The Open Web Application Security Project (OWASP) is a global community that works to improve the security of software. OWASP provides information, tools, and resources to help organizations secure their software. OWASP is best known for its Top 10 list of the most common security vulnerabilities in software. The Top 10 list is updated every year and provides organizations with a guide to the most common security risks.
The OWASP Top 10 is a classification of the most common attacks on the web. It has 10 entries and is updated every few years. The recent Top 10 entries are as follows:
1. Injection. Malicious input into an application can allow attackers to execute unintended actions or access sensitive data.
2. Broken Authentication and Session Management. Unsecured authentication and session management mechanisms can enable attackers to gain access to resources or data they should not have access to.
3. Cross-Site Scripting (XSS). A vulnerability that allows an attacker to inject malicious code into a web page, resulting in the execution of the code by unsuspecting users who visit the page.
4. Broken Access Control. Improperly implemented security controls such as permissions and access controls can allow unauthorized users access to sensitive data and systems.
5. Security Misconfiguration. Incorrectly configured systems and applications can leave them open to attack.
6. Insecure Cryptographic Storage. Poorly protected cryptographic keys and passwords can lead to theft and loss of data.
7. Insufficient Authorization and Authentication. A lack of proper authentication checks can allow unauthorized access to systems and data.
8. Insufficient Cryptography. Weak cryptography can lead to data being compromised by attackers.
9. Tampering with Data. Tampering with information, whether intentional or accidental, can jeopardize the security and integrity of data.
10. Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF). Attackers can exploit vulnerabilities to inject illegitimate requests that are executed by the target user without their knowledge or consent.
At the same time, OWASP also provides a number of other resources, including the following guides:
secure coding practices
testing for security vulnerabilities
incident response
application security management
security awareness training
security assessment
security architecture
security testing
secure development Lifecycle
web application security
mobile application security
cloud security
application security assessment
application security management
security awareness training
security assessment
security architecture
security testing
You should keep in mind that OWASP is not a silver bullet. It is a good starting point to information security, however, there are many other approaches. In general, OWASP is focused on application security, which is only one aspect of information security.
What are the approaches to application security?
There are a variety of approaches to application security, each with its own benefits and drawbacks. Some of the most common approaches include:
Penetration testing. Penetration testing is the process of attempting to exploit vulnerabilities in an application in order to identify potential security risks. Penetration testers use a variety of methods, including manual testing and automated tools, to attempt to exploit vulnerabilities in applications.
Vulnerability scanning. Vulnerability scanning is the process of scanning applications for known vulnerabilities. Vulnerability scanners use a variety of methods, including manual testing and automated tools, to scan applications for known vulnerabilities.
Security code review. Security code review is the process of reviewing application code for potential security vulnerabilities. Security code reviewers use a variety of methods, including manual review and automated tools, to review application code for potential security vulnerabilities.
Application firewalls. Application firewalls are firewall appliances or software applications that are specifically designed to protect applications from attack. Application firewalls use a variety of methods, including signature-based detection and anomaly-based detection, to protect applications from attacks.
Security information and event management (SIEM). Security information and event management (SIEM) is a security monitoring and analysis solution that collects and analyzes security-related data from a variety of sources, including applications, networks, and endpoints. SIEM solutions use a variety of methods, including data correlation and machine learning, to help organizations identify and respond to security incidents.
Thanks to the fact that OWASP is a global, not-for-profit organization, it significantly contributes to helping organizations and individuals identify and mitigate security risks. OWASP provides a variety of resources, including a comprehensive guide to web application security, to help organizations and individuals stay safe online.