Web Programming in and of itself is not the issue, so much as the Security of the Web Programming. Over the years there have been many people involved in “programming websites.” The distinction must be made here between a real web programmer and a web page designer. It is the dynamic back-end systems that typically create security vulnerabilities on web servers. Static web pages that do little more than show some content are not likely to cause havoc.
A Web Programmer is typically involved in a server-side language such as PHP, ASP, and other languages that are optimized for web applications. My specialty is Secure PHP & MySQL programming, especially for web and database programming applications. This does not negate the ability to comment on web security for ASP and other languages, as they all operate pretty much the same, just with different command structures and spellings. Data flows the same way, and potential security vulnerabilities are about the same. The only exceptions are associated with a Microsoft Web Server, which inherently provides regular security flaws and problems. Read more…
Security Programming
Secure Code Auditing is a structured approach to identifying, evaluating and mitigating programming and database security risks to web applications, databases and general network security. The majority of programmers are not security-minded, let alone security experts. Applications and infrastructure are typically designed with security vulnerabilities that can lead to security exploitations and potentially catastrophic results for your servers, network, and your business overall. When the programming team lacks security expertise and experience, and where security vulnerabilities may be an important issue for your business, a subsequent secure code audit is required. Different security consulting companies approach secure code audits differently, but essentially have the same goals in mind. This article is my description of what a secure code audit is, how we approach code inspection, and how to balance the factors that influence secure code audits. Read more…
Security Programming
One of our readers wrote in to ask, “My website has forms in it and I want to know how to tell if they can be hacked.” The website is using a standard processing language and a back-end MySQL Database. Multiple forms exist in the website including a newsletter form, a user fedeback form, and a New Membership signup form. Although versed in programming, the reader does not have a background in security programming or network security in general. Realizing that web forms can be a port of entry for hackers, the question of website application security arose and inspired contacting me. Lets discuss web form application security for your network. Read more…
Security Programming
With the large number of hackers and the increasing threat from overseas hackers, more and more business are at risk for attack and exploitation. There are many types of hackers and certainly many degrees of intent and purpose. The majority of hackers are usually programmers and network security specialists, who likely have a day job under the guise of the 9-to-5 John Doe. Your business could be vulnerable to attack from internal sources as well as external. The question remaining to present to your programmers and network administrators: “Is anyone here a skilled hacker?” Read more…
Security Programming
With the web and business web sites accessible by everyone (including malicious hackers) the security of your web application is at the top of the list of security issues on experienced PHP web developers’ minds. Lets look at some security concerns of PHP Security Developers, and what they can do to make their web applications more secure. Read more…
Security Programming
