Cyber Security Cheat Sheet

Cyber Security Cheat Sheet

With the increasing reliance on technology and the internet, cyber security has become a critical issue for everyone from individuals to large corporations. Cyber attacks are constantly evolving, making it essential for individuals and organizations to stay informed about the latest threats and how to prevent them. The Cyber Security Cheat Sheet provides a simple, easy-to-understand overview of the most important steps you can take to stay protected online.

Cyber Security Overview

Cyber security is an important aspect of modern society and a crucial component of businesses and individuals alike. With the ever-increasing threat of cyber attacks, it's essential to take necessary precautions to ensure the safety and security of your digital assets. To aid in this, OWASP (Open Web Application Security Project) has created a series of official cheat sheets to help individuals and organizations stay protected from cyber threats.

OWASP Official Cheat Sheets

In today's digital age, cyber security is a major concern for businesses and individuals alike. The frequency and complexity of cyber attacks are constantly increasing, and it's essential to be prepared and protected from these threats. OWASP's official cyber security cheat sheets provide a comprehensive resource to help individuals and organizations stay informed and secure against the latest threats. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the different cheat sheets available and how they can be used to ensure the safety and security of your digital assets.

High Relevant

Nodejs Security Cheat Sheet

Node.js security cheat sheet refers to a collection of tips, best practices, and guidelines to secure applications built using Node.js, a popular open-source, cross-platform JavaScript runtime environment. The cheat sheet aims to provide developers with a quick reference on how to ensure the security of their Node.js applications, covering topics such as authentication, authorization, data validation, secure communication, and more. By following the recommendations outlined in the cheat sheet, developers can minimize the risk of security vulnerabilities and attacks on their Node.js applications.

AJAX Security

AJAX security refers to the measures and techniques implemented to secure AJAX (Asynchronous JavaScript and XML) applications and websites. AJAX is a technique used for creating dynamic and interactive web pages. However, it also creates a potential security risk, as it allows for the transfer of sensitive data between the client and server. As a result, implementing appropriate security measures is crucial in ensuring the safety of the user's data and the system as a whole. This can include measures such as input validation, encryption, and access control.

Clickjacking Defense

Clickjacking, also known as a "UI redress attack," is a type of security threat where an attacker tricks a user into clicking on a concealed link or button that leads to an unintended website or action. It is a type of web-based attack that exploits the trust a user has in a website by using transparent or opaque layers to deceive the user into clicking on a button or link on another page while they remain on the original page. The purpose of a clickjacking defence is to prevent this type of attack by making it difficult for an attacker to overlay a malicious link or button on top of a benign website. This can be achieved through a variety of technical and policy-based solutions, such as the use of frame-busting JavaScript, content security policies, and user education.

Content Security Policy (CSP)

Content Security Policy (CSP) is a security feature implemented in modern web browsers to prevent cross-site scripting (XSS) and other code injection attacks. It is a set of security policies that define which resources (such as scripts, images, and other types of content) a website is allowed to load and execute. The policy is set by the website owner and enforced by the browser so that even if an attacker can inject malicious code into a page, the browser will refuse to execute it. By properly implementing a CSP, website owners can greatly reduce the risk of their users being affected by XSS and other code injection attacks.

Credential Stuffing Prevention

Credential stuffing is a type of cyber attack where a hacker uses stolen login credentials to gain unauthorized access to multiple accounts. To prevent credential stuffing, organizations can implement security measures such as using multi-factor authentication, hashing and salting passwords, rate-limiting login attempts, and regularly monitoring login logs for unusual activity. Additionally, individuals can also protect their accounts by using strong and unique passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, and being cautious of phishing scams.

Cross-Site Request Forgery Prevention (CSRF)

Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF) is a type of security vulnerability that occurs when an attacker can trick a victim into making an unintended action on a website. This can be done by exploiting the trust the victim has in a website, for example, if the victim is logged into their bank account and an attacker tricks them into clicking a link that makes an unauthorized transaction. To prevent CSRF attacks, websites can implement measures such as checking the origin of requests, using CSRF tokens, and limiting the actions that can be performed by a request. It's important to take CSRF prevention seriously, as it can lead to serious consequences such as theft of sensitive information or unauthorized financial transactions.

