Web applications are now a part of the day-to-day life of every business, educational institution and person. These apps are the backbone of the digital world, whether handling customer data and information or maintaining internal processes. However, despite this, they are found to have a significantly different level of security.

In this article, we will discuss why most web apps are inherently insecure and how secure-first platforms such as Sheetcast are better and wiser to use Excel as the backend.

Some apps are fast and cheap to develop. Security becomes an afterthought. Others take a different approach. They give a lot of emphasis on security right from the word go. This difference is far from insignificant, as people do not always pay much attention to it.

The Real Problem with Modern Web Apps

Most web apps are developed without enough protection. Developers rush to launch. Deadlines are tight. It is features first, and security, if at all, afterwards.

This leads to some serious issues. Some of the problems are poor authentication systems, weak encryption, and poor code that has been written. Misconfigured settings and outdated software can be added to the list of threats.

However, it is surprising that many web apps are left open for exploitation even after they have been released. In the Distribution of risk among web applications and API worldwide in 2024, it is reported that critical vulnerability remains a significant problem in many platforms.

Why Secure-by-Design Is a Smarter Approach

Maintenance is difficult once the product is out in the market. It is costly and not very helpful most of the time. A far better idea is to design security into the system from the ground up.

This is known as secure-by-design. It means to think about threats at the right time. It also means selecting the tools and methods that do not involve risk-taking by default.

This approach provides less chance to the attackers. It also increases reliability and user confidence in the services being offered by the business. It also helps developers to avoid some of the risks and users to get safer applications.

Sheetcast and the Simplicity of Excel-Based Security

Unlike many apps that heavily depend on the backend and databases, Sheetcast does the following. It is based on the Excel files as the base for web applications.

It might sound simplistic, but it has a great impact. Excel is not only easy to use but it is also secure in certain aspects that traditional databases are not.

For instance, Excel files are not prone to SQL injections. These are among some of the most common and dangerous types of hacking. Fortunately, Sheetcast does not use SQL databases at all, so it is not susceptible to this threat.

Understanding the Advantages of Excel as a Database

Another advantage of using Excel is that it allows for the control of access. Files can be made secure and even have passwords. This is another layer of protection that does not require much configuration.

Also, users are already familiar with the use of Excel. This helps to reduce the chances of human mistakes in the process of data collection and analysis. It is not necessary to learn a new system or to use third-party add-ons that can be unstable at best.

If you want to know how Excel spreadsheets can be transformed into full web applications, you can check this out:

https://sheetcast.com/articles/want-to-convert-excel-spreadsheets-to-web-apps

Why Traditional Platforms Fall Short

Today, most web applications employ relational databases. These systems are efficient; however, they are also complicated and consist of numerous subsystems.

 Each part has to be protected, repaired, and checked.

This means that even if one of the elements is weak, the entire system is weak or can easily be compromised. Some of the common issues are having outdated plugins, having forgotten admin pages, and having open endpoints.

These are all areas that attackers scan for daily. Once inside, they can pilfer data or even hold companies hostage with their applications.

Such a file-based structure is less vulnerable than the structure used in Sheetcast, for example. This is because having fewer components means there are fewer opportunities for something to go wrong.

Security That Does Not Get in the Way

Small businesses and teams can ill afford to go through expensive development cycles. They also do not have time to spend on advanced security tools.

A platform like Sheetcast offers them a safer way of doing it. As it will be seen, using tools such as Excel, users are able to manage their data on their own. It is not necessary to have a deep understanding of coding.

This means that users do not need to add security measures after they have signed up, as the platform is designed to be secure from the ground up. It’s already there.

One Size Does Not Fit All

It is also important to note that not all businesses require a sophisticated web system. But every business needs security.

Some platforms attempt to do too much. They are tools that the majority of users will never require in their day-to-day usage of the application or software. These extra features increase risk.

An application that is built to do one thing and do it well, such as converting spreadsheets to web applications, can be more effective.

And that is where platforms like Sheetcast prove to be valuable. They are very basic, but at the same time, they are very safe.

Security Is the New Standard

Today, we are witnesses to the fact that data breaches are not an exception. Both the customers and companies are the losers when applications are not secure.

That is why secure-by-design is no longer optional. It is something that is almost mandatory for any serious digital tool.

Many developers still continue to engage in fixing problems after releasing the product. This method leaves users exposed. It also brings long-term issues for maintenance and development.

Such platforms address these issues from the ground up when security is the priority. They avoid costly downtime. They protect user trust.

Final Words:

Web applications are not created equal. Some are rushed and risky. Others are thoughtful and secure.

Security cannot be an add-on feature; it has to be built into the product. Such platforms are more equipped to deal with the current challenges.

One of the examples of such a secure approach is Sheetcast. One of the best things of using Excel as a backend is that it eliminates certain risks. It makes it easier and at the same time reduces the risks that are involved in the process.

Thus, users and developers both benefit when the platforms are protected from the initial stage.