13 Website Security Standards and Acts You Should Know (OWASP Top Ten, PCI-DSS, GDPR, HIPAA)

Being aware of the main website security standards and acts is essential for securing your website and ensuring compliance with legal requirements. This article explains 13 critical website security standards and acts you should know in order to safeguard your website and the personal data of your users. We break down the 7 website security standards starting from the OWASP to PCI. We then explain the 6 website security acts from GDPR to HIPAA. We then discuss the importance of being aware of these acts, whether they make websites hack proof, and whether your website needs to comply. Let’s dive in.

What Are Website Security Standards?

Website security standards are guidelines and best practices developed by industry groups and experts to help organizations build and maintain secure websites. These standards serve as essential references for implementing robust security measures that protect against various cyber threats and ensure the safety of sensitive data. There are 7 website security standards to know about.

1. OWASP Top Ten

The first website security standard is the OWASP Top Ten. The OWASP Top Ten is a list published by the Open Web Application Security Project (OWASP) to highlight the most critical security risks to web applications. The list is updated periodically to reflect the evolving threat landscape and ensure developers are aware of the most pressing security vulnerabilities.

The OWASP Top Ten focuses on issues like injection attacks, broken authentication that leads to unauthorized access, and sensitive data exposure. Each item on the list is described in detail, including the risk’s impact, example attack scenarios, and recommendations for mitigating the risk.

The OWASP Top Ten is intended for developers, security professionals, and organizations that build or maintain web applications. Developers and security professionals use the OWASP Top Ten to perform security assessments and audits. Organizations leverage it to set security policies and standards for their development teams.

2. OWASP Application Security Verification Standard (ASVS)

The second is the OWASP Application Security Verification Standard (ASVS). The OWASP Application Security Verification Standard (ASVS) is a framework designed to provide a basis for testing the security of web applications. ASVS offers a comprehensive set of security requirements that are used to design, build, and verify secure web applications.

ASVS focuses on providing a detailed set of requirements across various security domains, including authentication, access control, input validation, and cryptography. It includes multiple levels of verification to allow organizations to choose the level that best fits their needs.

The OWASP ASVS is intended for developers, architects, security testers, and organizations that develop or maintain web applications. Developers and architects use ASVS as a checklist to incorporate security into the software development lifecycle and design secure application architectures. Security testers use it as a benchmark for assessing the security of applications. Organizations use it to establish security requirements and policies for application development.

3. ISO/IEC 27001

The third is the ISO/IEC 27001. ISO/IEC 27001 is an international standard for information security management systems (ISMS). It provides a systematic approach to managing sensitive company information. This standard includes requirements for implementing, maintaining, and continuously improving an ISMS. It also addresses risk management processes tailored to the organization’s needs.

ISO/IEC 27001 focuses on protecting the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information. It requires organizations to identify information security risks and implement controls to mitigate them. This standard covers core aspects of information security, such as asset management, access control, cryptography, and incident management.

ISO/IEC 27001 is intended for any organization, regardless of size or industry, that wants to establish, implement, maintain, and improve an ISMS. It is particularly beneficial for organizations that handle sensitive data or need to comply with regulatory requirements. Achieving ISO/IEC 27001 certification allows organizations to demonstrate their commitment to information security to customers, partners, and regulators, thereby enhancing their reputation and trustworthiness.

4. NIST Cybersecurity Framework 

The fourth is the NIST Cybersecurity Framework. The NIST Cybersecurity Framework is a set of guidelines and best practices developed by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).

It focuses on providing a flexible and scalable set of standards that organizations tailor to their specific needs. There are five core functions: Identify, Protect, Detect, Respond, and Recover. These functions cover the entire spectrum of cybersecurity management from understanding and managing risks to implementing safeguards and recovering from disruptions.

The NIST Cybersecurity Framework is intended for critical infrastructure sectors, such as energy, banking, and healthcare. Organizations use the framework to assess their current cybersecurity practices, identify areas for improvement, and implement a comprehensive security strategy that aligns with industry standards and regulatory requirements.

5. CIS Critical Security Controls (CIS Controls)

The fifth is the CIS Critical Security Controls (CIS Controls). The CIS Controls are a set of best practices developed by the Center for Internet Security (CIS).

The CIS Controls focuses on providing practical and actionable steps to enhance cybersecurity. They are categorized into three groups: Basic, Foundational, and Organizational. Basic controls cover essential security measures like inventorying hardware and software assets. Foundational controls include advanced practices like implementing controlled access and managing user privileges. Organizational controls focus on governance, policy, and awareness training. This tiered approach helps organizations implement security measures in a structured and prioritized manner.

The CIS Controls are intended for organizations of all sizes and industries. The detailed, actionable nature of the CIS Controls makes them especially useful for websites of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that lack extensive cybersecurity resources.