Cross Site Scripting Prevention (XSS)

Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) is a type of security vulnerability that allows attackers to inject malicious code into a web page viewed by other users. This can result in sensitive information being stolen, such as login credentials or personal data. To prevent XSS, web developers can implement measures such as input validation, encoding user input, and using a Content Security Policy (CSP).

DOM-based XSS Prevention

DOM-based XSS Prevention is a technique used to secure web applications from a type of cross-site scripting (XSS) attack that occurs when client-side code executes in the context of a different website. DOM-based XSS is caused by a vulnerability in the way the application processes user input and generates dynamic content. Prevention strategies for DOM-based XSS include validating user input, encoding user input, and using a Content Security Policy to prevent the execution of malicious code. By following best practices for DOM-based XSS prevention, developers can reduce the risk of XSS attacks and protect their applications and users.

Cryptographic Storage

Cryptographic storage refers to the secure storage of data through the use of cryptographic techniques. This involves transforming the original data into an encrypted form and storing it in such a way that it can only be decrypted by authorized parties. The purpose of cryptographic storage is to protect sensitive information from unauthorized access and theft. Common methods of cryptographic storage include encryption algorithms like AES and RSA, secure storage devices like encrypted USB drives, and secure cloud storage solutions.

Database Security

Database security refers to the protection of data stored in a database from unauthorized access, modification, destruction, or disruption. This includes ensuring the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of data by implementing security measures such as encryption, access controls, backup and recovery plans, and monitoring and auditing systems. Effective database security requires a combination of technical controls and security policies, as well as regular testing and updating of these measures to adapt to new threats and vulnerabilities.

Denial of Service

Denial of Service (DoS) is a type of cyber attack that aims to disrupt the availability of a network or system by overwhelming it with a high volume of requests. The goal of DoS attacks is to make a target's resources unavailable to users by overwhelming the network or server with traffic, thereby making it unable to respond to legitimate requests. As a result, users are unable to access the target's services or data, leading to a denial of service.

Docker Security

Docker security refers to the measures taken to secure Docker containers, Docker images, and the host environment in which they run. This can include securing the communication between containers, controlling access to Docker images and containers, securing the host environment, and ensuring that Docker components are updated with the latest security patches. Best practices for Docker security include running containers with the least privilege necessary, regularly updating Docker components and images, and monitoring the host environment for security breaches.

Forgot Password

Forgot Password is a feature in web applications that allows users to reset their password if they have forgotten it. This is an important security feature because it helps users regain access to their accounts if they forget their passwords. A forgot password process typically involves the user entering their email address and receiving a password reset link in their inbox. The link takes them to a page where they can enter a new password and confirm the change. Implementing strong security measures during the forgot password process is important to prevent unauthorized access to user accounts.

Injection Prevention

Injection prevention is a critical aspect of cyber security. It refers to the process of protecting systems, applications and data from malicious attacks by users who seek to inject malicious code into systems, such as SQL, LDAP, and script injection attacks. This type of attack can have serious consequences, such as data theft, identity theft, and unauthorized access to sensitive information. To prevent injection attacks, organizations should implement security measures such as input validation, parameterized queries, and encoding user input before storing it in the database. Additionally, organizations should regularly update their software, implement security patches, and conduct regular security audits.

Input Validation

Input validation refers to the process of ensuring that the data entered into a system, such as a web application, meets certain minimum standards of accuracy and completeness before it is processed. This helps to prevent malicious actors from injecting harmful code or data into the system, which could cause damage, disrupt service, or compromise sensitive information. Input validation can be achieved through a variety of techniques, such as type checking, range checking, and pattern matching, and it is an essential component of a comprehensive security strategy for any web-based system.

Key Management

Key management is the process of creating, distributing, using, storing, and replacing cryptographic keys. It is a critical aspect of cyber security, as it ensures the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of sensitive information. Key management involves generating strong keys, securely distributing them to authorized users, storing them securely, and updating or replacing them periodically to prevent unauthorized access or abuse. Effective key management is essential for the secure functioning of encryption, decryption, and other cryptographic operations.

