What is Web Application Security?

What is Web Application Security?

Web application security is the practice of protecting websites and web applications from attacks that exploit vulnerabilities in application code, configuration, or infrastructure. As organizations increasingly deliver services through web applications, securing these applications has become a critical component of any compliance program.

Common web application threats

The OWASP Top 10 provides a widely recognized list of the most critical web application security risks:

• Injection attacks — including SQL injection, where attackers insert malicious code through input fields to manipulate databases
• Cross-site scripting (XSS) — injecting malicious scripts into web pages viewed by other users
• Broken authentication — weaknesses in authentication mechanisms that allow unauthorized access
• Insecure direct object references — exposing internal implementation objects through URLs or parameters
• Security misconfiguration — default credentials, unnecessary features enabled, or missing security headers
• Cross-site request forgery (CSRF) — tricking authenticated users into performing unintended actions

Web application security in compliance frameworks

• PCI DSS — Requirement 6 addresses secure development practices and web application firewalls for applications handling cardholder data
• SOC 2 — CC7.1 and CC8.1 cover vulnerability management and change management for applications
• ISO 27001 — A.8.25 through A.8.28 address secure development lifecycle, testing, and application security
• NIST CSF — PR.IP covers security in development and information protection processes

Defense strategies

• Implement a secure development lifecycle (SDLC) with security reviews at each stage
• Use static application security testing (SAST) and dynamic application security testing (DAST) in CI/CD pipelines
• Deploy a web application firewall (WAF) to filter malicious traffic
• Conduct regular penetration testing focused on application-layer vulnerabilities
• Keep application frameworks and dependencies patched and up to date
• Validate and sanitize all user input on the server side

How episki helps

episki tracks web application security controls, manages vulnerability remediation workflows, and documents security testing evidence for auditors. Learn more on our compliance platform.