Skip to main content

Application Security

Secure code from input validation to dependency management

Overview​

Application Security protects code and systems from vulnerabilities introduced during development. It covers:

  • Input Validation: Validate all user input before processing
  • Output Encoding: Encode output to prevent injection attacks
  • CSRF/CORS: Prevent cross-site forgery and control resource sharing
  • Injection Attacks: Prevent SQL, command, template, XSS, SSRF, RCE
  • Supply Chain: Manage dependencies and verify integrity
  • Testing: SAST, DAST, IAST, RASP for vulnerability detection

Key Principles​

  • Never trust user input: All external data is potentially malicious
  • Defense in depth: Layer multiple controls
  • Secure by default: Safe defaults, explicit decisions to reduce security
  • Test continuously: Automated security testing in CI/CD pipeline
  • Manage dependencies: Know what code you're running

Common Challenges​

  • Volume: Thousands of dependencies, each with potential vulnerabilities
  • False positives: Security tools generate noise
  • Performance: Security scanning adds build time
  • Legacy code: Difficult to retrofit security into old systems
  • Developer friction: Security shouldn't block productivity

Next Steps​

Explore each topic to build security into your development practices.