Web Application Security Best Practices for 2024

Security is Non-Negotiable

In an era of increasing cyber threats, security must be a foundational concern, not an afterthought. This guide covers the essential security practices every web application should implement.

Authentication & Authorization

Modern Authentication Patterns

Implement OAuth 2.0 / OpenID Connect for third-party authentication

Use secure session management with HTTP-only cookies

Implement multi-factor authentication (MFA) for sensitive operations

Consider passwordless authentication options

Authorization Best Practices

Implement role-based access control (RBAC)

Use the principle of least privilege

Validate permissions on every request

Audit authorization decisions

API Security

Secure API Design

Always use HTTPS—no exceptions

Implement rate limiting to prevent abuse

Validate and sanitize all input

Use API keys or tokens for authentication

Version your APIs to manage breaking changes

Common Vulnerabilities to Prevent

SQL Injection

Cross-Site Scripting (XSS)

Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF)

Server-Side Request Forgery (SSRF)

Data Protection

Encryption

Encrypt data at rest and in transit

Use strong, modern encryption algorithms

Implement proper key management

Consider field-level encryption for sensitive data

Data Handling

Minimize data collection

Implement data retention policies

Provide user data export and deletion

Log access to sensitive data

Infrastructure Security

Keep all software updated

Use Web Application Firewalls (WAF)

Implement network segmentation

Regular security audits and penetration testing

Incident Response

Have a plan before you need it:

Detection and alerting systems

Documented response procedures

Communication templates

Post-incident review process