Security Issues In Web-Based Enterprise Apps – Reality Or Myth?

According to the codex, US has seen more than 200% increase in the number of cyber-attacks on web-based apps. Most of these have been exploiting the vulnerabilities in these apps.

Businesses are realizing the importance of ERP systems and the ease and comfort of web-based enterprise apps. While these are gaining mass popularity, attackers are exploiting flaws.

What Are Web-Based Enterprise Apps?

ERP stands for Enterprise Resource Planning. Investopedia defines ERP as a process by which a company (often a manufacturer) manages and integrates the important parts of its business.

Why Web-Based Enterprise Apps?

Web-based ERP apps are cheaper to install and use. They are highly flexible and can be accessed using any web browser. Real-time monitoring of data is enabled.

If required, even cloud service can be used for this. The host company charges a rental fee from the client, therefore, saving them from all the installation and technology upgrades.

Because of its low front costs, web-based enterprise apps have become amazingly popular.

Major vendors of web-based enterprise apps include Oracle, SAP and Sage which can provide customized systems according to every client’s need.

What Issues Do They Face?

As with major services, web-based enterprise apps also face problems.

Exploitation of vulnerabilities is commonly seen, which results in false data entries and data theft. Hackers can break into the systems and manipulate data. This has been the major source of worry for the app developers to date.

Major problems include,

• Cross-site request forgery
• SQL interjections 
• Security misconfiguration is some of the most commonly faced problems. 
• Since these require an internet connection to perform their tasks, connecting to public networks can be a problem as they are easily hackable.
• Insecure booting and proxy links containing malwares can be fatal issues when it comes to data security.

According to veracode.com, web-based enterprise apps have become the #1 vector for attacks on the internet.

The result is the loss of data which is fatal for any company.

What Are The Current Solutions?

Developers are moving towards secure coding. Free nodes in the code are most vulnerable to attacks. Secure coding eliminates them.

Developers are moving towards sandboxed apps which prevent abuse of data.

Also, security services like CA Veracode help to test the application before deployment. Security is not a static parameter but it needs to be maintained over years as the website remains prone to new attacks.

Overall Situation?

Although web-based enterprise apps are prone to attacks, the efficiency and ease they bring into an enterprise’s functioning make it a highly attractive option.

Overall, security issues exist and unfortunately, they are not a myth but solutions are being developed which can help address and prevent any such attacks.

Future Of Web-Based Enterprise Apps?

ERP systems have started gaining greater popularity in recent times. And with improving technology and internet speeds, web-based enterprise apps are going to gain more acceptance.

According to a report, almost 80% businesses will have installed some type of ERP by 2020. 

Hackers will keep finding flaws and developers will find ways to fix them. This race is here to stay but businesses stand to gain by improving technologies and more secure apps.

About the Author: This article is contributed by Amit Dua – Co-Founder & CEO at Signity Solutions and ValueAppz.