Importance of Client-Side JavaScript Security
Javascript is extensively used for several years ever since it was first developed. There are so many reasons in the bucket that why we need to use Javascript. Firstly, Javascript is so natural to learn and utilize. And another reason is, it has the wide accessibility to simple-to-join, open source libraries like jQuery, React.js, Backbone.js, Angular.js, and Ember.js.
To better understand of Javascript security, let’s explore in deep to outline and know why it has become the future wave in developer’s perspective
Javascript is everywhere
As we all know Javascript is incredibly powerful language. It is a high-level and interpreted programming language that has been widely used since its release. Javascript is world’s 11th most prominent programming language. It is commonly used in dynamic web pages to provide extended functionalities such as interactivity, animations, user activity, tracking and more. In order to do this, the Javascript is embedded in an HTML page, where it can interact with pages Document Object Model (DOM) to perform specific functions. In addition to its usage in web browser applications, Javascript is progressively used in mobile applications via cross-platform development tools like Titanium and PhoneGap, and in server-side code via frameworks like Node.js.
Javascript Security
Since its release, there have been several Javascript security issues that have gained outspread attention. The way javascript interacts with the DOM poses a risk for end users by enabling deleterious actors to deliver scripts over the web and run them on client computers. There are two measures that can be taken to contain this Javascript security risk. The first one is sandboxing, or running scripts separately so that they can only access certain resources and perform only specific tasks. Secondly, implementing the same origin policy, this prevents scripts from one site, accessing the data that is
Javascript is one of the most versatile and effective languages used to extend functionality in websites. However, it also possesses some negative effects that might make you think twice before implementing Javascript on your websites. Every programming language has its own advantages and disadvantages. Let us review some of its pros and cons.
Advantages :
Javascript is executed on the client side: The code is executed in the user’s processor rather in the web server, thus saving the bandwidth on the web server.
Extended functionalities to web pages: Third party ad-ons like Greasemonkey enable Javascript developers to write snippets, which can execute on desired web pages to enhance its functionality. If you are using a website and you wanted to add some certain features, you can write it by yourself and can use add-ons like Greasemonkey to implement it on the webpage.
Disadvantage:
Security Issues: Javascript snippets, once it is adjoined onto the web pages, it executes on the client server immediately and, therefore, can also be used to exploit the user’s system. While a cer tain restriction is set by modern web standards on browsers, the malicious code can be still execut ed by compiling with the restrictions set.
Javascript rendering varies: Different layout engines may render the Javascript differently, thus resulting in inconsistency in terms of functionality and interface. Though the latest versions of Java script and rendering have been regulated towards a universal standard, certain variations still exist.
Thus, the rise in the use of Javascript brings you with a great promise, but the combination of its interpreted nature and its increase use also opens the entryway to more risk. You need not to be scared off, as there is much you can do to reduce the risks for your business.