Application basics
Start with the controls that prevent common workflow and data-access mistakes.
- - Authentication
- - Authorization
- - Input validation
- - Secure session handling
Checklist
Web App Security Checklist for Product Teams
Security is not one feature. It is a set of product, architecture, and operational decisions that should be considered before launch.
By App Crafters · Product planning and engineering guide
For a detailed verification framework, see the OWASP Application Security Verification Standard.
Operational basics
Production systems need visibility and careful configuration.
- - Environment variables
- - Secrets management
- - Error logging
- - Dependency review
Test access boundaries with real scenarios
Signing in is different from being allowed to read or change a record. Review what each role can do, then test requests on the server with another user's identifiers and another organization's data. Hiding a button in the interface is not an access control. Include sensitive exports, file downloads and background jobs in the same review.
- - Document permissions for users, staff and administrators
- - Validate inputs and enforce ownership on the server
- - Check expired sessions and revoked access
- - Avoid including secrets or sensitive personal data in logs
Prepare an operational handover
A launch checklist needs named owners for dependency updates, backups, restore checks and incident response. Keep production credentials separate from development and grant only the access each role needs. Use a recognized security review framework appropriate to the application; this guide is an initial planning aid rather than a substitute for that review.
- - Record where secrets are stored and who can rotate them
- - Verify backup restoration, not only backup creation
- - Define how errors are noticed and escalated
- - Review third-party services and the data shared with them
FAQs
Is this a compliance checklist?
No. It is a practical starting point. Regulated products need deeper compliance review.
Should security be handled after launch?
No. Basic security decisions should be included in product planning and development.
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