Application Security Consulting

Today bringing your business online is a must in an effective business development strategy. Thus more and more sensitive data is moving to the web which brings new application security and information confidentiality challenges.

Complex Approach to Securing Web Applications

The most secure web applications are those that are developed initially with security in mind. Colombus specialists follow a holistic approach to designing, building and supporting secure web applications. We address security issues on all application tiers (web server, application server and database).

While developing secure web applications we analyze vulnerability categories and potential threats (external or internal) depending on application scenario and technologies used. This enables us to develop an effective security architecture and take proper countermeasures.

Vulnerabilities and Potential Threats	Securing Practices and Countermeasures
Authentication Network eavesdropping, Brute force attacks, Dictionary attacks, Cookie replays, Credentials theft	- Partition of public and restricted areas - Account disablement policies - Proper credentials verification and storage - Proper password handling - Authentication data protection - Communication channels securing using SSL
Input Validation Buffer overflow, cross-site scripting, SQL injection	- Thorough input validation - Proper input filtration - Centralized validation strategy - Proper database access
Authorization Privilege elevation, confidential information disclosure, data tampering	- Multiple gatekeepers - Authorization granularity - Role-based security - Strong access controls - System level protection
Configuration Management Unauthorized access to application administration, hacking of configuration data	- Role-based administration with strong authentication - Secure communication channels for remote administration (SSL, VPN) - Restricted access to configuration data - Least privilege approach
Sensitive Data Sensitive data discloser, network eavesdropping, data tampering	- Role-based access to sensitive data - Sensitive data on demand approach - Data encryption - Proper information storage and secure communication

 

The above vulnerabilities are just a part of a bigger list. Internet, intranet or extranet applications each has its specific security issues and challenges that need to be analyzed and addressed.

Securing Applications through Development Life Cycle

From initial stages of the web application development cycle Colombus specialists thoroughly consider security implications. This allows defining potential risks early and implementing effective countermeasures.

Securing Categories and Practices	Development Life Cycle Phase	Roles Distribution
Threat Modeling	Architecture Design	Architect(R), Developer(I), Tester(I)
Security Design Practices	Architecture Design	Architect(R), Developer(I)
Security Architecture	Architecture Design	Architect(R)
Code Development and Review	Implementation	Developer(R), Tester(I)
Technology Related Threats	Implementation	Developer(R)
Security Testing	Testing and Stabilization	Tester(R), Architect (C), Developer (I)
Deployment Review	Deployment and Maintenance	System Administrator (R), Architect(C), Developer(I), Tester(I)

Legend: R – Responsible, C – Consulted, I - Informed