Cybersecurity Glossary

Web Applications

Also known as a web app, a web application is software running on a web server that is accessed by users via a browser called a client. Google Docs is a common example of a web application.

Web applications are by nature Internet facing and running continuously so present an avenue of attack when coded with vulnerabilities or misconfigurations. Also they will oftentimes feature a front-end attached to one or more backend systems like authorization, authentication, accounting, directory service, or databases which are attractive targets for attackers.

See Also
Resources Reports
2024 State of Web Application Security Testing

The 2024 State of Web Application Security Testing report analyzes responses from hundreds of cybersecurity professionals in both the US and the UK, providing valuable insights into the current state of web application security testing.

Learning Center Application Security
Web Application Security: Risks, Technologies & Best Practices

Web application security is a branch of information security that deals with the security of websites, web applications, and web services.

Learning Center Application Security
7 Steps of Web Application Penetration Testing

Web application penetration testing is a security testing method for finding vulnerabilities in web applications.

CyCognito Report

State of External Exposure Management, 2024 Edition

State of External Exposure Management Report

Critical vulnerabilities often hide in plain sight—especially in your web servers.

The report is a must-read for understanding today’s external risks and how to prioritize them effectively. Download the report to stay ahead of emerging threats and strengthen your security posture for 2025.

Get the Report