Front-end and Back-end Separation Architecture: Comprehensive Guide to Data Security Risks Analysis and Protection

01

Problem Example

In an e-commerce platform, the order submission still uses the HTTP protocol, and the user’s sensitive information such as payment password, ID number, and shipping address, is transmitted in plaintext over the network. An attacker only needs to be on the same public Wi-Fi and uses packet capture tools like Wireshark and Fiddler to intercept the data, achieving “zero-cost” theft.

02

Problem Example

The user information interface of a social network APP is /user/123. After logging into their own account, an attacker can simply change the ID parameter to access other users’ chat records, private photos, and other sensitive content beyond their authority. In addition, if the interface does not filter user input, it may also suffer from XSS, SQL injection and other attacks.

03

Problem Example

Front-end code runs on the user’s device, which is an “untrusted environment.” If sensitive information such as API keys and tokens is hardcoded into the code (e.g., const API_KEY = ‘xxx’), attackers can extract these keys through decompilation or browser developer tools, bypassing interface restrictions and making large-scale unauthorized calls.

04

Problem Example

The backend is the “home base” of the data, and an unfixed vulnerability can have serious consequences. For example, an enterprise’s customer management system was not updated in time. Hackers used the vulnerability to remotely control the server and download all the customers’ mobile phone numbers and ID information. At the same time, the system lacks DDoS protection, and the service is paralyzed after traffic attacks.

Through these examples, it is clear that data security in a front-end and back-end separation architecture cannot be ignored. From data transmission to interface security, from front-end code to back-end system, every link may become a breakthrough for attackers. Therefore, comprehensive security protection measures must be taken to ensure data security and system stability.

In response to the complex and evolving data security risks of front-end and back-end separation, Watchdata has developed a systematic security protection framework based on its extensive technical expertise and professional capabilities. This framework covers multiple key links such as data transmission encryption, interface security authentication, front-end security protection and back-end security reinforcement, and ensures data security and integrity in an all-round way through multi-layer protection mechanisms.

Data Transmission Security – Secure Protocols as the First Line of Defense

1. Use HTTPS Protocol: encrypt the transmission channel through SSL/TLS to eliminate the risk of plaintext leakage.

2. Encrypt Sensitive Data: Encrypt user passwords, bank card numbers and other sensitive data using cryptographic algorithms, such as AES symmetric encryption, RSA asymmetric encryption.

3. Apply Digital Signature: the sender signs with the private key, and the receiver verifies with the public key to prevent data from being tampered with and ensure data integrity and non-repudiation.

Interface Security – Authentication, Authorization, and Attack Prevention

1. Permission Control: The RBAC model is used to assign permissions, and the Token authentication mechanism is combined. After the user logs in, the access Token is generated, and the front-end carries the token for authentication when requesting.

2. Defending Against Attacks: Filter input parameters, using parameterized queries or pre-compiled statements to prevent SQL injection, HTML encoding and escaping user input to resist XSS attacks.

3. Security Gateway: Deploy a unified security gateway to manage interfaces, implement rate limiting, log activity, and enforce security policies.

Front-end Security – Code Safety and Environment Isolation

1. Avoid Hard-coding: Set sensitive information that interacts with the backend through environment variables or configuration files, and strictly control the access rights of these configuration files.

2. Code Review: Conduct regular front-end code security reviews and use scanning tools to detect vulnerabilities promptly.

3. Secure Domain Name: Secure domain name is used to display information such as SSL certificate security lock to help users identify safe websites.

Back-end Security – Building a Multi-layered Defense

1. Update Mechanism: Establish the update mechanism of software and third-party components to fix known vulnerabilities and defects in time.

2. Permission Allocation: Follow the principle of least privilege to allocate database permissions, regularly back up data, and carry out recovery drills.

3. Distributed defense: The distributed defense architecture is used to divert and clean malicious traffic to resist DDoS attacks and ensure service availability.

Data security is the core issue in the front-end and back-end separation architecture. The above protection technologies are the basic strategies for data protection. In practical applications, more technical solutions can be expanded according to business requirements, such as the introduction of zero-trust architecture and data desensitization.

With over 30 years of experience in identity authentication and transaction security, Watchdata is dedicated to tackling the challenges of front-end and back-end separation. By integrating key technologies such as KMS (Key Management System) and CA (Certificate Authority), we deliver full-stack security from underlying algorithms to the application layer—building a multi-dimensional, dynamic protection system for both individuals and enterprises. Our comprehensive security solutions protect your data in every aspect of daily operations and life.