Implementation of web application security on node.js: main threats and security methods

Abstract

Background. The intensive development of web technologies and the growing popularity of web applications developed on the Node.js platform open new opportunities for digital business while simultaneously increasing cyber threat risks. One of the key problems of modern cybersecurity is protecting such systems from unauthorized access, data integrity violations, and ensuring their stable operation. In the context of increasing attacks on web resources, security measures that can be integrated without significant performance degradation become particularly relevant. The application of multi-level mechanisms, including access control, input validation, and database query parameterization, forms the foundation of the modern approach to secure development.
Methods. This work conducted a systematic analysis of modern methods for ensuring web application security, particularly in the Node.js context. Methods of theoretical modeling, comparative analysis, practical testing of security systems, and effectiveness analysis of various strategies were used. Special attention was paid to the integration of protection mechanisms such as rate limiting, parameterized SQL query processing, user input filtering, and application of the principle of least privilege. For each method, the level of performance load, attack detection accuracy, and compatibility with Node.js architecture were evaluated.
Results. The analysis showed that the most effective approach to web application protection is combining several complementary strategies. For example, using parameterized queries significantly reduces the risk of SQL injections, while access control to critical resources prevents unauthorized data modification. It was proven that combining rate limiting and input filtering significantly increases application resistance to brute force and script injection attacks. At the same time, such measures do not create substantial system load, allowing their implementation in real-world conditions. Optimal configurations of protective mechanisms were determined depending on the threat level and functional requirements of the web application.
Conclusions. Protecting web applications built on Node.js requires a systematic and comprehensive approach. Combining several protection methods allows achieving a high level of security without reducing application efficiency. The research results can be used to build integrated systems for detecting and preventing cyber threats, taking into account the architectural features of Node.js. Beyond technical aspects, the importance of implementing security policies that encompass both technological and organizational protection components is emphasized. Systematic implementation of such approaches will ensure application resilience even under conditions of increasing cyber threat complexity.