Node.js security best practices

The security of one’s practices is among the key goals for any type of business. Node.js is currently among the safety platforms available to the developers. Nonetheless, some issues can arise with it due to the inevitable problems that befall the field of programming in general. In this review, we’ll take a look at the problems that typically cause security issues. More importantly, we shall then give some tips on the central security risks and the main solution practices one should consider. In the end, Node.js security is not difficult to maintain as long as you know what to do and have some great advisors.

Why Do Node.js Projects Have Security Issues?

Node.js projects have some security issues due to the subjective factors that inevitably affect all types of development. What do we mean by ‘subjective factors’? Primarily, the propensity of human beings to make mistakes. In this respect, many security issues are a result of lacking action on the part of the users and platform developers. A developer can easily leave some bugs within the Node.js framework code.

Top 6 Node.js Security Risks and Solution Practices

Many risks exist concerning Node.js today. Let’s take at the key issues and the ways to resolve them:

1. Bugs in the framework software: the developers of Node.js, while creating the platform, can easily leave some vulnerabilities. The most popular platforms, such as OpenSSL, for example, feature big issues (the infamous Heartbleed, for example). The main way to avoid issues in such a case is to concentrate on the constant updates.
2. Bugs in addons: Node.js is notable for featuring many additions to the original platform within its NPM platform. This package manager is very convenient, indeed. Its problem, however, lies in the fact that the number of coders that deal with the software there is tremendous. Hence, the possibility of someone making an error rises exponentially. The main solution here is to decrease the number of used outside software and promote some form of code reviews.
3. Errors from internal software developers: none of us are perfect. Even the most experienced people eventually make something illogical. In this light, you should invest in the training of your coders, promote automatic review tools, and do manual research of the produced code.
4. Inadequacy of authentication control: a big issue in many cases is the inability of some users to add basic protection to their servers. Sometimes, the perpetrators can simply enter the systems without any issues. In this light, one should invest in a large number of classical tools such as OAuth.
5. XSS attacks: a rather significant factor to consider is the use of cross-site scripts. Many perpetrators can add malignant code directly into the pages users see. Removing the problem requires investments in encryption.
6. Problems during updates: often, the lack of uniform standards during the updates leads to problems with their integrity. The best option in such cases is to invest in the creation of a clear structure for building a pipeline.

Conclusion

In the end, the presented information means that modern companies should make major investments in the promotion of Node.js security. Without such investments, the problems outlined above would accumulate at a rather large rate. Indeed, Node.js is very secure. However, no amount of internal platform security can compensate for the simple errors of the involved developers. In this light, big investments into long-term safety are essential. If you want a company that would be capable of helping in this regard, a good option is to address KeenEthics. These professionals would be able to deliver high-quality assistance with Node.js security.