Pedders Retail Matrix — Security Enhancement

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Category: Web Application / Security Improvement
Industry: Automotive / Retail
Role: Backend & Security Development

Overview

Pedders Australia wanted to improve the security of their Retail Matrix system, a platform used to manage vehicle data and logs. The system was built in CodeIgniter, and data was being exposed via JavaScript and jQuery calls, allowing visitors to access sensitive logs and vehicle information directly from the front-end code.

We implemented robust backend security measures, converting vulnerable client-side logic into secure server-side processing, without affecting system functionality.

The Challenge

The main challenges included:

  • Data exposure via frontend code: Vehicle data and logs were accessible through JS/jQuery calls

  • Potential security risks: Anyone could inspect the JavaScript and access sensitive information

  • Maintain functionality: The client needed the system to work exactly as before

  • Built with legacy CodeIgniter: Changes had to respect the existing architecture and workflow

Our Solution

We implemented a secure backend-driven architecture that protected sensitive data while preserving system usability.

Technical Implementation

  • Moved all data fetching and log processing from frontend JS/jQuery to server-side PHP and AJAX endpoints

  • Restricted access to sensitive vehicle data via secure server validation

  • Ensured only authorized requests could retrieve logs or vehicle information

  • Maintained system responsiveness and UI experience while enhancing security

Key Security Enhancements

  • Prevented direct access to sensitive data from frontend scripts

  • Reduced exposure of internal system logic

  • Strengthened overall platform security without changing user workflow

Technology Stack

  • CodeIgniter (PHP framework)

  • PHP & AJAX for secure data handling

  • JavaScript/jQuery only for UI rendering

  • MySQL database

Outcome & Impact

  • Sensitive vehicle data and logs are now fully protected from public access

  • System functionality remains identical for end-users

  • Backend validation ensures secure and reliable data handling

  • Mitigated potential security risks without a full system redesign

Pedders now has a secure Retail Matrix system that protects sensitive data while maintaining full operational functionality.

What We Delivered

  • Secure server-side data processing

  • AJAX endpoints with authorization checks

  • Backend logic to replace unsafe frontend JS/jQuery calls

  • Maintained system performance and user experience

  • Reduced exposure of sensitive logs and vehicle data