š 25 Essential Web Security Tips for Developers
Web security is critical to protect users, data, and infrastructure. Here are actionable, developer-focused tips to help you build safer websites and web apps:
š 1ā5: Core Security Foundations
Always Use HTTPS
Encrypt all traffic using SSL/TLS
Use free certificates from Letās Encrypt
Keep Software Updated
Regularly update dependencies, frameworks, and server software
Use
npm audit,yarn audit, or tools like Snyk/Dependabot
Validate & Sanitize User Input
Never trust user input ā validate on both client and server
Sanitize with libraries (e.g.,
validator.js,DOMPurify)
Use Parameterized Queries
Prevent SQL injection by using prepared statements or ORM libraries
Implement Strong Authentication
Use hashed passwords (
bcrypt,argon2)Enforce strong passwords and 2FA where possible
š§ 6ā10: Secure Frontend Practices
Escape Dynamic Content to Prevent XSS
Never inject raw HTML from user input
Use
textContentinstead ofinnerHTMLwhen possible
Content Security Policy (CSP)
Block inline scripts and limit external sources
Avoid Exposing Internal Errors
Show generic messages to users
Log detailed errors on the server only
Use
SameSite& Secure CookiesDisable Browser Auto-Fill for Sensitive Fields
š”ļø 11ā15: Protect Against Common Attacks
Rate Limiting & Throttling
Use middleware to limit login attempts and API abuse
Enable CSRF Protection
Use anti-CSRF tokens for sensitive POST/PUT/DELETE actions
Use Security Headers
Add via libraries like Helmet (Express)
Protect Against Clickjacking
Prevent your site from being embedded in iframes
Avoid Open Redirects
Validate and sanitize URLs in redirects
š ļø 16ā20: Secure APIs and Data Handling
Use Authentication Tokens (e.g., JWT)
Securely verify users in APIs
Store tokens securely (e.g., HttpOnly cookies)
Restrict API Access by Origin & Scope
Use CORS policies wisely
Implement RBAC (Role-Based Access Control)
Log Suspicious Activity
Log login attempts, failures, and rate-limit violations
Use HTTPS for API Requests
Encrypt API calls, especially for mobile apps or third parties
Minimize Sensitive Data Storage
Only store data you absolutely need
Encrypt sensitive info at rest
š 21ā25: Deployment & Monitoring
Use a Web Application Firewall (WAF)
Services like Cloudflare, Sucuri, AWS WAF can block threats
Run Security Scans Regularly
Use tools like OWASP ZAP, Nikto, or Burp Suite
Set Proper File Permissions
On server: restrict write access only where necessary
Limit Exposure of Internal Tools
Protect
/admin,/db,/api-docsroutes with auth or IP restrictions
Backup Your Site Regularly
In case of ransomware, crashes, or breaches
ā Bonus Tools & Libraries
| Tool | Purpose |
|---|---|
helmet (Node.js) | Set security headers easily |
csurf (Express) | CSRF protection |
bcrypt / argon2 | Secure password hashing |
jsonwebtoken | Create/verify secure tokens |
express-rate-limit | API abuse prevention |
š§ Pro Tip:
Stay up to date with the OWASP Top 10 ā itās the definitive guide to modern web app security threats.