Logging

Logging is the process of recording and storing information about events that occur in a system or application. In the context of cyber security, logging is used to keep track of security-related events such as login attempts, access to sensitive information, or detected threats. The logs generated can be used to track the source of security incidents and help in troubleshooting. Proper logging can also provide an auditable trail of the activity in the system and help organizations comply with various regulatory requirements.

Microservices-based Security Arch Doc

The Microservices-based Security Architecture Document is a comprehensive guide to designing and implementing security measures in a microservices-based application. This document covers various aspects of security, including authentication, authorization, and encryption, and provides best practices for ensuring the security of the microservices architecture. The goal is to provide a clear and concise reference for developers and security teams to implement effective security measures for their microservices-based applications.

Multifactor Authentication

Multifactor authentication (MFA) is a security system that requires multiple forms of identification to verify the identity of a user. This system provides an added layer of security to the traditional username and password combination. MFA typically involves the use of a combination of something the user knows (such as a password), something the user has (such as a smart card or phone), and something the user is (such as a fingerprint or face recognition). By requiring multiple forms of authentication, MFA helps reduce the risk of unauthorized access to sensitive information and systems.

Password Storage

Password storage is an important aspect of cyber security. It involves the process of securely storing passwords in a manner that makes it difficult for unauthorized access and protects it from malicious attacks. This includes the use of cryptographic algorithms to encrypt passwords, the storage of passwords in a secure database, and the implementation of best practices to ensure that passwords are not easily accessible or guessable. By using strong password storage techniques, organizations and individuals can help protect their sensitive information and reduce the risk of a data breach.

REST Assessment

REST (Representational State Transfer) Assessment refers to the process of evaluating and analyzing the security of RESTful API (Application Programming Interface) services. REST is a popular software architectural style for designing networked applications and is widely used in the development of web-based services. A REST Assessment aims to identify potential security risks, vulnerabilities and weaknesses in the REST API implementation, which can be used to attack the system.

REST Security

REST (Representational State Transfer) security refers to the measures taken to ensure the security of RESTful APIs, which are web services that allow for the exchange of data between applications. REST security is important to prevent unauthorized access to data and protect against potential attacks such as hacking and data theft. Effective REST security measures can include implementing proper authentication and authorization protocols, using encryption for data transmission, and using secure methods for exchanging data between applications. Additionally, regularly conducting security assessments can help identify potential vulnerabilities and improve the overall security of RESTful APIs.

SQL Injection Prevention

SQL Injection Prevention refers to the techniques used to secure a web application from malicious attacks by preventing unauthorized access to the database through the manipulation of SQL statements. This type of attack can allow an attacker to steal sensitive information, modify or delete data, or even take control of the database server. To prevent SQL Injection attacks, it is important to validate user inputs, use parameterized queries, and implement proper security controls such as firewalls, encryption, and intrusion detection systems. Additionally, it is recommended to keep software and database systems up-to-date with the latest security patches and to perform regular security audits to identify and remediate vulnerabilities.

Securing Cascading Style Sheets

Securing Cascading Style Sheets (CSS) is a crucial aspect of web security as it helps prevent malicious attacks on a website. By implementing proper CSS security measures, it becomes difficult for attackers to inject malicious code into the style sheets, thereby compromising the website's appearance and functionality. Some common security practices include validating and sanitizing input, using secure protocols, and avoiding the use of inline styles. By following best practices for CSS security, websites can greatly reduce the risk of being targeted by malicious attacks and ensure a safe and secure user experience.

Server-Side Request Forgery Prevention

Server-side Request Forgery (SSRF) is a type of attack where an attacker can use a vulnerable web application to send malicious requests to internal systems or other back-end servers. To prevent SSRF attacks, it is important to validate all incoming requests, limit access to internal systems, and implement proper error handling to prevent sensitive information from being disclosed. Additionally, security teams should regularly monitor logs and perform penetration testing to identify and address any potential vulnerabilities.

