What do you believe are the most critical security practices developers should follow in 2024 to build secure web applications?
Here is what 7 thought leaders have to say.
- Secure APIs and Conduct Audits
- Prioritise Secure Coding and Audits
- Integrate Security Throughout Development
- Automate Security in CI/CD Processes
- Adopt Zero-Trust and Leverage AI
- Implement Multi-Factor Authentication and Updates
- Establish Solid Coding Foundations and Testing
Secure APIs and Conduct Audits
As technology advances, one of the most important security practices developers should follow in 2024 is securing APIs (Application Programming Interfaces). APIs are the backbone of modern web applications, and if they’re not secure, they can be an easy target for hackers. Developers should use authentication and encryption to protect API data and ensure only authorised users can access it. Another critical practice is implementing regular security audits and penetration testing. This helps identify vulnerabilities before hackers can exploit them.
Finally, developers should focus on secure coding practices, like validating all user inputs to prevent attacks such as SQL injection or cross-site scripting (XSS). By following these practices, developers can create web applications that are more resilient to attacks and provide a safer experience for users.
Shane McEvoy, MD, Flycast Media
Prioritise Secure Coding and Audits
In 2024, developers should prioritise secure coding practices, such as input validation and encryption, to protect data. Additionally, implementing multi-factor authentication enhances user security. By conducting frequent security audits and staying informed about emerging threats, developers can build robust and secure web applications that withstand evolving cyber risks.
Hodahel Moinzadeh, Founder & Senior Systems Administrator, SecureCPU Managed IT Services
Integrate Security Throughout Development
The most important thing is to make security part of the development process from the very beginning. I’ve seen too many projects where security was treated as an afterthought, leading to costly fixes and vulnerabilities down the line. We ensure that our IT engineers and developers consider security at every step, from initial design to final deployment.
It’s not enough to just write secure code; you have to keep an eye on it as things change. Security threats evolve, and a secure application today might not be secure tomorrow. Regular reviews and real-time monitoring help catch issues before they become problems.
Many breaches happen due to human error, not because of poor coding. Everyone involved in the project must understand their role in securing the application. This is something we emphasise heavily. We partner with our clients, educating them so they can make informed decisions and avoid common pitfalls.
Elmo Taddeo, CEO, Parachute
Automate Security in CI/CD Processes
As the founder of an authentication SaaS, I believe the following practices will be critical for web app security in 2024:
Secure APIs and authentication will be table stakes. Granular access controls, rate limiting, encryption, and token-based authentication are must-haves. SMS- and email-based MFA will no longer cut it.
Automation and CI/CD will dominate. Manual security reviews and penetration testing can’t keep up. SAST, DAST, vulnerability scanning, and log monitoring must be baked into the SDLC.
Decentralised identity starts spreading. Relying on a single IDP creates single points of failure. Using emerging standards like DID and Verifiable Credentials improves security.
Zero trust models become standard. No system should implicitly trust users or other systems. Strict authentication and authorisation govern all access.
Brian Pontarelli, CEO, FusionAuth
Adopt Zero-Trust and Leverage AI
As an ERP consultant focused on security, here are the critical practices I believe developers must follow in 2024:
Zero-trust security models will be standard. Micro-segmentation, conditional access, and verifying every access request will be key. Gone are the days of implicit trust in networks.
AI and automation will drive DevSecOps. Security testing, vulnerability management, and compliance will leverage machine learning to scale. But human experts are still needed to interpret results and make strategic decisions.
Encryption everywhere. End-to-end encryption of data, communications, and APIs will be mandatory. Quantum-resistant algorithms may start emerging to address new threats.
Decentralised identity and access management. Centralised IAM systems are too big of a target. Using blockchain and distributed networks to manage identity and access will spread risk and improve resilience.
Louis Balla, VP of Sales & Partner, Nuage
Implement Multi-Factor Authentication and Updates
In 2024, the most critical security practices for developers include implementing multi-factor authentication, regularly updating dependencies, encrypting data, conducting regular security audits, following the principle of least privilege, adhering to secure coding practices, and implementing secure API practices to protect against emerging threats.
Miguel Cairo, CEO, Unique Web Designer
Establish Solid Coding Foundations and Testing
In my opinion, there’s no substitute for a solid foundation. Making sure all developers working on a team are using the same processes and methodologies is crucial for the success of the project. Being proactive about the quality of your code will go a long way, especially when combined with rigorous testing internally and externally.
Our team utilises many third-party services for uncovering possible vulnerabilities. We also have a plan in place that utilises both automated tools and real-time review by our team to ensure that if a threat is detected, it’s managed as quickly as possible.
Shannon Werling, Web Designer & Developer, Wingard
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