exploiting the data supplied by the user.

An attacker can get access to confidential information stored in databases like email addresses, usernames, passwords, credit card details, etc. 

Moreover, the attacker can inject false or corrupt content into the databases for weakening the security of the website.

You can prevent this type of security vulnerability in the following ways:

• Using Parameterized Statements
• Using Object Relational Mapping
• Escaping Inputs
• Sanitizing Inputs etc.

 

2. Broken Authentication and Session Management

Some websites ask you to accept cookies whenever you visit them. Those cookies contain confidential information like usernames and passwords.

Keep in mind that for every visit, there should be a new cookie, and when you close the browser, the cookie should invalidate.

But when you use a public computer like in an internet cafe, you simply close the browser after completing your work. However, your confidential information stored on any website’s cookie becomes visible to the attacker if he uses the same computer.

As a website owner, the privacy and security of your visitors’ confidential information musty not be compromised at any cost. 

You can perform the following tasks for avoiding this security vulnerability:

• Avoid XSS flaws
• Try not to expose any credentials in URLs
• Stick to OWASP Application Security Verification Standard etc.

 

3. Cross-Site Request Forgery

Cross-Site Request Forgery or CSRF attack causes the user’s browser to perform an unwanted action on several different sites on which the user is currently authenticated.

This attack works by sending forged HTTP requests to vulnerable web applications, including the user’s cookies and private information.

Usually, attackers send a link to the user, and when a user clicks on the link, his data becomes visible to the attacker.

An attacker can change the private information of users and create new users on behalf of the website’s admin.

You can prevent this security vulnerability in the following ways:

• Using 2-factor authentication on your website
• Using CAPTCHAs and unique token requests

 

4. Insufficient Transport Layer Protection

Transport layer protection means using the validated certificates or SSL for the secure exchange of confidential information between your website and user. Those websites which do not have valid certificates of SSL are easily fell prey to hacking.

Attackers can get access to confidential information of users like usernames, passwords, credit card numbers, etc.

If you are using the WordPress platform, then make sure your website contains SSL or hire WordPress developer so that you can prevent your visitors’ data from stealing.

 

5. Unvalidated Redirects and Forwards

Unvalidated redirects and forwards are the most common types of security vulnerabilities. If you have no proper validation for redirecting pages, the attackers will get benefit from it, and they will redirect the users to malicious websites for stealing their confidential information.

For avoiding this type of security vulnerability, make sure you are using valid redirects and forwards.

 

The Bottom Line

All of the security vulnerabilities that I explained in this article must be in your mind while developing your website.

I hope you read this article thoroughly. All of the security vulnerabilities mentioned in this article shouldn’t be avoided in any case.

If you have any queries relating to the website’s security, you can contact Two Runs, web developers. You can ask them about your website’s security issues, and they will guide you in the most satisfied manner.