Application and platform security
Applications and platform security is the basis of preventing vulnerabilities and attacks. Learn the latest about applications attacks, secure software development, patch management, OS security, virtualization, open source security, API security, web app and server security and more.
Top Stories
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Tip
16 Dec 2024
7 DevSecOps tools to secure each step of the SDLC
DevSecOps tools come in many shapes and sizes, helping organizations do everything from discovering software vulnerabilities to preventing software supply chain data breaches. Continue Reading
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News
12 Dec 2024
Aqua Security warns of significant risks in Prometheus stack
The cloud security vendor called on Prometheus to provide users with additional safeguards to protect against misconfigurations discovered in the open source monitoring tool. Continue Reading
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Opinion
09 Apr 2012
Gary McGraw on software security assurance: Build it in, build it right
If the field of computer security is to be fixed, the only hope we have is building security in, says software security expert Gary McGraw. Continue Reading
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Answer
31 Aug 2011
How to mitigate the risk of a TOCTTOU attack
Are TOCTTOU attacks, exploiting time-of-check-to-time-of-use race conditions, a threat to your enterprise file systems? Expert Michael Cobb discusses the dangers and how to mitigate them. Continue Reading
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Tip
11 Mar 2011
Securing a multi-tenant environment
Learn some of the key elements for secure multi-tenancy. Continue Reading
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Definition
11 Feb 2011
BIOS rootkit attack
A BIOS-level rootkit attack, also known as a persistent BIOS attack, is an exploit in which the BIOS is flashed (updated) with malicious code. A BIOS rootkit is programming that enables remote administration. Continue Reading
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Definition
10 Feb 2011
BIOS rootkit
A BIOS-level rootkit is programming that exists in a system's memory hardware to enable remote administration. Because the rootkit lives in the computer’s BIOS (basic input/output system), it persists not only through attempts to reflash the BIOS but also through hard drive erasure or replacement. Continue Reading
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Tip
03 Feb 2011
The hypervisor security patch management process
Enterprises using virtualization must include hypervisor patching in their patch management process. Robbie Higgins explains why. Continue Reading
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Definition
24 Sep 2010
alternate data stream (ADS)
An alternate data stream (ADS) is a feature of Windows New Technology File System (NTFS) that contains metadata for locating a specific file by author or title. Continue Reading
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Tip
30 Jul 2010
How to avoid attacks that exploit a Web browser vulnerability
Beyond patching, Tom Chmielarski explains what you'll need to do to avoid application exploits caused by Web browser vulnerabilities. Continue Reading
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Answer
05 Jul 2010
Why it's important to turn on DEP and ASLR Windows security features
In the quest for application security, many developers are disabling or incorrectly implementing two important Windows security features. In this expert response, Michael Cobb explains why ASLR and DEP should always be turned on. Continue Reading
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Tip
30 Mar 2010
Using Windows software restriction policies to stop executable code
Software restriction policies are one way to prevent known malware and file-sharing applications from taking control of your network. Continue Reading
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Quiz
19 Nov 2009
Quiz: How to build secure applications
Use this five-question quiz to test your knowledge of how to secure your enterprise apps. Continue Reading
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Tip
03 Nov 2009
Security benefits of virtual desktop infrastructures
In a highly regulated industry where security is critical, financial-services firms are turning to virtual desktop infrastructures. In this tip, Eric Ogren explains the security benefits of virtualized desktops and virtual workspace projects, including malware-resistant software configurations and enhanced data loss prevention. Continue Reading
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Tip
23 Sep 2009
Determine your Microsoft Windows patch level
A handful of patch management tools from Microsoft and third -parties can help your organization determine your Windows patch level and identify missing security patches. Continue Reading
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Answer
22 Sep 2009
How to prevent ActiveX security risks
Application expert Michael Cobb explains why ActiveX security relies entirely on human judgment. Continue Reading
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Tip
18 Jun 2009
When BIOS updates become malware attacks
Most security pros don't give the system BIOS a second thought, or even a first one, but today's BIOS types are highly susceptible to malicious hackers. Information security threats expert Sherri Davidoff explains how attackers can plant BIOS malware and how security pros can thwart such attacks. Continue Reading
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Tip
02 Mar 2009
How many firewalls do you need?
