Web Security Essentials: Defending Frontend Applications from Modern Threats
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Defending Frontend Applications from Modern Threats is a hands-on, developer-focused course designed to equip you with the foundational skills and practical strategies to build secure front-end applications.
In today’s fast-moving web environment, security is not optional—it’s essential. This course gives you a clear, in-depth understanding of the most critical security practices for frontend developers, grounded in real-world scenarios.
You’ll begin with CORS (Cross-Origin Resource Sharing) and learn how to configure it properly to avoid common cross-origin vulnerabilities. Next, you’ll explore HTTPS and how secure transport protocols protect your users’ data and enhance trust in your applications.
The course also dives into Content Security Policy (CSP)—a powerful browser feature that defends against cross-site scripting (XSS) and data injection attacks. Then, we’ll walk through the OWASP Top 10, focusing on the most relevant threats to frontend apps, including XSS, CSRF, and security misconfigurations.
Finally, you’ll master Secure JavaScript Practices that reduce attack surfaces, protect sensitive data, and enforce good coding hygiene—essential for both solo developers and enterprise teams.
By the end of this course, you’ll have the tools and mindset needed to proactively safeguard your applications and users from modern threats.
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1
What is Same-Origin Policy (SOP)?Understand how browsers restrict cross-origin requests by default.
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2
Introduction to CORS
What CORS enables, common use cases, and potential risks.
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3
CORS Preflight & Simple Requests
How browsers issue OPTIONS requests, what Access-Control-Allow-* headers mean.
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4
Implementing CORS Securely in Backends
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Setup CORS headers in Node.js, Express, Django, and APIs. Avoiding * and credential misconfiguration.
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5
CORS Exploits and Misuse
Real-world CORS misconfigurations that led to data leaks and attacks.
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6
The Importance of HTTPS Everywhere
Encryption, MITM protection, integrity guarantees.
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7
How TLS/SSL Works
Certificates, handshake process, public/private key encryption in brief.
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8
HTTP Strict Transport Security (HSTS)
Prevent protocol downgrade attacks; preload lists and implementation tips.
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9
Mixed Content and Browser Warnings
How mixed HTTP/HTTPS resources weaken security
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10
Setting Up HTTPS on Localhost and Production
Use self-signed certificates, Let’s Encrypt, reverse proxies
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11
What is CSP and Why It Matters
Preventing XSS and code injection with CSP headers
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12
Creating a Basic CSP Header
Examples with default-src, script-src, style-src, img-src, nonce.
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13
Using CSP with Hashes and Nonces
Avoiding unsafe-inline, enabling dynamic script control.
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14
CSP Reporting and Debugging
Use report-uri, report-to, browser DevTools for violations.
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15
Real-World CSP Case Study
Analyzing GitHub or Google CSP headers for inspiration
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16
Introduction to OWASP
What is OWASP, and how the Top 10 list is created.
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17
A01: Broken Access Control
Common pitfalls and Angular/React route guards examples.
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A02: Cryptographic Failures
Storing passwords securely, avoiding custom encryption
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A03: Injection (SQL, XSS)
Escaping inputs, sanitization, using parameterized queries.
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A05: Security Misconfiguration
Default credentials, open admin ports, misconfigured headers.
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A07: Identification and Authentication Failures
Broken login logic, missing lockout, insecure JWTs.
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22
A09: Security Logging and Monitoring Failures
How to detect, log, and respond to real-time threats.
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23
Secure JavaScript Practices
Avoiding eval(), DOM-based XSS, secure event handling.
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24
Handling Secrets in Web Apps
Don’t leak API keys in JS bundles. Environment variables, build-time injection.
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25
Mitigating Clickjacking with Headers
Use X-Frame-Options, frame-ancestors, sandboxed iframes.
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26
Secure Cookies & Storage
Use HttpOnly, SameSite, Secure flags wisely. Avoid localStorage for tokens.
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Secure a Real Web App
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How CORS works and how to configure it securely
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Importance of HTTPS and how to enforce secure transport
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Setting up effective Content Security Policies (CSP)
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Understanding and defending against OWASP Top 10 threats for frontend apps
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Writing secure, defensive JavaScript code
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Frontend developers aiming to build secure applications
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JavaScript/Angular/React/Vue developers who want to improve their security practices
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Tech leads and dev teams working on production-grade web projects