6. CWE/SANS Top 25 

The sixth is the CWE/SANS Top 25. The CWE/SANS Top 25 is a list of the most dangerous software vulnerabilities, developed jointly by the MITRE Corporation’s Common Weakness Enumeration (CWE) project and the SANS Institute.

It focuses on highlighting the most severe and prevalent software weaknesses that attackers exploit. Each entry includes a detailed description of the vulnerability, its potential impact, and recommendations for mitigation. Examples include buffer overflows, SQL injection, and cross-site scripting (XSS). The list aims to raise awareness and guide developers on avoiding common pitfalls in software development.

The CWE/SANS Top 25 is intended for software developers, security testers, and organizations that develop or maintain software applications. Developers are able to adopt secure coding practices to prevent these vulnerabilities from being introduced into their code. Security testers use the list to prioritize their testing efforts, and ensure that the most critical vulnerabilities are addressed. Organizations leverage the CWE/SANS Top 25 to establish security policies and training programs, ultimately improving the security and reliability of their software products.

7. Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI-DSS)

The seventh is the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI-DSS). PCI-DSS is a set of security standards designed to ensure that all companies that process, store, or transmit credit card information maintain a secure environment. It is established by the Payment Card Industry Security Standards Council (PCI SSC), which is an organization that aims to protect cardholder data from breaches and fraud.

PCI-DSS focuses on requirements such as building and maintaining a secure network, protecting cardholder data, and maintaining a vulnerability management program. It also entails implementing strong access control measures, regularly monitoring and testing networks, and maintaining an information security policy.

PCI-DSS is intended for any organization that handles credit card information and particularly eCommerce websites. This includes merchants, payment processors, financial institutions, and service providers. Compliance with PCI-DSS is mandatory for these organizations to ensure the security of cardholder data and avoid penalties. Many eCommerce platforms, such as Shopify and Magento, offer built-in tools and features to help simplify PCI-DSS compliance. This makes it easier for online retailers to secure their websites and protect their customers’ payment information.

What Are the Website Security Acts?

Website security acts are regulations enacted by governments to govern how websites use, process, and store the personal data of their users. They are legal requirements that organizations must comply with to avoid legal penalties. There are 6 website security acts to know about.

8. General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)

The first website security act is the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). GDPR is a comprehensive data protection law enacted by the European Parliament. It governs how organizations collect, process, store, and protect personal data of individuals within the European Union (EU).

The GDPR focuses on enhancing privacy rights and providing individuals with greater control over their personal information. Key provisions include obtaining explicit consent from individuals before processing their data and providing individuals with the right to access, correct, and delete their data. It also emphasizes implementing robust security measures to protect personal data. GDPR also mandates that organizations report data breaches within 72 hours and appoint a Data Protection Officer (DPO) if they engage in large-scale processing of sensitive data.

GDPR is intended for any organization, regardless of its location, that processes the personal data of individuals in the EU. This includes eCommerce websites, blogs, forums, and any online services that handle EU residents’ data. Compliance with GDPR is crucial to avoid substantial fines and legal penalties.

9. Data Protection Act (DPA)

The second is the Data Protection Act (DPA). DPA is the United Kingdom’s implementation of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). It sets out the framework for data protection law in the UK.

The DPA focuses on principles for lawful processing, conditions for consent, rights of access and rectification, the right to erasure (also known as the “right to be forgotten”), and data portability. It also introduces specific requirements for the processing of special categories of personal data, such as health information, and provisions for the protection of children’s data.

The DPA is intended for websites that process personal data of those residing in the UK. This includes business websites, public authority sites, and non-profit organization websites. Compliance with the DPA is essential to maintain public trust and avoid legal repercussions.

10. California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA)

The third is the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA). CCPA is a state law that enhances privacy rights and consumer protection for residents of California. It imposes stringent requirements on businesses that collect, use, and share personal data.

CCPA focuses on granting consumers rights over their personal data. These rights include the right to know what personal data is being collected about them, the right to delete their personal data, and the right to opt-out of the sale of their personal data. It also includes the right to non-discrimination for exercising their privacy rights. The CCPA also requires businesses to provide transparent privacy policies and mechanisms for consumers to exercise their rights.

CCPA is intended for businesses that operate in California or handle the personal data of California residents. This includes online businesses that meet certain criteria, such as having annual gross revenues exceeding RM112.50 million. Other criteria include buying or selling the personal information of 50,000 or more consumers, households, or devices, or deriving 50% or more of their annual revenues from selling consumers’ personal information.

11. Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA)

The fourth is the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA). COPPA is a federal law in the United States designed to protect the privacy of children under the age of 13. It’s enforced by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). COPPA imposes specific requirements on operators of websites, online services, and mobile apps that collect personal information from children.

