Given the increased shift from packaged software to cloud computing, a growing number of applications are web-based. Both the business models of software-as-a-service, as well as the real-time distribution modelmake Web Apps the ideal platform for new projects. While web distribution has a number of upsides, in order to effectively scale applications,it’s crucial to implement best practices to safeguard data. Any database or code that remains in a cloud is potentially vulnerable to attack. We consulted with leading web application security specialists for their top security tips:

• Understand the Potential Sources of Vulnerability
Many developers assume that all attacks will come from outside of a network firewall, but this leaves open a potential attack from inside. Make sure that all data is guarded from unauthorized access by several layers of security,ensuring that lower-level employees, and others who might work in the office,do not have access to valuable code data. Internal attacks can come in any forms, all of which can be avoided by working to secure all levels of the application.

• Utilize Multiple Layers of Security for Your Application.
Often times, IT professionals will rely solely upon an external firewall in order to protect a web application. In order to truly get a high level of security,however, one must cover all the bases. In practice, this means having an effective network virus scanner that operates in real time as well as a comprehensive network traffic tool to keep up with data movement across the network and potential breaches.

• Integrate Security Concerns Into Your Development Cycle
When planning out the stages of development,whether you work on an agile process or a standard model, you’ll need to consider the security implications of each part of your application. Starting from the earliest conversations about requirements and design all the way to the final testing phase,security concerns should be at the forefront of your thought process from the very beginning. In particular, security testing should be as important as usability testing.

• Be aware of the security implications of your coding conventions
Even simple coding conventions such as file locations can have large implications in terms of the security of a given file. While you attempt to create a stable code base by integrating standard practices such as basic password protection,make sure that you block all routes to sensitive files,not just standard ones.

• Test for major, known sources of hacking
While there will always be unknown vulnerabilities that will require major testing and upgrades, you should always protect against the well-know, major holes that often arise in web applications,In particular,design your application to withstand SQL injections, remote code calls, format string weaknesses as well as XSS (Cross Site Scripting.)

This post was written by Maya Richard, who primarily writes about high speed internet deals . She can be reached with feedback by combining her name and gmail.com