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What's the difference between client-side security and server-side security?

Wednesday, September 3rd, 2025

Updated September 5th, 2025

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Simon Wijckmans

Server-side security protects your infrastructure with tools like firewalls, a WAF protecting the perimeter against malicious inbound requests, and vulnerability scanners, building a wall around your critical infrastructure. Client-side security protects where your applications actually execute: in your users' browsers. Think of it this way, server-side security protects your kitchen, but client-side security protects the meal after it's served to your customers. You need both layers because attackers increasingly target the client-side, where they can steal data directly from users without touching your servers.

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More About Simon Wijckmans

Founder and CEO of c/side. Building better security against client-side executed attacks, and making solutions more accessible to smaller businesses. Web security is not an enterprise only problem.