COPPA focuses on ensuring that children’s personal information is collected, used, and disclosed only with parental consent. Key provisions include obtaining verifiable parental consent before collecting personal information from children, providing clear and comprehensive privacy policies, and giving parents the right to review and delete their children’s information. It also entails implementing reasonable security measures to protect the data collected. COPPA requires operators to retain personal information only as long as necessary to fulfill the purpose for which it was collected.

COPPA is intended for operators of commercial websites, online services, and mobile apps that are directed at children under 13 or knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. Compliance with COPPA is crucial to avoid substantial fines and legal consequences.

12. Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA)

The fifth is the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA). PIPEDA is a Canadian federal law that governs how private sector organizations collect, use, and disclose personal information during commercial activities. PIPEDA aims to balance individuals’ right to privacy with the need for organizations to collect and use personal information for legitimate business purposes.

PIPEDA focuses on key principles such as obtaining consent for the collection, use, and disclosure of personal information, and ensuring the accuracy of personal information. Other requirements include implementing security safeguards to protect personal data and providing individuals with the right to access and correct their personal information. PIPEDA also mandates organizations to limit the collection of personal information to what is necessary for the identified purposes and to retain it only as long as needed.

PIPEDA is intended for websites operated by private sector organizations in Canada that handle personal information during commercial activities. This includes eCommerce sites, service providers, and non-profit organizations that engage in commercial activities. Compliance with PIPEDA is crucial to avoid legal sanctions and build trust with users.

13. Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)

The sixth is the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). HIPAA is a US federal law enacted to protect sensitive patient health information from being disclosed without the patient’s consent or knowledge. HIPAA sets standards for the protection of health information and addresses the privacy and security of health data.

HIPAA focuses on safeguarding Protected Health Information (PHI) and has 3 major provisions. The first is the Privacy Rule, which establishes national standards for protecting health information. The second is the Security Rule, which sets standards for electronic PHI. The third is the Breach Notification Rule, which requires entities to notify affected individuals and authorities of data breaches. HIPAA also mandates administrative, physical, and technical safeguards to ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of electronic PHI.

HIPAA is intended for organizations operated by covered entities and their business associates, including health plans, healthcare clearinghouses, and healthcare providers that handle PHI. Compliance with HIPAA helps these websites protect patient privacy, enhance the security of health information, and meet federal requirements. This builds trust with patients and ensures data integrity in the healthcare system.

Why Should I Be Aware of the Websites Security Standards and Acts?

You should be aware of the website security standards and acts in order to stay informed on how to secure your website and ensure compliance with legal and industry requirements. Compliance with these standards and acts reduces the risk of data breaches, legal sanctions, and financial losses.

Are Websites Built Using Website Security Standards Hack Proof?

No, websites built using website security standards are not hack proof. However, website owners and webmasters are still encouraged to build their websites using these standards to minimize cybersecurity risks. Doing so helps prevent financial losses related to data breaches, legal penalties, and remediation costs. These standards provide a strong foundation for security, which reduces the likelihood of successful attacks and protects both the website and its users.

Do Web Hosting Affect Website Security?

Yes, web hosting providers significantly affect website security. Web hosting is the service by which websites are stored and accessed on the internet and it forms the foundation of any secure website. Leading web hosts implement various security measures to safeguard your websites, such as firewalls, DDoS protection, SSL certificates, regular backups, malware scanning and removal, and security patches and updates.

Must My Website Comply With Website Security Acts?

Yes, you need to comply with website security acts if your website collects data from users based in countries covered by their respective acts. For example, if your website collects personal data from residents of the European Union, you must comply with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Compliance is essential to protect user data, avoid legal penalties, and build trust with your users.

How Do I Make My Website Comply With Website Security Acts?

To make your website comply with website security acts, such as GDPR, CCPA, HIPAA, or PIPEDA, first understand which of these your website needs to comply with. Then, conduct a data audit to determine what personal data you collect, the location of your visitors, and how their data is processed, stored, and shared.

The exact steps you need to take to comply with varies by act. For example, GDPR compliance requires you to publish a cookie consent notice. It’s important to check the exact act requirements very carefully and implement the necessary requirements. In general, website compliance includes securing yout website, obtaining explicit consent from users before collecting data, and updating your privacy policies to clearly explain data usage. Many acts also require you to prepare an incident response plan to help you cope with potential data breaches.

What Happens if My Website Violates the Website Security Acts?

There are 3 things that happen if your website violates the website security acts. The first are fines. Non-compliance with website security acts result in substantial financial penalties, which vary depending on the specific regulation and the severity of the violation. The second are criminal charges against the individuals or organizations responsible for the non-compliance. The third is loss of trust. Violating security acts damages your reputation, which leads to a loss of trust from your users, customers, and partners.