Understanding the Basics of SOA Security

Service-oriented architecture (SOA) is a type of software design that allows applications to be integrated as services, allowing for easy management of a company’s operations. However, the level of integration that SOA provides is compromised by the use of standard security features that are traditionally embedded into individual applications. In order to make up for this security deficiency, companies are employing the use of specialized SOA security. The following are some of the features of SOA security that address typical vulnerabilities:

• Content Validation: Specialized SOA security ensures that data is only received in the system by trusted users to prevent a forced error by SQL injection that exposes access information.
• Time Stamps: Digitally signed security requests can be forged by replicating previously used messages that are valid for other services. Time stamping requests prevent this sort of infiltration.
• JavaScript Protection: This is a defense that prevents hackers from using JavaScript to input data visible by users from the client end. System scans detect and remove these malicious scripts.

Potential Threats to Your Applications

The beauty of SOA is that you can easily connect the core pieces of your business and communicate with other servers easily and effectively. However, when doing so, vulnerabilities to your business applications are created. Hackers, worms, viruses, and malicious insiders are all targeting these applications. In previous computing systems, applications would be so far embedded that these threats would not be able to penetrate them, but the pathways opened in SOA present opportunities. SOA security protects against these threats on many levels to keep your information safe and secure.

There are many benefits to switching to a service-oriented architecture, but you should also use professional security services to keep your business applications protected. PathMaker Group provides security and identity management solutions. Our services include penetration testing, SOA security, and identity consulting. Learn more about us on our website or call 817-704-3644.