Web security guide: protecting your business from cyber threats

Companies rely on web applications for communication, data storage, and customer interactions. Web apps bring new opportunities but also expose businesses to security threats.

Web security is more important than ever, especially for businesses handling sensitive data. Threat actors look for weak spots—like unprotected user input fields or misconfigured servers. In this guide, we’ll break down web security, why it matters, and how to defend against attacks. We’ll discuss:

• Common threats: Learn about SQL injection, cross-site scripting, and remote file inclusion
• Stronger defenses: See how security tools protect websites from malicious code and redirects
• Key security concepts: Understand how network security connects to web security solutions
• Web security vs. web application security: Learn the difference and why both matter

Want to protect your organization? Keep reading to see how the right security strategy reduces risk and blocks threats before they cause damage.

Look out for terms like multi-factor authentication, single sign-on, and Zero Trust. Each one plays a role in a layered security strategy. We’ll also cover data loss prevention best practices and enterprise browsers—and how they fit into modern web security. With these methods, your company can secure logins, prevent data breaches, and reduce exposure to attacks.

Key takeaways

1. Web security is essential for protecting digital assets and preventing costly data breaches.
2. Attackers exploit weak entry points, such as unprotected forms or outdated software, to steal data.
3. Combining network security, web application security, and endpoint controls creates a layered defense.
4. Intrusion prevention systems, DNS filtering, and enterprise browsers block malicious code and suspicious redirects.
5. Regular training, timely patching, and secure coding practices greatly reduce the likelihood of major incidents.

Why web security is crucial for businesses

Businesses rely on web applications for transactions, workflows, and everyday tasks. This creates many security threats, especially with bring-your-own-device policies and contractor access. That’s why every organization that interacts with websites needs to protect itself online—not just rely on website security.

Attackers strike when they see an opening. That might be an unprotected user input field or a vulnerable device. They can then steal credentials, hold data for ransom, or cause serious downtime. One breach can result in brand damage or large fines. It can also complicate meeting regulatory requirements like SOC 2. Investing in web security solutions protects your revenue, reputation, and compliance status.

In 2024, MITRE and CISA published a list of the most dangerous software weaknesses, ranked by severity and frequency. Cross-site scripting topped the list. It was followed by out-of-bounds write, SQL injection, cross-site request forgery, and path traversal.

Web security is connected to network security, too. Once inside, attackers may pivot to other systems. They can inject malicious code, steal sensitive data, or redirect users to phishing sites.

This broad security risk means every layer needs protection, including servers, databases, user input forms, and code repositories. A strong strategy prevents breaches, keeps systems safe, and secures data from unauthorized access.

Website development security

Companies that build websites must integrate security into every development phase to prevent costly breaches. Secure coding, strong infrastructure, and proper training help stop attacks before they reach production. Teams that apply these practices can create safer websites and keep user data protected.

Security threats in website development

Development teams must maintain a clear plan that covers new and emerging security threats. Attackers often look for weaknesses in every stage of the website build process, from design to deployment. Ongoing reviews and frequent updates help reduce the risk of successful exploits.

1. Ransomware and data breaches

Threat actors rely on weak security settings to steal or encrypt valuable data. They often target unprotected systems, which can lead to severe downtime and data loss. Having solid backups, reliable encryption, and strict access controls can help prevent lasting damage.

2. Phishing and social engineering

Threat actors often trick employees into revealing sensitive login credentials through fake emails or calls. They pose as trusted contacts or company leaders to bypass security checks and gain access. Regular training and strict security policies help staff recognize and stop these attacks before damage occurs.

3. Insider threats

Workers or contractors with bad intentions or careless habits can trigger major security incidents. They might misuse privileged access or mishandle critical data, often without quick detection. Strict access policies and strong data loss prevention techniques reduce these internal risks.

4. Supply chain attacks

Weak points in third-party tools, plugins, or dependencies can undermine a site's security efforts. Attackers target these external components to sneak malicious code into core systems. For vendor management guidance, see this guide on third-party resource access.

Technologies for website development security

Developers should rely on secure tools and enforce strict guidelines to block vulnerabilities. These practices help identify issues early and lower the risk of disruptive fixes later. With proper planning, teams can create safer code and maintain stable operations.

1. Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA)

Zero Trust Network Access restricts user access through identity checks and minimal privileges. This approach aligns with frameworks designed to reduce lateral movement within systems. By validating each request, ZTNA keeps potential intruders from roaming through internal networks.

2. Firewalls and intrusion prevention systems

Firewalls and intrusion prevention systems monitor traffic for harmful patterns or attempts. They block suspicious packets before they reach production servers or sensitive data stores. Early detection helps maintain a clean environment and protect valuable resources.

