Securing Your Oracle APEX Applications: Why Industrial Companies Need to Think Beyond Traditional IT

Cybersecurity Extends Beyond IT Infrastructure

Cyberattacks on IT infrastructure are omnipresent today and heavily discussed in the media. But what about IT security in systems that are traditionally not considered IT systems? In fact, virtually all modern industrial systems contain built-in software components – the "digital brain" of the equipment. This makes IT security a critical factor in industrial applications as well.

Oracle APEX: Security by Design

At Datasense, we develop applications for clients in industry, finance, and the public sector using Oracle APEX. The framework is distinguished by robust, built-in security features:

• Authentication and Authorization

In addition to the ability to develop custom authentication schemas, APEX offers various proven options: Oracle Single Sign-On (SSO), LDAP/Active Directory integration, or social identity providers. Most of our clients choose SSO solutions – either through Oracle or Active Directory.

• SQL Injection Prevention

Since APEX applications are web-based, protection against this common vulnerability is essential. In addition to basic access control at the database level, APEX features built-in mechanisms to protect against SQL injection attacks.

• Best Practices: Don't Neglect the Fundamentals

The most important security measures are often the simplest ones: regular updates and patches, consistent backup strategies for applications and data, and continuous user training. As is well known, most IT risks originate internally – often without malicious intent.

Our most important advice:

Security must be considered from the beginning, not implemented retroactively once the system is already in production.

Real-World Example from Manufacturing

A renowned industrial company has been using Oracle APEX and its predecessors Oracle Forms and Reports for years to control its supply chains – a critical factor for continuous production. The IT landscape, which had grown over more than a decade, presented the company with special challenges: implementing modern security standards retroactively was only possible to a limited extent.

The solution was pragmatic and effective: Systems with external connections (e.g., to suppliers) received maximum security precautions, while older internal systems were deliberately isolated and operated autonomously. This way, the IT security risk could not only be minimized but optimally adapted to the existing conditions.

Conclusion

IT security in industrial applications requires a holistic approach. Oracle APEX provides a solid foundation with built-in security features. However, the key is to understand security as an integral part of the development process – from initial planning to ongoing operations.

Looking to make your industrial applications secure and future-ready? Contact us for a free consultation on Oracle APEX and customized security solutions for your business.