Session Management

Session management is a crucial aspect of cyber security that involves controlling and maintaining the state of a user's session securely and efficiently. This includes creating and storing unique session IDs, validating the authenticity of a user's session, and controlling the duration of a user's session. A well-designed session management system is essential for preventing unauthorized access to sensitive information and ensuring that users' data is protected while they interact with an application.

Threat Modeling

Threat modelling is the process of identifying potential security threats to a system, application, or network and evaluating the risk they pose. It involves identifying the assets to be protected, determining the threats that could compromise these assets, and determining the appropriate countermeasures to mitigate or eliminate these threats. Threat modelling can help organizations prioritize their security efforts, allocate resources more effectively, and develop more secure systems, applications, and networks. It is a crucial step in the cyber security process and helps organizations identify and address potential security issues before they cause harm.

Transport Layer Protection

Transport Layer Protection refers to the security measures taken to protect data during transmission over a network. This includes encryption, secure protocols such as SSL/TLS, and verifying the authenticity of the communication endpoint. The purpose of transport layer protection is to ensure that sensitive information is not intercepted or altered during transmission and to prevent man-in-the-middle attacks.

Unvalidated Redirects and Forwards

Unvalidated Redirects and Forwards are a security concern in web applications, where a user is redirected or forwarded to an unintended location without proper validation. This can lead to phishing attacks, malware infections, or other security risks. It's important to implement proper validation and checks on redirects and forwards to prevent such attacks and keep the user's data and device secure.

User Privacy Protection

User privacy protection is a critical aspect of cyber security that ensures the confidential information of users is protected from unauthorized access and misuse. This can involve various measures such as data encryption, secure data storage, secure authentication and authorization, and the implementation of privacy policies. The objective is to provide users with peace of mind that their personal information is safe and secure and to reduce the risk of data breaches, identity theft, and other malicious attacks. This is especially important in the era of digital transformation where sensitive information is frequently shared and stored online.

Virtual Patching

Virtual patching is a security technique that aims to protect computer systems and networks from vulnerabilities and threats, by temporarily closing the gap between the time a vulnerability is discovered and when a permanent patch is installed. It involves creating a virtual patch that acts as a barrier between the system or network and the potential threat, thereby reducing the risk of attack. Virtual patching is typically used in situations where it is not feasible to install a permanent patch immediately, for example, due to time constraints or compatibility issues. This approach can provide a quick and effective way to address vulnerabilities and improve overall security.

Other

XML Security

XML Security refers to the measures taken to secure XML data and transactions from potential threats, such as unauthorized access, data tampering, and denial of service attacks. It involves the implementation of secure parsing, validation, and encoding techniques, as well as the use of secure communication protocols, such as SSL/TLS, to ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of XML data. Other measures, such as XML encryption and XML digital signatures, can also be used to provide additional protection for sensitive XML data.

XML External Entity Prevention

XML External Entity (XXE) Prevention refers to the security measures taken to prevent malicious actors from exploiting vulnerabilities in the processing of XML data. This can include implementing proper input validation, disabling entity resolution, and using a secure XML parser. The goal is to prevent attackers from injecting malicious code into an XML document and potentially compromising sensitive information. XXE prevention is an important aspect of overall web application security and should be taken seriously by developers and security professionals.

Vulnerable Dependency Management

Vulnerable Dependency Management is an important aspect of cyber security that focuses on identifying and managing any potential security risks posed by third-party libraries, modules or components that an application may depend on. It involves regularly monitoring and updating these dependencies to ensure they are free of known vulnerabilities, and taking steps to mitigate the risks posed by any vulnerabilities that are discovered. This can help prevent attackers from exploiting vulnerabilities in these dependencies to gain unauthorized access to sensitive information or disrupt the normal operation of the application.

Vulnerability Disclosure Cheat Sheet

The Vulnerability Disclosure Cheat Sheet is a comprehensive guide on how to properly manage vulnerabilities and security issues in software and systems. It covers best practices for handling vulnerability reports, how to communicate with researchers, how to implement a responsible disclosure policy, and more. This cheat sheet aims to help organizations ensure that their systems and software remain secure and that they can handle vulnerabilities and security issues responsibly and transparently.

