What Is Web Security?

Web security is a critical priority for every business and comprises the measures and protocols to protect against cyber threats via the web. Whilst the importance of protecting our businesses from the increasing volume and sophistication of web-based cyber attacks is indisputable, putting the right protection in place can be extremely challenging. On-premises solutions are no longer enough; instead, a scalable, integrated, cloud-based solution is needed that delivers deep visibility and control over internet-bound traffic.

WHAT ARE WEB SECURITY THREATS?

Web security threats are vulnerabilities within websites and applications or cyberattacks that use the web as an attack vector. The aim of a web security threat is to breach an organisation’s security defences, gain control of systems and access sensitive and valuable data. The web is one of the top attack vectors for cybercriminals and is often used in combination with email. In fact, email and the web together form a key part of 99% of successful breaches.

WHY IS WEB SECURITY IMPORTANT?

Our businesses have more users using more devices, programmes, systems, and applications than ever. What’s more, we create, store, and share a growing volume of data that is often sensitive or confidential in nature. Meanwhile, there is a growing cybercrime market, including organised crime and state-sponsored activity that uses the web as a primary attack vector. There are even ready-made tools and campaigns for sale, meaning that even new threat actors can use the web as a route to entry.

The sophistication of web-based attacks can easily bypass legacy security solutions and outwit even the most cyber-aware employee. This makes web security the first line of defence against the growing volume, frequency, and complexity of web-based attacks and vital to protecting sensitive data and mitigating the financial, reputational and operational risks of a cyberattack.

WHAT DOES WEB SECURITY INCLUDE?

Web security encompasses a wide range of security solutions that aim to protect your users, devices, and network against web-based cyberattacks. Some of the most common threats that web security aims to protect against include:

• Ransomware - malware that enables data to be encrypted and sometimes also extorted; a ransom is then demanded for the encryption key.
• Malware - malicious software that can harm or exploit a device, service or network due to unauthorised access, data leaks, systems crashes and more.
• Phishing - a social engineering tactic that tricks users into divulging sensitive information.
• SQL Injection - malicious code that exploits vulnerabilities in backend databases to retrieve, delete or manipulate data.
• Denial of Service (Dos) or Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) - a target that’s flooded with traffic so that it triggers a crash; the attack shuts down a machine or network and makes it inaccessible to its users.
• Cross-Site Scripting - malicious code that’s injected into a trusted site via an unprotected user input field; when the script is executed, it can access sensitive information.

All of these threats can lead to breaches and data loss, which means that a web security solution needs to leverage multiple technologies to build a holistic defence. A web security solution should block access to sites containing known threats, prevent employees from visiting at-risk sites, ensure downloaded files are free from malware, lock compromised devices and protect data from exfiltration attacks. What’s more, employees should be continually trained to understand and help mitigate the risk of web security threats.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF WEB SECURITY?

Our businesses depend on the web to connect with employees and customers and enable flexibility and scalability. However, the benefits of the web come with a significant amount of risk. By widening the attack surface with more devices, applications and networks, there is a greater risk of attack. However, by putting the right protections in place with an integrated web security solution, your business can realise many benefits:

• Ensure compliance - prevent the loss of sensitive data
• Protect customers - secure private information
• Maintain continuity - prevent costly service interruption
• Improve experience - help users stay safe and productive
• Build trust - give confidence to your customers that their data is safe

HOW CAN YOUR BUSINESS IMPROVE WEB SECURITY?

By combining web security into a single, easy-to-use solution, your business can gain complete oversight of the web and consistently apply security policies throughout the organisation. What’s more, you can reduce cost and risk. To find out more or to receive a consultation on web security for your business, contact the cyber security experts at Infotrust today.