How to Protect Your Website from Common Vulnerabilities

Web security is a constant battle. As soon as one vulnerability is patched, attackers find another. However, most attacks rely on common vulnerabilities that can be prevented with proper coding practices and security measures.

1. Protect Against SQL Injection (SQLi)

SQL injection occurs when an attacker interferes with the queries an application makes to its database. To prevent this:

• Use prepared statements (parameterized queries).
• Use stored procedures.
• Validate user input.

2. Prevent Cross-Site Scripting (XSS)

XSS allows attackers to inject malicious scripts into web pages viewed by other users. Defense strategies include:

• Sanitize Input: Clean user input to remove potentially malicious code.
• Encode Output: Convert special characters into their HTML entities.
• Use Content Security Policy (CSP): Restrict the sources from which content can be loaded.

3. Implement Strong Authentication

Weak passwords are a major entry point. Enforce strong password policies and implement Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). Our 2FA Generator can help you understand how TOTP works.

4. Keep Software Updated

Outdated software often contains known vulnerabilities. Regularly update your CMS, plugins, and server software. Use our CVE Search to check for known vulnerabilities in your software versions.

5. Use HTTPS Everywhere

HTTPS encrypts data in transit, protecting it from interception. Ensure you have a valid SSL certificate and force HTTPS on all pages.

6. Secure File Uploads

Allowing users to upload files can be risky. Validate file types, rename files upon upload, and store them outside the web root if possible.

Final Thoughts

Security is not a one-time task but an ongoing process. Regular security audits and staying informed about the latest threats are essential for maintaining a secure website.