Transaction Authorization

Transaction authorization is the process of verifying and approving a financial transaction such as a credit card payment or electronic funds transfer. This involves checking if the person making the transaction has sufficient funds, verifying their identity, and ensuring that the transaction is not fraudulent. The purpose of transaction authorization is to protect both the buyer and the seller in a financial transaction and prevent unauthorized access to sensitive information such as credit card numbers and bank account details.

TLS Cipher String

The TLS Cipher String is a string of characters that represent a specific combination of cryptographic protocols and algorithms used to secure communication over the Transport Layer Security (TLS) protocol. It determines the encryption, authentication, and key exchange mechanisms used to secure the transmission of data between two parties. The cypher string is often used to configure the TLS settings on a server or in client-server communication and is an important factor in ensuring the security and privacy of data transmitted over a network.

Third-Party Javascript Management

Third-Party Javascript Management refers to the practice of managing the use of scripts from external sources on a website or web application. This involves assessing the security and compatibility of these scripts and making decisions about when and how they are used. It is important for maintaining the security and stability of a website or web application, as external scripts can often introduce vulnerabilities that could be exploited by malicious actors. Effective Third Party Javascript Management requires close attention to security best practices, monitoring, and regular updates to the scripts being used.

SAML Security

SAML (Security Assertion Markup Language) is a widely adopted standard for exchanging authentication and authorization data between parties, in particular, between an identity provider (IdP) and a service provider (SP). SAML security refers to the measures taken to secure the SAML protocol and prevent potential security threats, such as eavesdropping, tampering, or replay attacks. This involves implementing strong encryption algorithms and digital signatures, properly configuring the SAML components, and monitoring the SAML traffic for any suspicious activity. Ensuring SAML security is essential for protecting sensitive user information and maintaining trust in the identity management system.

Query Parameterization

Query parameterization is a technique used in software development to secure the application from malicious inputs. It involves converting user inputs into a format that is safe for use in a database query. This helps to prevent SQL injection attacks, which are a common security vulnerability. By parameterizing user inputs, developers can ensure that their application is robust and secure and that user data is protected from unauthorized access or manipulation.

Pinning

Pinning, in cybersecurity, refers to a technique of verifying the authenticity of an SSL/TLS certificate by "pinning" it to a specific trusted certificate or a set of trusted certificates. This means that the client will only accept a certificate from the server if it matches the pinned certificate or one of the certificates in the pinned set. Pinning provides an additional layer of security by reducing the risk of man-in-the-middle attacks and providing assurance that the client is communicating with the expected server.

HTTP Strict Transport Security (HSTS)

HTTP Strict Transport Security (HSTS) is a security feature that allows websites to declare to web browsers that all communications with the website must be done over a secure, encrypted connection (i.e., HTTPS). When a website is accessed over an HSTS-enabled connection, the browser will automatically convert any subsequent insecure (HTTP) requests to secure (HTTPS) requests, thereby helping to prevent man-in-the-middle attacks and other security threats. HSTS helps to ensure that all communications with a website are secure and confidential and that the website's content and functionality cannot be tampered with by unauthorized third parties.

HTML5 Security

HTML5 is the latest version of the Hypertext Markup Language (HTML) used to create and structure web pages. Despite its many benefits and improvements, HTML5 also introduces new security risks and vulnerabilities. Some common security concerns in HTML5 include Cross-Site Scripting (XSS), Cross-Site Request Forgery' (CSRF), and others. To address these risks, it's important to follow best practices for HTML5 security, such as implementing Content Security Policy (CSP), validating user inputs, and using secure development practices.

Abuse Case

An abuse case in the context of cybersecurity refers to a scenario where an attacker takes advantage of a vulnerability in a system or software to cause harm or damage. This can include unauthorized access to sensitive information, theft of data, denial of service attacks, and more. The abuse case helps security experts and organizations understand the potential risks and consequences of a security breach and how to effectively prevent or mitigate them.

Access Control

Access control is a security technique that regulates who or what is authorized to access resources in a computing environment. This can include physical resources such as buildings and equipment, as well as digital resources such as data and applications. Access control systems typically use authentication and authorization procedures to determine who can access specific resources and what actions they can perform once they have access. Access control can be implemented through a variety of technologies including firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and biometric authentication devices.

