Is node js safe ? how to secure node.js applications?

 

 

Is node js safe?

           normally questions arise in our mind regarding the security of the technology we are using. you can use any technology but if you don't follow the required security measures. there will always be a security risk no matter which technology you are using. let's see which security measures we can consider while developing any application.

            node js on its core it safe its architecture is simple and completely transparent.but application developer need  to follow all safety measures suggested by the node community always keep the node js version updated 

how to be safe from cyber-attacks?

here I have listed out the most common attacks perform in any server and solutions to deal with it.

• SQL injection

    this is one of the most common attacks performed by a hacker. in this attack, the attacker changes your SQL query and steals your data. either they can steal data and sell it to others illegally or they can misuse you or they may ask for money to give you your data back. each of the cases your data is at risk.

    how to be safe

1. add proper validations to your inputs do not accept unwanted and risky keyword in your input fields  such as symbols, text like ("and", "our", "where",etc.)
2. keep your SQL version updated because hackers mostly search for vulnerability and if your current version is not updated one then you probably face problems due to that. updates mostly fix reported bugs, vulnerability, defects so you need to keep your SQL server version updated.
3. keep your password and other credentials encrypted.

• DDoS attack

      DDoS is another most performed attack by an attacker. to denial, your service which means the number request per second increases so rapidly, and ultimately our server crashes, this attack mostly don't ask for money that just does it to see you in trouble mostly haters do DDoS attack but its dangerous for you when you are running business and traffic is very high you may lose your visitor due to denial of service.

 how to be safe

1. use auto scalable servers. servers like amazon they are auto-scale configurable during DDoS attack your server will automatically scale up itself and handle all requests.so you will get some time to respond back.
2. setup alerts on traffic. if traffic cross a certain threshold your server should notify you.
3. keep your website API links hidden. this is a basic and initial step you can take to avoid DDoS.
4. you can track the IP of the user and avoid that IP to make more than a certain number of requests.

• Cross-site scripting (XSS) attack

        cross-site scripting attack is very easy to attack for hackers they just need to pass the malicious script to your input field and the rest of all work gets done by that script itself. basically, it erases everything from your website and you need to restart your application .but you lose customers or visitors for that period of time which is not good.

 how to be safe

1. make your application allow access to local script only.
2. write proper validation to the input field and for sake of extra safety measures you can add validation at the server side also.

• Other safety measures

1. try to keep your work abstracted from the outer world .do not expose work unless it's required.
2.  do not keep your password and other credentials in commented code or any hidden fields which may increase the risk of getting stolen.
3. use third party packages wisely. see reviews, bugs, package size, etc. before using it because NPM public directory anyone can upload a package so it's up to the package used to check the authenticity of the package and be safe. npm doesn't take any safety measures to verify the package on its own.
4. also, avoid using deprecated packages. 
5. add proper validation no the input data.
6. remove headers like "X-Powered-By: Express" this header gives an idea about which technology or package or version of the package you are using and they can take benefit of the vulnerability of that version of the package.     

summery

the answer to Is node js safe? is yes, but you need to be careful while using it. if you take all safety precautions then your application will remain safe.