Application security has many of the same security considerations as host security. The most important is keeping your application up-to-date with the latest security fixes. This doesn't always mean buying the latest version of a piece of code. (In fact, sometimes it means sticking with older, stable software.) Just make sure your critical applications are still supported by the developer and that any new security issues that are uncovered will be handled in a timely manner. In addition to keeping a system up-to-date, logging and application configuration are also important.
NOTE
Hardening guides for popular applications are available all over the Internet. The following are a few samples for some more popular applications:
Part I. Network Security Foundations
Network Security Axioms
Security Policy and Operations Life Cycle
Secure Networking Threats
Network Security Technologies
Part II. Designing Secure Networks
Device Hardening
General Design Considerations
Network Security Platform Options and Best Deployment Practices
Common Application Design Considerations
Identity Design Considerations
IPsec VPN Design Considerations
Supporting-Technology Design Considerations
Designing Your Security System
Part III. Secure Network Designs
Edge Security Design
Campus Security Design
Teleworker Security Design
Part IV. Network Management, Case Studies, and Conclusions
Secure Network Management and Network Security Management
Case Studies
Conclusions
References
Appendix A. Glossary of Terms
Appendix B. Answers to Applied Knowledge Questions
Appendix C. Sample Security Policies
INFOSEC Acceptable Use Policy
Password Policy
Guidelines on Antivirus Process
Index