Attack Surface Analysis

Attack Surface Analysis is a security method that involves examining the potential attack vectors or entry points that an attacker could use to gain unauthorized access to a system or application. It involves identifying and assessing the security risks associated with a specific technology or system, and identifying the steps needed to mitigate those risks. The goal of attack surface analysis is to help organizations identify potential security weaknesses in their systems, and take steps to prevent them from being exploited.

Authentication

Authentication is the process of verifying the identity of a user, system, or device before allowing access to protected resources or information. It ensures that the person accessing the resources is who they claim to be, and is used to secure data and systems against unauthorized access. Different types of authentication methods include username and password, biometric identification, and smart card authentication.

Authorization Testing Automation

Authorization testing automation is a process of automatically testing the authorization mechanisms in an application to ensure that the appropriate permissions are granted and access is restricted for unauthorised users. This process helps to identify and prevent potential security vulnerabilities in the application and improve the overall security of the system. By automating the authorization testing process, security teams can reduce the risk of human error and increase the efficiency and accuracy of the testing process.

Choosing and Using Security Questions

Security questions are commonly used as a form of authentication or as a backup in case a user forgets their password. However, choosing the right security questions and using them effectively is crucial to ensure the security of a user's account. In this article, we'll go over the best practices for choosing and using security questions for authentication, including selecting questions that are secure and not easily guessable, avoiding questions with answers that can be easily found online, and allowing users to choose their security questions or have the option to set a security phrase instead.

Deserialization

Deserialization is the process of converting data stored in a binary format back into a programmatic object in memory. This is commonly used in serialization, where an object is transformed into a binary format for storage or transmission, and then deserialized when needed. Deserialization can pose a security risk if the input data is not properly validated, as malicious data can cause unexpected behaviour in the application or even compromise its security. To prevent these risks, it is important to validate the input data before deserializing it and to only deserialize data from trusted sources.

Error Handling

Error handling is a crucial aspect of software development that involves the detection and resolution of errors or exceptions in a program. It is an important aspect of software security as well, as it helps to prevent malicious actors from exploiting vulnerabilities in an application. Error handling strategies may include error messages, logging, and fallback mechanisms to ensure that an application continues to function even in the face of errors or exceptions. This can help to minimize the impact of errors on the user experience and prevent sensitive data from being leaked or compromised.

File Upload

File upload is the process of transmitting a file from a user's device to a server. In the context of web development, file upload is a crucial feature that allows users to upload files, such as images, documents, or videos, to a server. File upload is a vital component of many web applications, such as online storage services, online marketplaces, or social media platforms. When implementing a file upload feature, it is essential to consider security considerations, such as input validation, file type validation, and limiting file size, to prevent malicious files from being uploaded to the server.

LDAP Injection Prevention

LDAP injection is a type of security vulnerability in which a malicious attacker exploits a flaw in a web application to manipulate an LDAP (Lightweight Directory Access Protocol) search query and gain access to sensitive information stored in an LDAP directory. To prevent LDAP injection attacks, organizations should ensure that their web applications validate user input, sanitize data, and enforce strong password policies. Additionally, input validation and sanitization should be implemented on both the client side and server-side of the application. Furthermore, using Prepared Statements with bound parameters, or using object-relational mapping (ORM) frameworks can greatly reduce the risk of LDAP injection attacks.

Mass Assignment

Mass Assignment refers to a vulnerability in web applications where user input is automatically and blindly assigned to objects and used to update the database. If user input is not properly validated, it can lead to unauthorized changes to the application data. This vulnerability can be mitigated by using strong input validation and only assigning necessary parameters, rather than all input received. Additionally, using an ORM framework that automatically handles mass assignments can help ensure that data is properly validated before it is saved to the database.

Other Relevant Cheat Sheets

1. Snyk | Snyk CLI Cheat Sheet
2. Snyk | Cheat Sheet: 10 GitHub Security Best Practices
3. Snyk | Zip Slip Cheat Sheet