Code security: simple steps to avoid becoming a victim of hackers

Why is code security important?

Even a perfect code can turn into a disaster if it has vulnerabilitiesOne mistake — and the attacker gains access to the database, tokens or personal information of users.

Safety is not something that is added “at the end.” It foundation, on which the project is based.

Top common vulnerabilities

• SQL injections — when data from the form is directly inserted into the database query.
  Solution: use prepared queries (prepared statements).

• XSS (Cross-Site Scripting) — introduction of malicious JavaScript code.
  Solution: escape user input and validate data type.

• Leakage of keys and passwords — accidentally loaded .env files or hardcode.
  Solution: store keys in environment variables and use .gitignore.

• Insufficient verification of access rights — any user can request someone else's data.
  Solution: add validation of rights at each level of the application.

• Unupdated dependencies — old libraries with vulnerabilities.
  Solution: regularly check dependencies using npm audit or pip-audit.

  

How to write secure code?

• Check everything that comes from outside — any input is potentially dangerous.

• Separate roles and access, do not give users more rights than necessary.

• Use HTTPS and encryption for data transmission.

• Connect linters and static code analysis (ESLint Security, SonarQube).

• Write security tests — authorization, input, API requests.

Safety is a process

There is no such thing as a completely secure code, but you can make it so that the hack was too expensive. Regular reviews, updates, and automatic checks are not a luxury, but a necessity.

Security is not an "extra job", but rather a concern for users and your reputation. One unprotected endpoint can cost a project its credibility — and credibility cannot be restored with any patch.

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