It is quite familiar for beginners to have flaws when it comes to implementing backend services. It has been crucial nowadays to talk about security as many businesses and service providers rely heavily on web applications to power more of their endeavors. Web applications are split into two, the front end and the back end. In this article, however, we would talk more about the back end, where most of the action and malicious attacks occur.
Since it is highly vulnerable from attacks, it is essential to do several steps to ensure that everything is running smoothly. Before going more in-depth with the efforts, it is necessary to understand that the server-side or the back-end services are built upon common coding languages; Python, PHP, Ruby, etc. They were making it more vulnerable because of how people can quickly learn these languages. However, gaining a better understanding of the particular language used for the back-end service is vital to counter cyber attacks and possible data leaks.
Table of Contents
Manual Code Review
The code, or “the source code” to be much more precise, can be reviewed to prevent injection flaws. Users can easily modify the queries on the database by simply sending out keywords. Manual checking can easily control and cure a situation like this, but there are more things that you must consider.
- Look into Object Relational Mapping Tools
- Don’t leave any input trace on the source code
- Data isolation
- Handling error codes should be written clearly to avoid confusion
Secure the Authentication Protocol
Several attackers can be patient and persistent with their attacks, and authentication can be easily compromised. But it is essential to take note that there are some steps that a backend developer can take to curb the chances.
- Multi-factor authentication should be enabled if automated attacks are highly prevalent
- Restrict login attempts and lock users who input wrong passwords too often
- Session tokens should always be invalidated once a user has been logout
Have Better Access Control
Access control refers to the set of commands and instructions that a user can do once they are authenticated. However, due to its complicated nature, backend developers tend to fall short when it comes to access control management.
Data Protection
Data is always valuable, and internet users worldwide are well aware of how common data breaches are. Hackers and cyber attackers are everywhere, and they can brute force even websites that are already well-established, meaning that there’s no escaping them. However, there are several ways to protect data and ensure that the backend service is not breached. Besides, attackers are mostly after the data when they want to access server-side processing.
Encryption of data happens to be the most straightforward and practical approach to counter cyber attacks. Some data are far more valuable than others, such as passwords that require more focus. In this case, the backend developer may enhance the encryption to the next level.
Conclusion
Cyber attackers are everywhere, and no one knows when and who they will attack. Since backend development can be quite tricky and vulnerable, it requires several fine-tuning and review to ensure that it is secure.
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