There are a number of ways that a website can protect its JavaScript code from unauthorized users. First, an introduction into how Ajax works will be made in order to assist in understanding the different methods of protecting JavaScript used by websites.
Another way of protecting code may be done through JavaScript encryption methods where plain text scripts are encrypted into an unreadable format. This method provides a challenge-response mechanism that protects the copyright of any company while keeping the same performance standards for end-users. There are several ways in which Javascript can be protected on one’s website, each with its own pros and cons. These are seven of the most
Common techniques used today for javascript protection:
1) Password Protection –
This technique involves using forms or links on your Web page to send requests to the server via HTTP GET or POST method, thus requiring password input before JavaScript can be executed.
2) Cookie Authentication –
In this technique, the server sends a cookie to one’s browser, which is used as a “ticket” to access their JavaScripts. Unfortunately, cookies are easily read by external programs, and hackers often attack them with great success. Furthermore, their use has been discouraged by some of the major web browsers for security reasons.
3) Hidden iFrame –
A hidden iFrame will load another HTML page into itself and prevent the user from reloading the previous page until authentication is completed successfully. This method works well but it can cause problems with search engines such as Google that do not index pages inside frames properly. It may also affect users who have disabled frame support in their browser or those who browse with text-based browsers such as w3m.
Hidden iFrame
4) White-listing –
This is a white-list approach of allowing JavaScript to execute only on certain trusted sites that you specify. It’s done by checking the site name against a list of valid sites that use one’s scripts. If the current page’s name matches any of these, then allow access but otherwise block it.
White-listing
5) Black-listing –
This method involves blocking all script execution except for sites on an allowed list where their scripts are allowed to run without restriction. Unless they are on the list of trusted sources, scripts on other domains will be blocked from executing. Although this technique can help protect their code from being stolen, it also has some pitfalls.
Black-listing
6) Local Storage –
this technique involves using cookies to store one’s script’s data locally, which is done by directly accessing the Browser object. Several browsers do not support local storage or have restrictions on how much can be stored in one cookie, so it could end up like the third method, i.e., limiting functionality for certain users.
Local Storag
7) Hybrid –
A combination of two or more of the above techniques often gives the best results and should always be looked into if security is important to one. For example, a white-list approach that allows scripts from those sites where you want them to run without restriction combined with a password protection technique can yield some very secure JavaScripts.
Hybrid
These were some excellent ways by which one can protect their Javascript, and if one doesn’t know about these techniques, they can take help from Appsealing Company.
