Free web business security tool from HP

HP has launched HP SWF Scan, a free tool to help Flash developers protect their websites against unintended application security vulnerabilities and reduce the risk of hackers accessing sensitive data.

As companies modernise their applications to give users a better experience online, they are moving to Web 2.0 technologies. With Adobe Flash Player installed on more than 98 per cent of internet-connected PCs worldwide, it is imperative that web applications built with Flash technology are developed securely.

HP SWF Scan allows Flash developers to deliver a more secure code without becoming security experts. The tool allows developers to check for known security vulnerabilities that are targeted by malicious hackers, fix problems quickly by highlighting vulnerabilities in the source code and receiving solid guidance on how to fix the security issues, and verify conformance with best security practices and guidelines.

HP SWF Scan can prevent leaving confidential information accessible to hackers. Flash developers often create an unintentional vulnerability by encoding access information such as passwords, encryption keys or database information directly into their applications.

HP analysed almost 4,000 web applications developed with Flash software and found that 35 per cent violate Adobe security best practices.

A free download of HP SWF Scan is available at www.hp.com/go/swfscan.