Neglecting app and website security and its impact on user trust

Weak password protection exposes users to hacking

One of the most common mistakes in app and website design is neglecting password protection, which is the first line of defense against any hacking attempt. Many apps allow weak passwords or do not implement two-factor authentication, putting users' accounts at great risk.

When users are not forced to create a strong password, such as one that contains uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols, their account is more likely to be hacked. Even worse, if the data is not encrypted within the database, even a simple leak could lead to disaster.

The system should include smart features such as evaluating the strength of the password at the time of creation, blocking common or predictable words, and providing a secure reset feature via email or phone. It is also recommended to enable two-factor authentication to add an additional layer of protection, especially for sensitive accounts.

Ignoring encryption opens the door to hackers.

One of the biggest security mistakes many app and website developers make is not using encryption to protect data, or using it in a partial or weak manner. Encryption isn't an optional extra; it's essential to protect user privacy and ensure the integrity of information during transmission or storage.

When sensitive data such as passwords, card numbers, or personal addresses are sent unencrypted, this information is vulnerable to interception through man-in-the-middle attacks. If servers are compromised, storing data in clear text makes it easier for hackers to immediately exploit it.

Effective encryption begins with using HTTPS protocols for all pages, not just payment pages. User data within databases should also be encrypted using strong algorithms like AES, and passwords should be encrypted using technologies like bcrypt or Argon2 to ensure they cannot be recovered even in the event of a leak.

Neglecting security updates makes the application vulnerable to vulnerabilities.

A fatal mistake in managing applications and websites is neglecting security updates, whether at the system level or the software components. Any digital system—no matter how robust—can contain vulnerabilities that are later discovered and, if not addressed promptly, become an entry point for hackers.

Many companies launch their applications and then neglect to update them regularly, satisfied that everything currently works. However, the digital environment is constantly changing, and cyberattacks are evolving daily, meaning that what was secure yesterday could become an open loophole today.

Common reasons for this mistake include relying on outdated third-party libraries or ignoring security alerts from operating systems and hosting services. Furthermore, some teams hesitate to update platforms for fear of breaking existing functionality, a situation that can be overcome by conducting comprehensive testing before implementing updates.

Neglecting Backups Threatens Business Continuity

One of the most underestimated mistakes in the world of applications and websites is neglecting to establish a regular and secure backup plan. Many digital entrepreneurs assume that everything will always work as it should, forgetting that failures can occur at any moment, whether due to a technical error, a cyberattack, or even the unintentional deletion of data by an employee.

The absence of a backup simply means that any data loss is irreversible. Imagine losing your user database, orders, or products due to a simple server failure or a failed update. Without a backup, you'd be forced to start from scratch, potentially losing months of work and customer trust.

It's good practice to keep daily or weekly backups, depending on the nature of your business, and store them in secure off-site locations other than the primary hosting location. It's also preferable to diversify your storage media between the cloud and local copies.

Backups should also be tested regularly to ensure they can actually be restored. Many companies keep corrupted backups without knowing it, and only discover it when they need it.