Security Best Practices

75 min

Security is crucial for web applications. ASP.NET Core provides many security features out of the box, including automatic HTML encoding, CSRF protection, and secure defaults. However, security requires ongoing attention and best practices. Understanding security enables building applications that protect user data and system integrity. Security is not optional—it's essential.

HTTPS enforcement, CSRF protection, and input validation are essential security measures that prevent common attacks. HTTPS encrypts data in transit, preventing interception. CSRF protection prevents cross-site request forgery attacks. Input validation prevents injection attacks. Understanding these measures enables secure applications. These are fundamental security requirements.

Regular security updates and following OWASP (Open Web Application Security Project) guidelines help protect your applications from known vulnerabilities. Security updates patch discovered vulnerabilities. OWASP Top 10 lists common security risks and mitigation strategies. Understanding security guidelines enables comprehensive protection. Security is an ongoing concern.

Authentication and authorization prevent unauthorized access, while secure password storage (hashing) protects user credentials. Strong authentication verifies user identity. Authorization controls access to resources. Password hashing prevents credential theft. Understanding authentication and authorization enables secure access control. Access control is fundamental to security.

SQL injection prevention (using parameterized queries), XSS prevention (HTML encoding), and secure configuration (not storing secrets in code) are essential practices. SQL injection is prevented by using parameterized queries (EF Core does this automatically). XSS is prevented by HTML encoding (automatic in Razor). Secure configuration prevents credential exposure. Understanding these practices enables comprehensive security.

Best practices include using HTTPS everywhere, validating all input, using parameterized queries, storing secrets securely, implementing proper authentication, keeping dependencies updated, and following security guidelines. Understanding security best practices enables building secure applications. Security requires defense in depth—multiple layers of protection.

Key Concepts

Security is crucial for web applications.
HTTPS, CSRF protection, and input validation are essential.
Regular security updates and OWASP guidelines protect applications.
Authentication, authorization, and secure password storage are fundamental.
SQL injection and XSS prevention are critical security measures.

Learning Objectives

Master

Implementing HTTPS and security headers
Preventing common attacks (CSRF, XSS, SQL injection)
Implementing secure authentication and authorization
Following security best practices and guidelines

Develop

Security thinking
Understanding common vulnerabilities
Designing secure applications

Tips

Always use HTTPS—never send sensitive data over HTTP.
Validate all input—never trust user data.
Use parameterized queries to prevent SQL injection.
Keep dependencies updated to patch security vulnerabilities.

Common Pitfalls

Not using HTTPS, exposing sensitive data.
Not validating input, allowing injection attacks.
Storing secrets in code, creating security vulnerabilities.
Not keeping dependencies updated, missing security patches.

Summary

Security is crucial for web applications.
HTTPS, CSRF protection, and input validation are essential.
Following security guidelines protects applications.
Understanding security enables building secure applications.
Security requires ongoing attention and best practices.

Exercise

Implement HTTPS redirection and CSRF protection.

// Program.cs
app.UseHttpsRedirection();
app.UseHsts();

// In your views, include anti-forgery tokens
<form asp-action="Create" method="post">
    @Html.AntiForgeryToken()
    <input asp-for="Name" />
    <button type="submit">Submit</button>
</form>

// Controller
[ValidateAntiForgeryToken]
[HttpPost]
public IActionResult Create(Product product)
{
    if (ModelState.IsValid)
    {
        // Process the form
        return RedirectToAction("Index");
    }
    return View(product);
}

Security Best Practices