Security fundamentals underpin the principles and practices that protect information and systems. Here’s how the critical concepts—encryption, hashing, authentication, authorization, web security, and secure coding practices—align with these fundamentals:
1. Encryption
Encryption ensures confidentiality by converting readable data (plaintext) into an unreadable format (ciphertext).
- Types of Encryption:
- Symmetric Encryption: Same key is used for encryption and decryption (e.g., AES). Suitable for speed but requires secure key sharing.
- Asymmetric Encryption: Uses a public-private key pair (e.g., RSA). Public key encrypts, and private key decrypts.
- Applications:
- Securing communication (e.g., HTTPS).
- Protecting stored data (e.g., database encryption).
- Encrypting sensitive files.
2. Hashing
Hashing provides integrity by generating a fixed-size unique hash from input data, making it infeasible to reverse.
- Properties:
- Deterministic: Same input always produces the same hash.
- Collision-resistant: Different inputs should not produce the same hash.
- Applications:
- Password storage: Hash passwords before storing them (e.g., bcrypt, Argon2).
- File verification: Compare hash values to detect tampering.
- Hashing vs Encryption: Hashing is one-way and irreversible, while encryption is reversible with keys.
3. Authentication
Authentication verifies the identity of a user or system.
- Methods:
- Something you know: Passwords or PINs.
- Something you have: OTPs, security tokens, or smart cards.
- Something you are: Biometrics like fingerprints or facial recognition.
- Best Practices:
- Use multi-factor authentication (MFA) for added security.
- Employ secure password storage with hashing and salting.
4. Authorization
Authorization defines what authenticated users are allowed to do, ensuring least privilege.
- Concepts:
- Role-based access control (RBAC): Permissions are assigned based on roles.
- Attribute-based access control (ABAC): Permissions are based on attributes like time, location, or user role.
- Examples:
- A user logging in to a dashboard may view reports but not delete records.
- API keys and scopes limit what actions an application can perform.
5. Web Security
Web security prevents attacks targeting web applications.
Cross-Site Scripting (XSS):
- What it is: Injection of malicious scripts into a trusted website.
- Impact: Attackers steal user data, session cookies, or manipulate the DOM.
- Mitigation:
- Escape or sanitize user input.
- Use Content Security Policy (CSP).
- Implement HTTP-only and secure cookies.
Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF):
- What it is: Tricks authenticated users into performing unintended actions (e.g., transferring funds).
- Impact: Unauthorized actions in authenticated sessions.
- Mitigation:
- Use CSRF tokens to validate requests.
- Require user re-authentication for sensitive actions.
- Implement SameSite cookies.
6. Secure Coding Practices
Secure coding ensures applications are designed to minimize vulnerabilities.
- Principles:
- Input Validation: Never trust user input; validate and sanitize all data.
- Secure Configuration: Disable unnecessary features (e.g., verbose error messages).
- Error Handling: Avoid exposing stack traces or sensitive information in errors.
- Dependency Management: Use up-to-date libraries and check for vulnerabilities.
- Examples:
- Prevent SQL Injection: Use parameterized queries or ORM frameworks.
- Secure APIs: Use rate-limiting, API keys, and encrypted communication.
Interrelation of Concepts
- Encryption and Hashing protect data in transit and at rest.
- Authentication and Authorization ensure only trusted users can access systems, and they do so within defined boundaries.
- Web Security prevents exploitation of application vulnerabilities.
- Secure Coding Practices lay the foundation for building resilient applications.
Conclusion
Understanding and implementing these security fundamentals together creates a robust defense mechanism, protecting systems from threats while maintaining trust and reliability.