In website development, security concerns have to be addressed. The vastness of the internet creates limitless possibilities, and some of these are wrongly explored, especially by network intruders who use their resources to gain unauthorized entry into an organization and either alter information or steal it. These concerns have to be addressed, and in the absence of a webmaster, or an information security consultant, a web developer is compelled to assume the responsibility of making sure the site is safe, and inaccessible to those that have not gone through the proper channels of getting access.
The first thing that a web developer needs to put in place is an authentication protocol. This form of security is basic for a website, and it is used by members who have registered with the site. A username and password are required, and these are often created by the visitor, which means that the information only remains with them. Sometimes, email addresses are used for usernames, but the level of security provided is consistent. Firewalls are used to prevent hackers from gaining access to the site illegally. These are highly sophisticated, allowing only certain information to pass, and prohibiting any suspicious activity that may result in unauthorized entry. Use of antivirus and anti-spyware programs is recommended to ensure there is internet security. They prevent viral attacks, and suspicious activity in the website.
In web development, the importance of having strong security is directly proportional to the importance of the site itself. For a site that is for personal use, then there needn’t be a lot of security measures put in place. In any case, highly personal information should not be posted on such sites, as it can be used by identity thieves, and this never has a good ending. For websites that deal with web transactions, then heightened levels of security are a necessity. These ensure the privacy of monetary details exchanged. Online banking institutions have the highest encryptions which are considered unbreakable by even the most seasoned intruders. Of course, this kind of security cannot be guaranteed by one person. That’s why these sites have large teams of information security officers, and other personnel who are charged with the responsibility of making sure the website remains secure.
When a web development service is constructed, ensuring site security comes with the package. Of course, making this assumption is discouraged, and these specifics need to be discussed, before the task of developing a site is concerned. As a client, you reserve the luxury of specifying the kind of site security that you want, mostly, because it comes at your expense. Free websites, which are highly deficient of uniqueness or personality, usually come with security protocols of their own, so you needn’t worry about unauthorized access.
Devising security measures for a website may sometimes include creating security measures for the whole network, when the website is only accessible within an intranet. There is increased complexity in doing this, since there are more variables and considerations that need to be made.
