5 Cybersecurity Threats You Must Know As A Web Developer
5 Cybersecurity Threats You Must Know As A Web Developer
Cybercrime has risen by 600% since the pandemic’s beginning, as cybercriminals are taking advantage of the shift to remote working. Remote working has led businesses to do away with hardware and shift to more cloud-based technologies, leaving them vulnerable to cybersecurity threats.
If you’re a web developer, you need to keep up with the cybersecurity demands of the modern climate. Keep reading to learn about the top cybersecurity threats you must know as a web developer, along with some of the best solutions to prevent breaches.
Internal Cybersecurity Breaches
Internal cybersecurity breaches are caused by employees exposing data voluntarily, or a cybercriminal can steal the data from their devices. Since many businesses use hybrid and remote work models, many employees use personal devices to access web development information and company data. If these devices are not secure, this could lead to a data breach.
You can implement the following strategies to prevent internal cybersecurity breaches that could be detrimental to web development:
- Providing cybersecurity training – your employees should know the importance of keeping their data secure by using strong passwords. You can use a password management tool to ensure your employees implement solid passwords. Password management software acts as a digital vault where your employees can store their passwords and receive alerts when their passwords are weak or compromised.
- Ensuring all devices are up-to-date – any device used to access web development information should run on fully updated software. Older software versions could have vulnerabilities that a cybercriminal could take advantage of.
- Zero trust – a zero trust cybersecurity policy is essential to avoid an internal cybersecurity breach. With zero trust, your employees can only access limited information. Because a user can gain access to your network, it does not mean you can trust them with sensitive company information. By granting users a limited amount of access, you can ensure a breach reveals a limited amount of sensitive data.
Physical Security Breaches
Did you ever consider that physical security is an essential element in cybersecurity? Ensuring the servers and devices stored in your office building are secure will keep your data safe. If an unauthorized third party gains access to your building, they also gain access to your sensitive information.
To prevent a physical security breach that could lead to a data breach, you could invest in the following physical security tools:
- Access control – modern commercial access control systems operate using mobile technology, allowing users more convenient entry. They are also cloud-based solutions, which means that you can build an integrated security system, and you will be able to view security data remotely and operate door locks using a cloud-based control center or mobile application.
- Video surveillance – you should install surveillance to deter criminals and provide evidence should a crime or physical security breach occur on your property. You can integrate video surveillance with access control to verify the identity of users before they enter the building. Integrating both technologies would eliminate the possibility of an unauthorized user stealing access credentials to enter the building.
- Zero trust physical security – you can apply zero trust to your physical security strategy. Simply because a visitor, interviewee, or employee can enter your building does not mean that they should gain access to rooms within the building that contain sensitive data. You can install smart door locks to ensure access to these areas is restricted.
Authentication
Usernames and passwords aren’t as strong as you think they are. Hackers and cybercriminals can still gain access to your system and sensitive data by using methods to steal your username and password information.
With this in mind, it becomes essential to reconsider your approach to user authentication. You can implement MFA to ensure your web development information is secure, preventing unauthorized access.
MFA requires two or more credentials for authentication, and you can choose which authentication methods you use. Biometrics are extremely helpful, as they verify the user’s identity using their voice, fingerprint, retina, or facial composition. Since a hacker cannot provide a user’s biometric information, they will be unable to access the system.
Photo by Markus Spiske on Unsplash
Using Vulnerable Components
Professionals often use snippets of preexisting code and components in web development to save time and effort. However, those who use this method should be highly cautious. Your developed web solution is only fortified against hackers if it does not contain any weak components. You need to review the codes and components you are incorporating into your web development to ensure they are air-tight from a cybersecurity standpoint. Otherwise, your whole system could be vulnerable.
Summary
Cybersecurity threats affect all businesses, but web developers must be conscientious when ensuring their data is secure. Protecting your data from a physical and cyber standpoint and implementing best cybersecurity practices can ensure a data breach does not hinder your web development processes.
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