Web forms are relatively exposed compared to other website applications, which, coupled with their frequent handling of sensitive data like payment details and Personally Identifiable Information (PII), makes them particularly susceptible to security breaches.
Web forms present a significant security challenge because they are a common entry point for users (registrations, online purchases, etc.) and are often overlooked when developing website security . Organizations must prioritize strong security measures to protect sensitive data and prevent their systems from being compromised, as any user or bot can submit information through these forms.
Two significant regulations directly affect web form and data security: the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
The GDPA is a set of laws that applies to businesses operating within the European Union (EU) and often to those with EU-citizen customers globally. Essentially, GDPR requires companies to obtain explicit user consent before collecting their data. This means users must agree to provide the information requested on a form and have the option to opt-out at any time. A simple checkbox or similar mechanism can be used to ensure users actively opt-in.
HIPAA sets the standard for managing protected health information electronically. It focuses on safeguarding privacy throughout data entry and submission. "HIPAA-compliant web forms ensure that the connection between the browser and the website is encrypted, so information entered on the site or forms is protected against unauthorized access." ~ 12-Step HIPAA-Compliant Website Checklist for 2024
"With data from market research firm Clutch suggesting that 86 percent of users complete at least one web form per week, it's clear that there's a strong need for robust security initiatives designed specifically with these vulnerable forms in mind." ~ Guide to Web Form Security
Using DubBot’s custom policies, you can flag potential security risks and create secure web forms that protect user data and comply with best practices. Here are some best practices for creating secure web forms and how DubBot can help with some of those.
- Encryption: Encryption protects data transmitted between the user and the server. HTTPS (HyperText Transfer Protocol Secure) is a standard practice that uses SSL/TLS encryption.
- CAPTCHA: Enable accessible CAPTCHA authentication.
- Using DubBot, you can create a custom Policy to scan your forms to ensure they include CAPTCHA codes.
- Using DubBot, you can create a custom Policy to scan your forms to ensure they include CAPTCHA codes.
- Data masking: During user input, use asterisks to mask sensitive information like credit card numbers, social security numbers, and driver's license numbers.
- Write a custom policy to find forms that ask for sensitive data, such as Personal Identification Information (PII), so you can test the form for data masking.
- Write a custom policy to find forms that ask for sensitive data, such as Personal Identification Information (PII), so you can test the form for data masking.
- Input validation: Customize field inputs to ensure users enter the correct data. For example, only allow numbers and related characters if a form asks for a phone number.
- Privacy policy: Include a privacy policy outlining users' rights to delete their data and opt-in to data collection.
- Write a custom policy that checks your privacy policy for appropriate phases, including "delete data," "opt-in," and "opt-out."
- Write a custom policy that checks your privacy policy for appropriate phases, including "delete data," "opt-in," and "opt-out."
- Limit data collection: Only collect the data that is necessary.