Applications are a big part of how we live and work. People use them to shop, book travel, pay bills, message friends, or access healthcare.
Businesses rely on them to connect with customers, run internal systems, and manage data. But with every new feature or update, there’s a chance that something could go wrong—especially when it comes to security.
If an application isn’t properly secured, it can become an easy target for attackers. A single flaw in an app can lead to data theft, service outages, or even full system compromise. And the damage isn’t just technical—it can lead to lost customers, legal trouble, and harm to a brand’s reputation.
Even small or mid-sized businesses face these risks. Many attackers don’t go after specific companies—they scan the internet looking for apps with known weaknesses. If they find one, they may exploit it right away or sell the access to someone else. Either way, the result is the same: a breach that could have been prevented.
That’s why it’s important for developers, business owners, and IT teams to understand the most common threats in application security.
Knowing what to look for is the first step to staying protected. Here are five threats that show up again and again—and what you can do about them.
Threat #1: Injection Attacks
Injection happens when an attacker sends harmful data into an app’s input fields—like a login box or search bar. The most well-known type is SQL injection. This targets the database behind the app. If the app doesn’t properly check or clean up input, the attacker might trick it into revealing data or even changing it.
Injection attacks can be serious. In some cases, attackers can take full control of the app or its server. That’s why input validation—checking and limiting what users can type—is so important.
Threat #2: Broken Authentication
Apps often ask users to log in. If the login process isn’t secure, attackers can get in without permission. This is known as broken authentication. It might happen if passwords are easy to guess, or if sessions stay open too long.
Attackers may also try “credential stuffing,” where they use stolen usernames and passwords from other sites to log in. If users reuse passwords, this can work.
To reduce this risk, apps should use strong password rules, two-factor authentication, and session timeouts.
Threat #3: Weaknesses Found by App Pen Testing
Professional app pen testing services often uncover threats that aren’t obvious at first glance. These services simulate attacks to find holes in how the app handles things like permissions, data storage, and user input.
For example, an app might let users upload files without checking their type. This can lead to malware being uploaded to the server. Or the app might show error messages that give away too much about how it works. These small things can help attackers find a way in.
By using app pen testing, businesses get a clearer picture of their risk. These experts find both common and hidden flaws, and they offer advice on how to fix them.
Threat #4: Sensitive Data Exposure
Many apps collect private information—like names, addresses, or payment details. If this data isn’t stored or sent safely, it can be stolen.
Data should always be encrypted, both when it’s stored and when it’s being transmitted. If an app sends unencrypted data over the internet, anyone listening on the network might be able to see it. That’s why using HTTPS and secure storage methods is critical.
It’s also a good idea to collect only the data you really need. The less data you store, the less you risk losing.
Threat #5: Security Misconfigurations
Sometimes, developers leave features turned on that should be off. This includes things like admin panels, default passwords, or open ports. These are known as misconfigurations. They give attackers an easy way in.
Keeping software updated and removing unnecessary features can help prevent this. Regularly reviewing system settings is also a smart move.
Security tools can also help scan for common missteps. But human oversight is still key. Someone should always be responsible for checking that systems are set up correctly.
Staying Ahead of These Threats
Security isn’t a one-time task. Threats change and attackers find new ways to break in. That’s why ongoing testing and updates are necessary.
Apps should be tested regularly—not just when they’re launched. Updates, new features, and changes in user behavior can all introduce new risks. Training your team to spot and fix these issues is just as important as using the right tools.
By knowing the most common threats—and how to protect against them—you can build apps that are safer and more reliable. It’s not about making things perfect. It’s about staying alert, fixing problems quickly, and taking steps to reduce risk.
Founder Dinis Guarda
IntelligentHQ Your New Business Network.
IntelligentHQ is a Business network and an expert source for finance, capital markets and intelligence for thousands of global business professionals, startups, and companies.
We exist at the point of intersection between technology, social media, finance and innovation.
IntelligentHQ leverages innovation and scale of social digital technology, analytics, news, and distribution to create an unparalleled, full digital medium and social business networks spectrum.
IntelligentHQ is working hard, to become a trusted, and indispensable source of business news and analytics, within financial services and its associated supply chains and ecosystems
