If you're concerned about securing your website from user-uploaded content, think again! In our previous installment of the security series, we covered permission settings. Now it's time to tackle the challenges of displaying and serving user-submitted files. To do this safely, you'll need to create a separate upload directory for each user, filter uploaded files for malware, and limit public access to prevent malicious code from spreading. The consequences of not doing so can be catastrophic - from identity theft to terrorism financing. But don't worry, I've got some practical advice on how to implement these measures and keep your website secure. In this article, we'll explore the best practices for handling user-uploaded content, including server-side rendering engine disabling and client-side protections using Content Security Policy (CSP).

Hardening your website's security starts with updating software, but the real challenge lies in setting the right permissions for uploaded files. In reality, simply granting anyone permission to write or change files can be catastrophic, especially if it allows malicious software to execute and take control of sensitive areas of your site. By being strict about file permissions, you can prevent attacks and protect your website from vulnerabilities. Read on to learn how to configure file permissions effectively, avoid common pitfalls like self-updating programs that can modify internet-reachable files, and discover how to secure user uploads in our next part of this series.