3. Multi-factor authentication (MFA)

MFA gives users a second hurdle beyond traditional passwords. It often involves a code sent to a phone or generated by an app. MFA significantly limits credential-based attacks.

4. Data loss prevention (DLP)

DLP tools protect critical data from unauthorized leaks or transfers across networks. They monitor file movements in real time and detect unusual activity. Quick alerts help security teams prevent breaches and misuse. When combined with encryption and strict access controls, DLP significantly lowers the risk of data exposure.

5. Employee security training

Employee security training focuses on reducing the human errors linked to phishing and scams. It teaches staff to spot suspicious emails, fake links, or social engineering tactics. It helps teams sharpen awareness and thus detect threats early and prevent damage.

6. Secure coding practices

Secure coding practices involve following established frameworks like OWASP to avoid common flaws. These techniques emphasize data validation, user input sanitization, and consistent code reviews. They help developers reduce bugs and keep critical systems safe.

7. Endpoint security and device management

Endpoint security and device management ensure that only approved devices reach company resources. Strict policies block unverified endpoints and lower the risk of hidden threats.

Website infrastructure security

A website, as a digital product, faces threats that target its code, infrastructure, and user data. Poorly protected systems can fall victim to data breaches or crippling downtime.

Threats to website infrastructure security

Attackers usually aim at the underlying layers of a website, where core functions reside. These areas often store essential data and handle important operations for the organization. Any breach in these foundational elements can cause widespread disruption and financial harm.

1. SQL injections

SQL injections happen when attackers tamper with database queries to gain unauthorized entry. Proper input sanitization is vital to stop these exploits and shield sensitive data. In 2023, 23% of major web app flaws were SQL injection, a top-three weakness. This figure shows that nearly a quarter of critical flaws enable data theft, posing legal and financial threats.

2. Cross-site scripting (XSS)

XSS occurs when harmful scripts are injected into web pages. Attackers then steal user data, session tokens, or other sensitive information. XSS remains common if developers overlook proper input validation and output encoding.

3. Session hijacking

Session hijacking happens when attackers seize a user's active session to gain unauthorized access. They may impersonate legitimate users or administrators, often bypassing normal login checks. Secure session handling and regular token updates help prevent these invasions.

4. Ransomware and malware injection

Ransomware and malware injections place harmful files on website servers, putting data at risk. These threats can encrypt or steal information, locking organizations out of critical resources. Regular backups and timely patching help minimize damage and speed up recovery.

5. DDoS (distributed denial-of-service) attacks

DDoS attacks flood a site with excessive traffic until it crashes. These large-scale assaults can force services offline for extended periods. Effective mitigation includes using content delivery networks (CDNs) and rate-limiting to handle sudden spikes.

Technologies for website infrastructure security

Remaining proactive is critical for protecting key infrastructure components. Frequent testing, such as vulnerability scans and penetration checks, spots potential flaws early.

1. Code and file scanning for malware

Regular code and file scanning tools detect and remove harmful software before it spreads. Automated checks compare file changes against known patterns, catching threats with minimal delay. A quick response lowers the risk of widespread malware outbreaks.

2. Proper form validation

Proper form validation blocks injection attacks by filtering out malicious or invalid input. This protects against SQL injection and cross-site scripting. Enforcing strict validation rules helps developers prevent harmful data from entering the system.

3. Secure file permissions

Secure file permissions limit who can open or change important website files. They enforce a strict need-to-know approach, reducing accidental or intentional misuse. Regular audits help confirm that these permissions remain properly configured.

4. DDoS prevention measures

DDoS prevention measures often rely on content delivery networks (CDNs) and rate-limiting features to absorb excessive traffic and keep services available. NordLayer’s Firewall-as-a-Service (FWaaS) solution acts like specialized agents trained to recognize and neutralize massive, disruptive traffic surges. They keep a watchful eye for volumetric attacks, reducing the threat of major downtime. For more on stopping DDoS attacks, see how to prevent DDoS attacks.

5. Strong password policies and MFA

These measures ensure that only authorized users can access protected areas. Enforcing unique, complex passwords lowers the risk of brute-force attacks. MFA then adds a final layer of defense against credential theft.

Website user security

Users often struggle to confirm a website's true security status on their own. They rely on built-in protections and good practices to keep personal data safe.

Threats to website user security

Attackers often exploit user trust and common browsing patterns. They rely on tactics like fake login pages or hidden malware to snare victims. Unaware users can accidentally create openings for threats to spread.

1. Phishing attacks

Phishing attacks use fake websites or emails to trick users into revealing their credentials. Threat actors can then escalate access to more sensitive areas of a network. Regular user training and strong spam filters help reduce these risks.

2. Social engineering

Social engineering tactics manipulate users into sharing data or taking risky actions. Attackers may pose as coworkers or authority figures to exploit trust. Ongoing security awareness programs help employees stay alert and prevent these attacks.

