Security Headers Generator

Generate hardened HTTP response security headers for Nginx, Apache, Next.js, and Vercel. Configure CSP, HSTS, and X-Frame-Options with live security grades.

Security Grade

A+

Hardened HTTP Security Headers

Mitigate Cross-Site Scripting (XSS), Clickjacking, MIME-sniffing, and SSL downgrade attacks.

Header Directives & Options

Strict-Transport-Security (HSTS)

Forces modern browsers to communicate exclusively over HTTPS, preventing SSL stripping.

Subdomains

Preload

Content-Security-Policy (CSP)

Restricts which sources of scripts, styles, images, and fonts are allowed to execute.

X-Frame-Options

Prevents clickjacking attacks by forbidding external domains from embedding your site in iframes.

X-Content-Type-Options

Blocks MIME-sniffing ('nosniff').

Referrer-Policy

Protects user privacy in referral headers.

Generated Web Server Configurations

# Nginx Security Headers Configuration
add_header Strict-Transport-Security "max-age=31536000; includeSubDomains; preload" always;
add_header Content-Security-Policy "default-src 'self' https:; script-src 'self' 'unsafe-inline' 'unsafe-eval' https:; style-src 'self' 'unsafe-inline' https:; img-src 'self' data: https:; font-src 'self' data: https:; connect-src 'self' https:; frame-ancestors 'none'; upgrade-insecure-requests;" always;
add_header X-Frame-Options "DENY" always;
add_header X-Content-Type-Options "nosniff" always;
add_header Referrer-Policy "strict-origin-when-cross-origin" always;
add_header Permissions-Policy "camera=(), microphone=(), geolocation=(), browsing-topics=()" always;

Why HTTP Security Headers Are Essential for Modern Web Applications

A majority of modern cyberattacks against web apps exploit default browser permissiveness. Without explicit security response headers, browsers will execute untrusted inline scripts, allow pages to be framed by malicious phishing domains, and transmit sensitive cookies across unencrypted Wi-Fi networks.

Core Headers Explained

Content-Security-Policy (CSP): Declares trusted script, image, and style origins to stop XSS attacks.
Strict-Transport-Security (HSTS): Mandates end-to-end HTTPS encryption for all subdomains.
X-Frame-Options: Disallows framing to defend against clickjacking and UI redressing.
X-Content-Type-Options: Forces browser compliance with declared MIME types ('nosniff').
Referrer-Policy: Prevents confidential query parameters and token IDs from leaking in HTTP referrers.

Implementation Use Cases

✓
Hardening Production Web Servers
Protect Apache, Nginx, and Caddy reverse proxies from Cross-Site Scripting (XSS), clickjacking, and SSL downgrade exploits.
✓
Achieving A+ on Security Header Audits
Score top grades on SecurityHeaders.com, Mozilla Observatory, and SOC 2 security compliance assessments.
✓
Next.js & Vercel Jamstack Security
Instantly drop ready-to-run headers into `next.config.js` or `vercel.json` without configuring low-level Linux daemon files.
✓
PCI-DSS & GDPR Web Compliance
Implement mandatory HTTPS enforcement (HSTS) and referrer data leakage restrictions required for payment gateways.

Key Generator Features

✓

Multi-Server Code Formats

Export production configurations formatted for Nginx (`add_header`), Apache (`.htaccess`), Next.js (`next.config.js`), and Vercel.

✓

Interactive Security Grade Rating

Visual grade badge updates dynamically from C to A+ as you configure recommended OWASP headers.

✓

Granular HSTS Preload Support

Easily configure max-age (1 to 2 years), includeSubDomains, and preload flags for Chrome/Firefox HSTS inclusion.

✓

Content Security Policy (CSP) Modes

Choose between Strict, Moderate (CDN compatible), or custom source directive allowances.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are HTTP security headers and why are they necessary?

HTTP security headers are directives sent by your web server in HTTP responses that instruct modern web browsers how to handle content safely. They restrict unauthorized script execution, disable vulnerable browser features, prevent iframe embedding, and protect confidential user session cookies.

What does Strict-Transport-Security (HSTS) do?

Strict-Transport-Security (HSTS) forces browsers to only communicate with your domain over secure HTTPS connections, rejecting plaintext HTTP entirely. This prevents man-in-the-middle (MITM) attacks, cookie hijacking, and SSL stripping exploits.

What is Content-Security-Policy (CSP)?

Content Security Policy is an HTTP response header that declares approved origins for scripts, styles, images, fonts, and iframes. By blocking unauthorized third-party scripts from loading, CSP serves as the primary defense against Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) and data exfiltration.

How does X-Frame-Options prevent Clickjacking?

Clickjacking occurs when an attacker renders your website inside a transparent iframe on their malicious website, tricking users into clicking invisible buttons. Setting `X-Frame-Options: DENY` or `SAMEORIGIN` forbids unauthorized websites from embedding your pages inside iframes.

Where should I place these headers in Next.js?

In Next.js, add these headers to your `next.config.js` file inside the `async headers()` lifecycle hook. This ensures headers are automatically injected into all static and server-rendered routes across Vercel, Docker, or Node.js hosting.