Why Local Storage is a Security Risk: Explained and How to Protect Your Data

🔒Local storage can be accessed by attackers in cross-site scripting attacks, compromising sensitive data.

🚫Storing secure information in local storage is not recommended due to its vulnerability to exploitation.

🍪Using HTTP-only cookies is a safer alternative to protect sensitive data from unauthorized access.

💻Client-side JavaScript has direct access to local storage, allowing attackers to manipulate and extract information.

🔐HTTP-only cookies restrict JavaScript access, making them a more secure option for storing sensitive data.

Why is local storage a security risk?

—Local storage can be exploited in cross-site scripting attacks, allowing attackers to access sensitive information stored within it.

Is storing sensitive data in local storage safe?

—Storing secure information in local storage is not recommended as JavaScript code can easily manipulate and extract the data.

What is the alternative to local storage for storing sensitive data?

—HTTP-only cookies provide a more secure alternative to store sensitive data, as they restrict JavaScript access.

Can attackers access local storage?

—Yes, attackers can use cross-site scripting attacks to access and manipulate the data stored in local storage.

How do HTTP-only cookies protect sensitive data?

—HTTP-only cookies restrict JavaScript access, making it difficult for attackers to exploit and extract sensitive information.

00:00Local storage can be a security risk, particularly in cross-site scripting attacks.

01:32Attackers can easily access sensitive information stored in local storage through JavaScript code.

02:37Using dangerously innerHTML in React can expose your website to cross-site scripting attacks.

03:42Using HTTP-only cookies is a more secure alternative to storing sensitive data.

05:19Setting HTTP-only property on cookies restricts JavaScript access, enhancing security.