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Core Application Security

bookWhat is Application Security?

Understanding Application Security

Application security is the practice of protecting software applications from threats that could compromise their functionality, data, or user trust. You use application security techniques and tools to identify, prevent, and fix weaknesses—known as vulnerabilities—that attackers might exploit.

Why Application Security Matters

  • Protects sensitive user data from unauthorized access;
  • Prevents attackers from taking control of applications or systems;
  • Maintains the reliability and availability of software for users;
  • Preserves the reputation and trustworthiness of organizations.

Without strong application security, software can become an easy target for cybercriminals. Attacks can lead to stolen data, financial loss, and damage to your organization’s reputation. By prioritizing application security, you help ensure that software remains safe, reliable, and trustworthy for everyone who uses it.

Common Security Risks in Application Security

Understanding key security risks helps you recognize potential threats to your applications. Here are some of the most common risks:

  • Injection: attackers send malicious data to your application, often through input fields, to trick it into executing unwanted commands or accessing data without permission;
  • Broken authentication: flaws in the login or session management process allow attackers to impersonate users or gain unauthorized access to accounts;
  • Sensitive data exposure: applications fail to protect private information, such as passwords or credit card numbers, making it easier for attackers to steal or misuse that data.

Recognizing these risks is the first step in building safer, more secure applications.

Example: Login Form Vulnerability

Imagine you build a website with a login form where users enter their username and password. If you do not protect this form against attackers, someone could try to guess passwords or use special tools to break in. For example, an attacker might use a technique called brute force, where they try many different passwords very quickly until they find the right one.

If your application does not prevent this, the attacker could gain access to user accounts, steal personal information, or even change important data. By adding simple protections—like locking accounts after several failed attempts or requiring strong passwords—you make it much harder for attackers to succeed. This shows why preventing security issues is critical: it protects your users and keeps your application safe.

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What is the main goal of application security?

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bookWhat is Application Security?

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Understanding Application Security

Application security is the practice of protecting software applications from threats that could compromise their functionality, data, or user trust. You use application security techniques and tools to identify, prevent, and fix weaknesses—known as vulnerabilities—that attackers might exploit.

Why Application Security Matters

  • Protects sensitive user data from unauthorized access;
  • Prevents attackers from taking control of applications or systems;
  • Maintains the reliability and availability of software for users;
  • Preserves the reputation and trustworthiness of organizations.

Without strong application security, software can become an easy target for cybercriminals. Attacks can lead to stolen data, financial loss, and damage to your organization’s reputation. By prioritizing application security, you help ensure that software remains safe, reliable, and trustworthy for everyone who uses it.

Common Security Risks in Application Security

Understanding key security risks helps you recognize potential threats to your applications. Here are some of the most common risks:

  • Injection: attackers send malicious data to your application, often through input fields, to trick it into executing unwanted commands or accessing data without permission;
  • Broken authentication: flaws in the login or session management process allow attackers to impersonate users or gain unauthorized access to accounts;
  • Sensitive data exposure: applications fail to protect private information, such as passwords or credit card numbers, making it easier for attackers to steal or misuse that data.

Recognizing these risks is the first step in building safer, more secure applications.

Example: Login Form Vulnerability

Imagine you build a website with a login form where users enter their username and password. If you do not protect this form against attackers, someone could try to guess passwords or use special tools to break in. For example, an attacker might use a technique called brute force, where they try many different passwords very quickly until they find the right one.

If your application does not prevent this, the attacker could gain access to user accounts, steal personal information, or even change important data. By adding simple protections—like locking accounts after several failed attempts or requiring strong passwords—you make it much harder for attackers to succeed. This shows why preventing security issues is critical: it protects your users and keeps your application safe.

question mark

What is the main goal of application security?

Select the correct answer

Var alt klart?

Hvordan kan vi forbedre det?

Tak for dine kommentarer!

Sektion 1. Kapitel 1
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