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Security Essentials Every Developer Should Know

Let’s face it: most developers don’t get serious about security… until they get burned.

You're shipping features, squashing bugs, deploying updates — security often feels like “someone else’s job.” But the reality? One overlooked vulnerability can destroy your app and your reputation.

Whether you're building a simple portfolio site or managing enterprise-scale applications — security must be baked in from day one.

Here’s what every developer (yes, you) should know to stay secure and sleep better at night.

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1. Always Hash Passwords (and Never with MD5 or SHA1 😱)

Passwords should never be stored in plain text — that’s a given. But even common hashing algorithms like MD5 and SHA1 are outdated and breakable.

Use a hashing algorithm built for security like bcrypt, scrypt, or Argon2.

// Example using bcrypt in Node.js
const bcrypt = require('bcrypt');
const saltRounds = 10;

const hashPassword = async (password) => {
  const hash = await bcrypt.hash(password, saltRounds);
  return hash;
};
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👉 Read why bcrypt is still secure


2. Don’t Trust User Input — Ever.

SQL Injection, XSS, Command Injection — all stem from trusting user input.

Use input validation libraries and sanitize everything.

  • For SQL: Use parameterized queries
  • For XSS: Escape output with libraries like DOMPurify
  • For backend validation: Use tools like Joi or Zod
-- BAD
SELECT * FROM users WHERE username = '$input';

-- GOOD (Parameterized)
SELECT * FROM users WHERE username = ?;
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3. Store Secrets Securely

Hardcoding your API keys in code or uploading .env files to GitHub? That’s how leaks happen.

Use environment variables, and tools like:

Check out this guide: Stop hardcoding your secrets


4. Use HTTPS — Always

Even for local development. With tools like mkcert, it's super easy.

mkcert localhost
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If your app runs without HTTPS in production, you're exposing users to man-in-the-middle attacks. No excuses in 2025.


5. Set Secure HTTP Headers

Headers are your first line of defense.

Use a security middleware like helmet in Express.js:

const helmet = require('helmet');
app.use(helmet());
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CSP (Content Security Policy) is especially important to stop XSS attacks.

Dive deeper into secure headers guide


6. Keep Dependencies in Check

Most vulnerabilities don’t come from your code — they come from third-party packages.

  • Regularly run: npm audit or yarn audit
  • Use Snyk
  • Remove unused packages!

Use tools like Socket.dev to analyze open-source packages before installing.


7. Use Proper Authentication Flows

Stop building your own auth — seriously.

Use OAuth, OpenID Connect, or services like:

And always use multi-factor authentication (MFA) for admin accounts.


8. Protect Against CSRF

Cross-Site Request Forgery is sneaky and dangerous. If you’re building forms or APIs, protect your endpoints.

Use tokens, check referrers, and enable SameSite cookies:

res.cookie('token', value, {
  httpOnly: true,
  sameSite: 'Strict'
});
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Learn more in OWASP CSRF Prevention Cheat Sheet


9. Don’t Roll Your Own Crypto

Unless you’re a cryptography expert, don’t try to “encrypt stuff” yourself.

Use well-tested libraries:

Bad crypto = false sense of security.


💡 Pro Tip: Bookmark OWASP Top 10 — it’s the Bible for web security.


Security isn't a checkbox — it's a mindset.
Start thinking like an attacker, and you’ll build systems they can’t easily break.


🔁 What’s the worst security mistake you’ve seen in the wild? Share your horror stories (or wins!) in the comments.

💬 Have questions or tips to share? Drop them below — let’s learn from each other!

👇 Follow DCT Technology for more no-fluff insights on web dev, design, SEO, and IT consulting.

#webdevelopment #security #javascript #devcommunity #programming #nodejs #frontend #backend #cybersecurity #developers #owasp #webapps #infosec

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Top comments (1)

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kubenetic profile image
Miklos Halasz

9.1 Do not make AI chatbots implement crypto algorithms :)

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