Skill

Web Application Security

Web Application Security protects web apps from attacks like SQL injection, XSS, and CSRF. You'll secure code and test for OWASP Top 10 vulnerabilities.

Application

Learning path

Learn web technologies, understand OWASP Top 10, practice testing.

Career relevance

Key for application security engineers, pentesters, developers.

Practice projects

Work through OWASP Juice Shop
Run OWASP Juice Shop bound to localhost (127.0.0.1) only and solve challenges in injection, broken access control and XSS, noting the root cause of each flaw.
What you'll have: Write-ups that explain each flaw and how to fix it.
Exploit DVWA, then fix its code
Run DVWA on an isolated lab network that the internet can't reach, exploit a few of its vulnerabilities, then read the PHP source and rewrite the vulnerable parts securely.
What you'll have: Before-and-after code that shows secure coding as well as exploitation.

Certifications teaching Web Application Security

Intermediate2

EC-Council

Intermediate

Certified Ethical Hacker

Tests recognition of attack techniques across nine domains in a 125-question exam, with an optional six-hour hands-on Practical leading to CEH Master

Exam: $950
Study: 4-6 months

CompTIA

Intermediate

CompTIA PenTest+

Covers a full penetration test from scoping to report, including Active Directory, cloud and AI attacks, through scenario-based questions rather than a live lab

Exam: $439
Study: 2-3 months

Advanced1

OffSec

Advanced

OffSec Certified Professional

Proctored 24-hour practical with an Active Directory set; passing now awards lifetime OSCP plus a three-year OSCP+

Exam: $1,699
Study: 3-6 months