Archive for PHP
Introducing MODx CMS – The Ultimate in Flexibility and Compatibility
Posted by: | CommentsMODx is becoming incredibly popular as more webmasters are learning of its extensive capabilities as a robust content management system. In fact, to call it a “content” management system would be an understatement, seeing as it is more of a complete site management utility. Many of its regular users praise MODx as being the future of content management systems, ushering in an age of open source PHP based CMS that are compatible with nearly all third-party programming platforms. In other words, this CMS is perfect for any developer and any site owner, regardless of your experience level or skill set. If you;re interested in learning more about MODx, you may want consider the following information.
MODx’s Unique Advantages
The main advantage of MODx is its compatibility with various programming platforms, which makes it an ideal solution for all developers, both novice and professional. MODx is one of the few CMS that is compatible with the AJAX programming language, which gives site owners the ability to design incredibly interactive pages that return information and adapt instantly based on the visitor’s actions. MODx also has native SEO features that give you an instant edge on the competition when trying to rank highly for keywords in your niche. MODx bares its name because it can be modified very easily by anyone with a basic programming background and the willingness to learn the simple syntax of the software. In fact, there are no notable limitations or restrictions to beware of when using MODx as a development platform.
The Rising Popularity of MODx
Aside from its aforementioned flexibility and capabilities, the rising popularity of MODx is largely attributed to the size and dedicated of the pre-existing user community. This forum of developers and webmasters are devoted to teaching each other how to get the most out of the MODx CMS, and are constantly contributing new developments that improve the functionality of the software. Having a thriving user community to provide support is extremely important when using an open source software for the first time., especially if you’re not technically experienced. As more people become interested in MODx, the effect will compound exponentially, and within the next couple of years the software is expected to cross boundaries that no other CMS has done before.
The Future of MODx
The future looks bright for MODx, especially considering the developments of the latest releases, which have yielded promising results. The next release is expected to significantly enhance the API and bring even more features and overall flexibility to an already robust CMS. At the moment, WordPress is the only CMS spoken of by a large majority of webmasters. However, that is destined to change judging by the determination and persistence of the MODx development group and its experienced users. MODx has the advantages of building upon everything WordPress has done so far, and the only thing left to accomplish in order to compete with WordPress is the building of an extensive plugin library (although some would argue that the software does not need many plugins and that is why it is better than WordPress for advanced developers and webmasters).
How to Protect an Apache Web Server from DDoS
Posted by: | CommentsApache or Apache HTTP Web Server is one of the most popular servers due to robust software, strong security, exceptional performance and its economical value. Also it supports several popular programming languages including Python, Perl, MySQL and PHP. Additionally, all Unix, Linux, Windows and OS operating systems support Apache.
What is a DDoS Attack?
A Denial of Service or DDoS attack is an attempt by a malicious user to make system resources unavailable. This is accomplished by sending a mass number of packets to the server causing it to overload and lock up. Hackers generally target sites like banks, root name servers and credit card payment gateways.
A frequent attack method occurs when the perpetrator externally attacks the server so that regular traffic is left with little or no response making it unavailable. This results in the computer or server being reset or the communication between users and the equipment fails.
Preventative Measures
Luckily there are a few methods to stop these attacks. Many web hosting providers utilize a Proxy Shield that can handle a DDoS attack up to 4GB per second. This is one of the most effective security measures available to date. It is also one of the most expensive so only large corporations can afford them.
To handle smaller DDoS incidents, hardware and software firewalls will generally do the trick. These stop the DDoS attack in the initial stage so little information is lost and the equipment can function normally.
Preventative Measures for an Apache Web Server
There is a specific method to stopping a DDoS attack on an Apache Web Server called mod-evasive. This is a module configured specifically for the Apache web server that can stop even the hardest hitting DDoS attacks, can be used for traffic detection, work with firewalls and send abuse reports.
This measure creates an internal table of IP addresses that will deny any single IP that’s blacklisted, that’s attempting to access a page numerous times or that’s launching more than 50 simultaneous connections per second from the same line. This technique eliminates attacks from a single-server attacker to a highly distributed attacker.
Mod_evasion has a built-in scaling capability with a cleanup procedure. Due to the design, only scripted attacks are recognized and blocked so that legitimate requests remain in tact and functional. A user can even click the reload button numerous times in a row and the system will identify that it isn’t a threat.
