might’ve heard developers talk about the “OWASP Top 10” — but what is it really?
In simple terms, it’s a list of the most common and critical web vulnerabilities every developer and business should know.
🔐 1. Broken Access Control
This happens when users can access data or functions they shouldn’t.
Example: A regular user editing admin settings.
👉 Fix: Implement strict role-based permissions.
🧩 2. Cryptographic Failures
Weak or missing encryption puts sensitive data at risk.
👉 Fix: Always use HTTPS and strong encryption algorithms like AES or RSA.
💣 3. Injection (SQL, XSS, etc.)
Hackers can insert malicious code into your database or website.
👉 Fix: Use parameterized queries and validate inputs.
⚙️ 4. Insecure Design
Poor system design can expose vulnerabilities before coding even begins.
👉 Fix: Plan secure architecture and threat modeling early.
🧱 5. Security Misconfiguration
Default passwords, open ports, or unnecessary features left on.
👉 Fix: Harden configurations and use automated scans.
🧑💻 6. Vulnerable and Outdated Components
Old libraries and frameworks can be ticking time bombs.
👉 Fix: Keep dependencies up-to-date.
📡 7. Identification and Authentication Failures
Weak login systems lead to brute-force attacks.
👉 Fix: Enforce strong passwords, MFA, and session timeouts.
💾 8. Software and Data Integrity Failures
Unverified updates or packages can be exploited.
👉 Fix: Use code signing and trusted repositories.
🕵️♂️ 9. Security Logging and Monitoring Failures
If you don’t log or monitor, you’ll never know when you’re hacked.
👉 Fix: Implement real-time alerts and security logs.
☁️ 10. Server-Side Request Forgery (SSRF)
Attackers trick your server into fetching malicious data.
👉 Fix: Validate and sanitize all URLs and requests