Where to Store Your JWT: Local Storage vs. Cookies

When building web applications that rely on JWT (JSON Web Tokens) for authentication, a common debate arises: where should you store the JWT? The two main options are local storage and cookies, each with its own advantages and security implications. Let’s explore both methods and the associated risks, so you can make an informed decision.

1. Local Storage: The Simpler Option

Storing your JWT in local storage is the most straightforward approach. It’s easy to implement, and you don’t have to worry about setting cookies or dealing with additional headers. Once the user logs in, you store the JWT in local storage, and it can be accessed whenever you need to authenticate API requests.

However, this method has a security drawback: it’s an aggravating factor in case of a XSS (Cross-Site Scripting) attack.

XSS vulnerabilities allow attackers to inject malicious scripts into your website. If such an attack occurs, an attacker can impersonate users and make requests on their behalf. While the presence of XSS is already a serious issue, storing sensitive tokens like JWTs in local storage makes the situation worse, as it allows the attacker to steal the compromised token for later use.

2. Cookies: A More Secure but Complex Option

Storing JWTs in cookies, particularly HTTP-only cookies, can offer more protection against XSS attacks. Http-only cookies are not accessible via JavaScript, meaning an attacker would be unable to steal the token for later use.

However, cookies come with their own set of challenges. To avoid CSRF (Cross-Site Request Forgery) vulnerabilities, you must implement CSRF protection. CSRF attacks exploit the browser’s ability to automatically send cookies with every request, allowing an attacker to perform actions on behalf of the user without their knowledge. Unfortunately, many developers forget to set up proper CSRF headers and controls, which can leave the application vulnerable.

Without CSRF protection, storing JWTs in cookies is more dangerous than using local storage. If an attacker can make requests on behalf of a user, they don’t even need access to the token; they can simply exploit the automatic transmission of the cookie. Therefore, while cookies offer some protection against XSS attacks, they require extra security measures to be fully effective.

Striking a Balance with Eicrud

Managing JWT storage securely is critical to ensuring the safety of your web applications, and handling this process manually can be error-prone. This is where Eicrud comes in. Eicrud simplifies token storage and management by handling JWT storage automatically for you. Whether the token is stored in local storage or cookies, Eicrud’s client abstracts away the complexities, ensuring that security best practices are followed.

Eicrud’s built-in client takes care of sending JWTs with each request, eliminating the need for developers to manually manage token storage or worry about potential vulnerabilities. By automating JWT handling, Eicrud allows you to focus on building features without sacrificing security. Whether you choose local storage or cookies, Eicrud helps mitigate the risks and ensures your application remains protected.

Conclusion

In conclusion, choosing between local storage and cookies comes down to a trade-off between simplicity and security. While local storage is easier to implement, cookies offer better protection against XSS attacks when used correctly. However, both methods have vulnerabilities that must be addressed. With Eicrud, you can offload the burden of JWT management and rest assured that your authentication tokens are handled securely.