Where it usually goes wrong
- A client asks if their app is safe, and you are not sure what to say.
- You do the coding, the design, and the security, all on your own.
- One hack could cost you the client, the payment, and your good name.
- You take over a messy project and have no idea what risks are hiding in it.
The quick wins that protect most apps
You do not need a big security budget. A handful of habits stops the attacks that hit small projects most often. Start here.
1. Turn on HTTPS everywhere
Traffic that is not encrypted can be read or changed. Most hosts give free certificates, so there is no excuse to skip it. See HTTPS and TLS made simple and the Mozilla SSL Configuration Generator.
2. Never trust what a user types
The most common attacks come from user input that is not handled safely. Guard against cross site scripting and SQL injection on every form and URL. See cross site scripting and SQL injection. Reference: OWASP Top 10.
3. Make the login safe
Weak login is how most small sites get taken over. Block stolen and guessed passwords, add limits on tries, and store passwords with a slow salted hash. Our library OwlAuth gives you this out of the box, so you do not have to build it. Learn the ideas in credential stuffing and password hashing. Reference: OWASP Authentication Cheat Sheet.
4. Keep keys and passwords out of the code
It is easy to leave an API key in the code or push it to git by mistake. Move secrets to environment settings and scan your project. Use our free Secret Scanner and read secrets management. Reference: OWASP Secrets Management Cheat Sheet.
5. Update the parts you did not write
Most of a modern app is outside code from packages. Old packages are a common way in. Run a check and update before you hand over. Reference: npm audit.
6. Handle uploads and private data with care
If the app lets users upload files or stores personal data, treat both as risky. See file upload security and data protection. Reference: OWASP: protecting sensitive data.
How to check your work fast
Before you hand a project over, run it through our free checks so you can spot gaps in minutes, not days.
- Run the Stack Assessment to see where the app stands.
- Work through the Security Checklist and tick off each item.
- Scan the code for leaked keys with the Secret Scanner.
What to hand your client
Give the client a short, clear note: what you checked, what you fixed, and what follows the OWASP standard. It builds trust and sets you apart. The checklist works well as a simple report you can share.
Two ways we help
Learn and check: use the free OWASP toolkit to audit any project and explain your work to clients.
Build faster and safer: drop in OwlAuth so client logins are protected without extra effort.