Application security controls: Building applications that are secure by design

Application security is no longer optional; it’s foundational. As threats evolve and development speeds up, organizations need effective, proactive ways to manage risk. That’s where application security controls come in. These are the policies, practices, and technologies that help prevent, detect, and respond to security threats across the software lifecycle.

For enterprises managing dozens or hundreds of web applications and APIs, relying on manual reviews or isolated tools is no longer enough. You need scalable, automated, and validated security controls and tools, and that’s exactly where Invicti’s DAST-first platform delivers measurable impact.

What are application security controls?

Application security controls are mechanisms (technical or procedural) that protect software applications from unauthorized access, data leaks, and other threats. They help enforce security best practices and reduce the likelihood of vulnerabilities entering or remaining in your codebase.

These controls operate at different stages of the SDLC and fall into several categories depending on their intent: to prevent, detect, correct, deter, or compensate for security risks.

Types of application security controls

Security controls fall into five primary categories. Each plays a critical role in securing applications across their lifecycle.

Preventive controls

Purpose: Stop security issues before they happen.

Secure coding practices

Adopting security-focused coding standards helps eliminate vulnerabilities at the source. Invicti complements this by automatically detecting insecure code behavior during testing, enabling feedback early in development.

Input validation

Sanitizing user input is essential to prevent injection attacks, XSS, and other data-driven exploits. Preventive validation should be built into both client and server-side code.

Authentication and authorization

It is foundational to ensure that users are who they claim to be and can only access what they’re permitted to. Properly implemented auth controls are the first line of defense against privilege escalation.

Web application firewalls (WAFs)

WAFs can block common attacks before they reach your application. While they’re not a substitute for secure code, they serve as a useful compensating and preventive measure, especially for legacy applications.

Detective controls

Purpose: Identify and report vulnerabilities or incidents.

Dynamic application security testing (DAST)

DAST tools like Invicti simulate real-world attacks against running applications to detect vulnerabilities. Invicti goes further with proof-based scanning, confirming exploitable issues to reduce false positives and speed up remediation.

Intrusion detection systems (IDS)

IDS tools monitor traffic and behavior to detect malicious activity at the network or application layer. They’re essential for identifying anomalous behavior post-deployment.

Security logging and monitoring

Comprehensive logs and real-time monitoring allow security teams to detect threats, investigate incidents, and improve response times.

Corrective controls

Purpose: Fix issues and restore secure operations.

Patch management

Timely updates to libraries, frameworks, and platforms help close known security gaps. Invicti’s SCA capabilities help identify vulnerable components in your application stack.

Automated remediation workflows

When vulnerabilities are detected, platforms like Invicti can create tickets and trigger workflows to ensure they’re triaged, prioritized, and resolved without delay.

Code fixes based on vulnerability reports

Detailed vulnerability insights, especially with accompanied by a proof of exploit, give developers the context they need to implement effective fixes quickly.

Deterrent controls

Purpose: Discourage malicious behavior.

User training and awareness

Educating users and developers about security best practices can reduce insider threats and accidental exposures.

Legal disclaimers and warnings

Displaying terms of use and legal language in apps can deter casual attackers or reinforce accountability for users.

Strict access control policies

Least privilege access policies and strong authentication requirements make unauthorized access harder and riskier.

Compensating controls

Purpose: Provide alternative safeguards when standard controls aren’t feasible.

WAFs used in place of secure development for legacy apps

When legacy systems can’t be easily updated, WAFs can be tuned to block known threats based on context and behavior.

Isolated sandbox environments for vulnerable components

When patching isn’t immediately possible, isolating high-risk elements reduces their ability to cause harm.

Benefits of using the right application security controls

Implementing suitable application security controls brings both immediate and long-term benefits:

• Reduced attack surface: Proactive controls stop many threats before they become exploitable.
• Faster incident detection and response: Detective controls flag issues as soon as they arise.
• Compliance and audit readiness: Controls help enforce security policies that align with frameworks like PCI DSS, ISO 27001, or HIPAA.
• Scalable AppSec programs: Automation-friendly controls allow lean security teams to manage more assets without additional headcount.

With Invicti, these benefits are amplified by proof-based scanning, dynamic coverage of modern apps and APIs, and integration into CI/CD workflows.

Conclusion: Make security a built-in, continuous process

Application security controls are essential for protecting fast-moving software in a cloud-native world. But merely defining controls is not enough, you also need to implement them in a way that ensures they are accurate, integrated, and automated to keep up with enterprise development.

Invicti brings DAST-first accuracy, proof-based vulnerability validation, and full-surface visibility across your application environment, making it easier to build, test, and maintain secure software at scale.

Schedule a demo to see how Invicti can help you implement scalable, effective application security controls across your SDLC.

FAQs about application security controls