Cyber security is a rapidly growing world and staying ahead of potential threats is no small task. Thankfully, organisations like the Open Web Application Security Project (OWASP) are here to help. Employing developers, IT teams, and organisations to build, maintain, and protect applications.
While they are known for the famous OWASP Top Ten, their project scope extends far beyond this list. Join us as we dive deeper into what makes OWASP so essential and how its various initiatives can bolster your organisations security posture.
What is OWASP
A global non-profit organisation dedicated to improving security software. Founded in 2001, it’s driven by a community of developers, security professionals, and organisations working together to create open-source tools, documents, and standards.
Their mission is to make software security visible. Whether you’re a developer looking to write secure code or a business seeking to understand application vulnerabilities, OWASP offers resources tailored to your needs.
Why OWASP?
- Simply Priorities: The list of vulnerabilities you could potentially look for is vast. With the help of OWASP, you can focus on the most critical ones first. Their vulnerabilities list can aid in identifying potential security flaws within a web app.
- Widley Recognised: A standard for many organisations, Its practicality makes it easier to align your security with current industrial standards.
- Easy to Understand: Unlike some information out there, OWASP is written in a way that even non-security specialists can grasp. Whether you’re a developer or an IT manager, it’s easy to follow.
Addressing The Challenges
While OWASP provides clear guidance, putting it into practice isn’t always straightforward. For smaller teams, finding the time and resources to address every point can feel daunting. The key is to tackle one problem at a time, every step you take reduces the likelihood of an attack.
The Wider Picture
OWASP is a fantastic starting point, but this doesn’t cover the whole picture. Cyber security is constantly evolving, and the threats we face today might look different tomorrow. Treat this list as part of your security strategy but not the entire picture.
Good security comes in many forms including regular vulnerability scans, employee training, and incident response plans. The Top Ten list is to aid in basic security, while the wider project looks to strengthen your security position. The tighter the security measures, the more time it takes for an attacker to access your systems.
Scanning Your System
To perform a basic scan of your web application you may like to use OWASP Zed Attack Proxy (ZAP) , this is an automatic web app scanner that will give you a rough idea of what potential vulnerabilities may be within your system. It is important to note that most scanners only cover around to 10% to 20% of well-known common issues. For a full comprehensive scan, we recommend using professional services who are highly skilled in rooting out weaknesses within systems.
Conclusion
The OWASP Community Project is a practical initiative to aid organisations of all sizes to prioritise web application security. Understanding the broader scope, you can move beyond the basic security measures and build a truly resilient security framework.
Cyber security isn’t covered with one project, it’s an ongoing process that evolves alongside technology and threats, and with OWASP guidance you can stay ahead of them.