Security is not an afterthought—it's a fundamental requirement for every application we deploy. Before any system goes live, we perform a comprehensive security audit using this checklist. These practices have helped us maintain zero critical security incidents across our production systems.
Authentication and Authorization
We verify that all endpoints require proper authentication. Passwords are hashed using bcrypt or Argon2 with appropriate salt rounds. We implement rate limiting on login endpoints to prevent brute force attacks. Role-based access control (RBAC) is properly configured, and we test that users can only access resources they're authorized to view or modify.
Input Validation and Sanitization
All user inputs are validated and sanitized. We use libraries like Joi or Zod for schema validation, ensuring data types and formats are correct. SQL injection is prevented through parameterized queries, and we sanitize user-generated content to prevent XSS attacks. File uploads are restricted by type and size, and uploaded files are scanned for malware.
Data Protection
Sensitive data is encrypted at rest and in transit. We use TLS 1.3 for all communications and ensure certificates are properly configured. Database connections use SSL/TLS. Personally identifiable information (PII) is encrypted using industry-standard algorithms. We also implement data retention policies and ensure GDPR compliance where applicable.
Dependency Management
We regularly audit dependencies using tools like npm audit or Snyk. All packages are kept up to date, and we prioritize security patches. We maintain a list of approved packages and review new dependencies before adding them to projects. Known vulnerabilities are addressed immediately, and we use dependency locking to ensure consistent builds.
Infrastructure Security
Our infrastructure follows the principle of least privilege. Access to production systems requires multi-factor authentication. We use secrets management tools like AWS Secrets Manager or HashiCorp Vault. Network security groups are configured to allow only necessary traffic. Regular security scans and penetration testing are performed before major releases.
Logging and Monitoring
Security events are logged and monitored. We track failed login attempts, privilege escalations, and suspicious activities. Logs are stored securely and retained according to compliance requirements. We have alerting in place for security incidents and maintain an incident response plan.
This checklist is not exhaustive, but it covers the critical areas we validate before deployment. Security is an ongoing process, and we continuously update our practices as threats evolve. Regular security audits and staying informed about the latest vulnerabilities are essential for maintaining secure systems.