Content Security Policy Definition:
Content Security Policy (CSP) is a security feature implemented through HTTP headers to prevent various types of attacks, particularly Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) and data Injection Attacks. It allows web developers to specify which content sources are permitted to load on their websites, adding an extra layer of security against malicious content.
What is Content Security Policy?
CSP functions as a set of rules defining which resources, such as scripts, images, or styles, a web page is allowed to load. By controlling resource loading, CSP reduces the risk of malicious content being executed on a user’s browser. This policy can be adjusted to accommodate specific security needs, blocking any non-specified sources of content.
Why is Content Security Policy important?
The primary purpose of CSP is to mitigate the risk of content Injection Attacks like XSS, which can compromise user data, credentials, and browser sessions. CSP provides a level of protection by restricting the sources from which resources can be loaded, reducing the chances of unauthorised scripts running on the page.
How does Content Security Policy work?
CSP is implemented by setting the 'Content-Security-Policy' HTTP header in the Web Server’s configuration or by using HTML meta tags. Developers can specify allowed sources with directives like 'default-src', 'script-src', or 'img-src', tailoring the policy to control which content sources are accessible, from scripts to images and fonts.
Content Security Policy Examples:
Examples include setting 'script-src' to allow only scripts from a trusted domain, or using 'img-src' to limit images to specific URLs. A CSP setup for an e-commerce site might permit scripts only from its primary domain and its secure payment provider, reducing the risk of unauthorised content injections.
Content Security Policy Issues:
While CSP is effective in preventing content Injection Attacks, it requires careful configuration to avoid blocking necessary content. Overly restrictive policies can break site functionality, while lenient policies might fail to offer adequate protection. Developers must test and refine CSP settings to balance usability with security.
Our Services
