Top 5 Best Practices to Prevent Sensitive Data Exposure in TypeScript ERP

In today’s digital age, safeguarding sensitive data is paramount for organizations. Sensitive data exposure in TypeScript-based ERP systems can lead to severe repercussions like financial losses, reputational damage, and regulatory fines. This blog dives deep into how sensitive data can be exposed and provides actionable solutions, complete with TypeScript coding examples.

Pro Tip: Don’t forget to check your website’s security status using our Free Website Security Scanner Tool. Below is a sample screenshot of the tool in action.

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What is Sensitive Data Exposure?

Sensitive data exposure refers to a security flaw that allows unauthorized access to confidential data like personally identifiable information (PII), payment details, or login credentials. These flaws often occur due to improper implementation of security controls in the backend code or server configuration.

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Understanding Sensitive Data Exposure in TypeScript

TypeScript, a superset of JavaScript, is widely used to build robust ERP systems due to its static typing and object-oriented features. However, failing to implement proper security measures can expose sensitive data. Let’s examine this with a code example.

Common Vulnerability Example: Exposing Sensitive User Information

// Vulnerable Code: Leaks sensitive user data
app.get('/api/user/:id', (req, res) => {
    const userId = req.params.id;
    db.query(`SELECT * FROM users WHERE id=${userId}`, (err, result) => {
        if (err) {
            res.status(500).send(err.message);
            return;
        }
        res.json(result); // Exposes all user data without filtering
    });
});

Why is this vulnerable?

• SQL Injection Risk: Directly using req.params.id in the query without sanitization.
• Excessive Data Exposure: Returning the entire user object, including sensitive fields like passwords.

Secure Version of the Code

// Secure Code: Uses parameterized queries and filters sensitive data
app.get('/api/user/:id', (req, res) => {
    const userId = req.params.id;
    const query = 'SELECT name, email FROM users WHERE id = ?';
    db.query(query, [userId], (err, result) => {
        if (err) {
            res.status(500).send('Internal Server Error');
            return;
        }
        res.json(result); // Returns only non-sensitive fields
    });
});

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Best Practices to Prevent Sensitive Data Exposure in TypeScript ERP

1. Use HTTPS Everywhere

Ensure all data in transit is encrypted using HTTPS. Modern browsers flag non-HTTPS websites, but some internal applications may still lack encryption.

// Enforce HTTPS Middleware in TypeScript
import { Request, Response, NextFunction } from 'express';

function enforceHTTPS(req: Request, res: Response, next: NextFunction) {
    if (req.secure) {
        next();
    } else {
        res.redirect(`https://${req.headers.host}${req.url}`);
    }
}

app.use(enforceHTTPS);

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2. Implement Data Masking

Always mask sensitive data when displaying it on the frontend or logging it for debugging purposes.

// Mask sensitive fields
function maskSensitiveData(data: string): string {
    return data.replace(/.(?=.{4})/g, '*');
}

console.log(maskSensitiveData('1234-5678-9012-3456')); // Output: ************3456

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3. Conduct Regular Security Scans

Use tools like our Free Website Security Checker to identify vulnerabilities in your ERP system. Here’s a screenshot of a vulnerability assessment report generated by our tool:

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4. Use Environment Variables for Sensitive Information

Never hard-code sensitive information like API keys or database credentials in your codebase.

// Load sensitive info from environment variables
import * as dotenv from 'dotenv';
dotenv.config();

const dbPassword = process.env.DB_PASSWORD;

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5. Follow OWASP Guidelines

Regularly update your ERP system to comply with OWASP standards, such as encrypting sensitive data at rest and in transit.

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Learn More About Securing TypeScript-Based ERP

Related Posts on CyberRely

• Fix Broken Authentication in TypeScript ERP
• How to Fix IDOR in TypeScript-Based ERP
• Explore All Blog Posts

Recommended Tools and Resources

Need help securing your TypeScript-based ERP system? Check out our guide on fixing security misconfigurations in OpenCart.

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Conclusion

Sensitive data exposure can have far-reaching consequences for organizations relying on TypeScript ERP systems. Implementing these 5 best practices can mitigate risks and safeguard your critical information. Start scanning your website using our tool to test website security free and secure your data today!

Ready to secure your ERP system? Contact us for a vulnerability assessment or penetration testing service to strengthen your security posture!

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