Security has been an issue in the computing industry for years. With hackers becoming more insightful with workarounds, combating their methods is proving to be more difficult. This security measure adds an extra level of protection to those utilizing an Apache server.
PHP and Common Web Hosting Security Issues
Posted by: | CommentsThe most common security lapses online are usually the result of a faulty or lazy programmer that has left some sort of loophole somewhere. Most of the time, these web designers and developers have very little time to finish a project, placing security last on their last of priorities. For this reason many of the sub sequential errors are not discovered until they have resulted in serious security lapses for the end user or their network.
PHP
One particular programming language that is becoming increasingly popular amongst newer developers is PHP. PHP is perhaps the easiest programming language to use, and therefore often the most erroneously misused by inexperienced web programmers. PHP’s ease of use and minimal learning curve make it an optimal opportunity for any novice web developer to create software that is potentially insecure.
Insecure Web Applications
In the past hackers would infiltrate a network using any means possible, including using phishing techniques, identity theft, and any other method to compromise the security of a server or operating system. Now, the main focus has shifted to infiltrating the administrative interface of a website to gain access to online databases and server files.
The easiest way for most hackers to do this is to find a way in through one of many loopholes that exists in the site’s web applications. Web applications make the webmasters job easier and more convenient, however like many other tools that increase convenience, web applications come at a price.
Hiring Your Own Programmers
Since web applications have direct access to your site’s administrative functions, these web applications can be taken advantage of for nefarious purposes, and used to access your website’s control panel. This could prove to be disastrous, especially if you run an online business. For this reason it is best to avoid any new web applications that are built by unreliable sources. If you are planning on using a web application with a busy business website, you may want to hire a personal qualified developer to assist you in creating some custom web applications.
The Most Prevalent PHP-Related Security Risks
Posted by: | CommentsPHP is thought to be most useful programming language around, by many web developers. For this reason PHP use is becoming increasingly popular in corporate programming and building independent applications. While PHP scripting has the ability to create just about anything you’d like with it, the programming framework is not without it’s security flaws. There are hackers that know how to take advantage of the loopholes in PHP scripting, and they do so everyday through simple web platforms such as WordPress and Drupal. To prevent this from happening to you, you’ll want to know what the most significant PHP security lapses are so you can take the proper security measures.
Code Exploits
Sometimes hackers can use certain lines of code to request and retrieve information from your website. For example, the “allow_url_fopen” option allows users to request file functions such as “file_get_contents()”, which would in turn allow a perpetrator to retrieve sensitive data from your website via a remote FTP connection. If you PHP is configured with default settings, then this this function is still enabled, and you will need to manually disable it to keep hackers from executing code exploits on your website. Disabling this function will not take away from the functionality of your website at all, as it is not commonly used. If you do need to use it personally in the future, you can simply enable it as you see fit.
Risky Functions
Just as in the above situation, every risky PHP function should be disabled to prevent a similar scenario. There are three functions in particular that pose especially dangerous threats, and those are the “EVAL” “shell_ exec” and the “passthru” functions. Disabling these functions is simple, and can be done by making slight adjustments to the “disable_functions” values in the “php.ini” file. Disabling the EVAL function is actually vital, because it allows a user to request remote control of PHP coding on your website. If this is used in conjunction with another exploit, it can mean serious problems for you and your website. Before you disable these functions, it is a good idea to make sure they are not needed for any particular applications or plugins you are using on your website.
Unsafe Application Coding
The flexibility of PHP is what usually makes it easy for a hacker to breach the security of a website or server. The problem is that the security gaps are most likely not your fault, but rather they lie within the content management system you are using. Many of the applications that people use to make their website management easier, also make it easier for hackers to infiltrate their administrative interface. This is why it is important to make sure you are using only the most secure plugins and applications to manage your website. In all actuality, it is better to have less functionality than to have a severe security breach on your website. Try to keep the amount of plugins you use to a minimum, and make sure the plugins you use have very secure coding.
Responsible Programmers
Being a programmer is not a simple task, and there are many things to consider when creating an application. The problem is, there is so much to know, and not every programmer is up to the task of making sure their applications are fool-proof. In fact most of them only want to make an application that will have enhanced functionality and will be popular in the e-community. However, if you are truly serious about maintaining the security of your website then you will use applications that are developed by responsible programmers. This is the primary reason why corporations hire their own private programmers.