Whether your organizations needs multiple sets of firewalls depends on whether they will protect clients, servers or both and what kind of traffic they will monitor. Continue Reading
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Answer
11 Feb 2009
How does a Web server model differ from an application server model?
A Web server model and an application server model share many similarities but require different defense methods. Each model, for example, calls for distinct placement of application servers. Continue Reading
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Answer
14 Oct 2008
What are the basics of a Web browser exploit?
John Strand explains how attackers target a flaw in either the browser or in an application that the browser calls to process a Web request. Continue Reading
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Definition
13 Aug 2008
honey monkey
A honey monkey is a virtual computer system that is programmed to lure, detect, identify and neutralize malicious activity on the Internet. The expression, coined by Microsoft, is based on the term honey pot, which refers to a computer system expressly set up to attract and "trap" people who attempt to penetrate other people's computers... (Continued) Continue Reading
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Tip
19 May 2008
Ophcrack: Password cracking made easy
Scott Sidel examines the open source security tool Ophcrack, a password cracking tool aimed at ensuring the strength of corporate passwords. Continue Reading
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Definition
08 Apr 2008
Open Source Hardening Project
The Open Source Hardening Project is an initiative of the United States Department of Homeland Security, created to improve the security of open source code. Because the infrastructure of the Internet, financial institutions and many other critcal systems in the U.S. run on open source software, the security of these applications is crucial... (Continued) Continue Reading
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Answer
11 Feb 2008
What software development practices prevent input validation attacks?
Improper input validation leads to numerous kinds of attacks, including cross-site scripting, SQL injection and command injection. In this expert Q&A, Michael Cobb reviews the most important application development practices. Continue Reading
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Tip
17 Jan 2008
Developing a patch management policy for third-party applications
Enterprises may push the latest critical Windows patches once a month, but here's a dirty little secret: Most organizations don't bother patching their third-party applications. The diversity of client-side software -- including everything from Acrobat Reader to iTunes -- complicates matters, but security professionals shouldn't lose hope. Effective patch management for third-party products is possible, and contributor Ed Skoudis has the tools to do it. Continue Reading
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Tip
11 Oct 2007
Preparing for uniform resource identifier (URI) exploits
URIs have always been a user-friendly way to recognize and access Web resources. By crafting malicious URLs and manipulating protocol handlers, however, attackers have devised new attacks that take advantage of the URI's locator functionality. Web security expert Michael Cobb explains how the identifier exploits may start a fresh round of problems for developers and users alike. Continue Reading
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Answer
31 May 2007
What are the drawbacks to application firewalls?
Application-layer firewalls examine ingoing and outgoing traffic more carefully than traditional packet-filtering firewalls, so why are some holding back on deployment? In this SearchSecurity.com Q&A, Michael Cobb reveals some cost and performance issues. Continue Reading
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Answer
24 Apr 2007
What is an Nmap Maimon scan?
Systems are often designed to hide out on a network. In this SearchSecurity.com Q&A, network security expert Mike Chapple explains how Nmap Maimon scans can get a response out of them. Continue Reading
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Answer
17 Jan 2007
Will two different operating systems cause administrative problems?
Using two different operating systems can often boost a company's security, but there are practical limitations to the enterprise practice. In this expert Q&A, Michael Cobb reveals how separate platforms can lead to deployment issues and higher development costs. Continue Reading
- Quiz 19 Jan 2006
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Tip
15 Nov 2004
How to patch vulnerabilities and keep them sealed
Learn how to simplify the patch deployment process and employ methods that will reduce vulnerabilities. Continue Reading