WebSocket Security Best Practices 🛡️

WebSocket connections require careful security configuration to prevent vulnerabilities. Here are essential practices for secure implementation:

1. Use WSS (WebSocket Secure) 🔒

Always enforce WSS instead of plain WS to encrypt data via TLS.

[Learn more about WSS setup](/en/api/guides/websocket_encryption)

2. Authentication & Authorization 🛡️

• Implement token-based authentication (e.g., JWT)
• Validate Origin headers to prevent cross-site attacks
• Use challenge-response mechanisms for sensitive operations

3. Secure Headers Configuration 📜

Set these headers in your server:

• Sec-WebSocket-Protocol for subprotocol negotiation
• X-Content-Type-Options: nosniff
• Strict-Transport-Security: max-age=31536000
  View header configuration examples

4. Rate Limiting & Firewall Rules ⚙️

• Limit connection attempts per IP
• Block unauthorized ports (e.g., 8080)
• Use WAFs to detect malicious patterns

5. Keep Protocols Updated 🔄

• Disable deprecated versions (e.g., WebSocket version 03)
• Regularly update server libraries to fix vulnerabilities
  Check protocol version guides

6. Secure WebSocket Origins 🌐

Only accept connections from trusted domains.
Add Origin validation in your server logic to prevent:

• Cross-site request forgery (CSRF)
• Man-in-the-middle attacks

7. Monitor & Log Activity 📊

Track:

• Unusual connection patterns
• Failed authentication attempts
• Data transmission anomalies
  Use tools like Wireshark for packet analysis.

For deeper insights, explore advanced security configurations. 🚀