3. Malware and drive-by downloads

Drive-by downloads install malicious code on a device during routine website visits. Threat actors inject harmful scripts into compromised pages, catching users off guard. These threats spread quickly, making timely patches and antivirus updates essential.

4. Man-in-the-Middle (MitM) attacks

Man-in-the-Middle attacks let cybercriminals intercept private exchanges to grab sensitive information. Strong encryption hinders these interceptions and keeps data safe in transit. In 2024, MitM incidents soared, targeting business communications more than ever before. A study by IBM found that MitM attacks made up 35% of exploits in cloud environments.

5. Unsafe public Wi-Fi risks

Public Wi-Fi networks often lack proper safeguards, leaving users open to data theft. Attackers can intercept unprotected traffic or inject harmful code onto devices. Using a VPN or another encrypted tunnel is a must when connecting in public places.

Technologies for website user security

A user-focused strategy helps keep both visitors and staff shielded from current threats. Making security features easy to use encourages safe browsing and better protection. Proper tools and education combine to form a strong defense against evolving attacks.

1. Enterprise browser security

Enterprise browser security shields users from harmful redirects while enforcing strict policies. It can block certain sites, restrict risky actions, and monitor downloads. By controlling browser-based threats, teams reduce the chance of malware infections.

2. DNS filtering

DNS filtering blocks requests to websites flagged as harmful or fraudulent. This measure prevents users from landing on phishing pages or other scam sites. It also cuts down on accidental clicks that could lead to infections.

3. Traffic encryption (VPN/HTTPS enforcement)

Traffic encryption involves using VPNs or enforcing HTTPS to protect data in transit. These methods shield sensitive information from eavesdroppers who try to intercept connections. Strong encryption also boosts user confidence by signaling a safe environment.

4. Download protection

Download and malware protection tools scan incoming files for threats and suspicious behavior. For example, NordLayer’s feature automatically deletes malicious ones, preventing infections at the source. This helps stop malware before it spreads across a network.

5. Password management and MFA

Password management tools help users create strong, unique credentials for every account. They often work with multi-factor authentication (MFA) to add an extra security layer. Together, these measures reduce risks from credential stuffing and password leaks.

6. User education on social engineering

Security training helps users recognize scams and suspicious requests. It covers phishing, social engineering tactics, and other deception methods. Staying informed is one of the best defenses against cyber threats.

Web security vs. web application security

Web security protects your entire online environment, including servers, databases, user accounts, and data flow. Web application security, on the other hand, focuses on the app’s code, logic, and execution. Both play a key role in website security.

Web security covers broader risks, like server configurations and network security settings. Web application security deals with code-level threats, such as SQL injection or cross-site scripting. Even if an application is secure, an unpatched server can still let threat actors in. A strong security strategy addresses both areas to reduce vulnerabilities and keep systems protected.

NordLayer: an integrated approach to web security

At NordLayer, we simplify web security for modern organizations by providing robust security solutions like remote network access protection, Security Service Edge (SSE), and cloud-based VPN services. Now, we’re expanding our portfolio to introduce new ways to mitigate web-based threats. Our upcoming Enterprise Browser adds another layer of security to your daily operations. It will improve security when using SaaS and web applications by limiting user input to approved forms, blocking malicious redirects, and enforcing consistent policies across teams. This new browser also supports both managed and unmanaged (BYOD) devices, ensuring that only trusted users and devices can access specific SaaS applications—ideal for contractors or separate teams with different access needs.

While still in development, this new-generation browser is designed to help organizations reduce security risks and ensure safe interactions with online resources. Be among the first to explore the Enterprise Browser and see how it integrates into NordLayer’s broader security ecosystem. With built-in Zero Trust checks, support for MFA and SSO, and centralized security controls, it helps IT teams enforce policies and monitor browser activities while ensuring a seamless user experience.

Threat mitigation is key—while our browser helps reduce risks, no solution eliminates threats entirely. Combining NordLayer’s security features with best practices—like multi-factor authentication, data loss prevention, regular patching, and security testing—will help protect sensitive data and maintain business continuity.

Conclusion

Strong web security is vital for every organization. Attackers develop new exploits every day, whether that involves SQL injection, cross-site scripting, remote file inclusion, or session hijacking. If your web security solutions fail, you face lost revenue, legal trouble, and shaken customer trust. Robust security solutions such as WAFs, data loss prevention, and network security measures shield systems from harm.

Adopt a layered approach: incorporate website security techniques, web application security principles, and endpoint controls. Remember to sanitize all user input, patch software frequently, and apply data loss prevention best practices. Tools like an enterprise browser reinforce these strategies, cutting off threats before they ever reach the user’s device. Take a proactive stance, and ensure your organization remains resilient amid evolving web security threats.