OWASP TOP 10: CRYPTOGRAPHIC FAILURES

What Are Cryptographic Failures?

Cryptographic failures happen when sensitive data isn’t properly encrypted, leaving it vulnerable. It’s not just about weak encryption—misconfigurations, poor key management, and outdated protocols also play a big role.

Common Causes & Their Impact

1. Weak or Deprecated Algorithms – Older encryption methods like MD5 or SHA-1 are easily cracked.

2. Poor Key Management – Storing encryption keys in easily accessible locations makes them an easy target.

3. Unencrypted Data – Sensitive data like passwords and credit card details should never be stored in plain text.

4. Insecure Communication – Using HTTP instead of HTTPS exposes data to interception.

How to Prevent Cryptographic Failures

✅ Use Modern Encryption – Implement AES-256 & SHA-256. 

✅ Secure Key Management – Store keys in a secure vault, not in your code. 

✅ Encrypt Everything – Both at rest and in transit. 

✅ Regular Security Audits – Stay updated with the latest encryption standards.

Conclusion

Cryptographic failures remain a critical issue in web security. By using strong encryption, proper key management, and secure communication channels, you can protect sensitive data from attacks. Stay vigilant and keep updating your security practices!