Introduction to OWASP Top 10
Get an overview of the OWASP Top 10 list, understanding its purpose and how it guides identifying common web application security risks.
Introduction to OWASP Top 10 is a free Secure Coding & OWASP Top 10 for Backend lesson on CoddyKit — lesson 3 of 4. You can read the complete lesson below for free — then practise it hands-on in the browser with a built-in code editor and a 24/7 AI tutor. It is part of the Secure Coding & OWASP Top 10 for Backend learning path, one of 4 lessons in the course, and your progress syncs across the web and the CoddyKit app.
What is OWASP?
OWASP — the Open Web Application Security Project — is a global non-profit that publishes free, vendor-neutral guidance for secure coding.
Why the OWASP Top 10?
The OWASP Top 10 lists the most critical web app security risks. Treat it as a guide for prioritizing your security efforts, not a checklist.
How the Top 10 is Compiled
The Top 10 is data-driven: built from millions of real vulnerabilities reported by experts worldwide, surfacing what attackers exploit most.
A Peek at A01: Broken Access Control
A01: Broken Access Control — when access rules fail, users reach data or actions they should not. Controlling who can do what is critical.
A Peek at A02: Cryptographic Failures
A02: Cryptographic Failures — weak encryption, poor key management, or insecurely stored passwords expose sensitive data. Strong crypto matters.
A Peek at A03: Injection
A03: Injection — untrusted data tricks an interpreter into running unintended commands. SQL injection is the classic; validating input is the defense.
Using the Top 10 as a Guide
Use the Top 10 as a working guide: assess risk during design and testing, educate your team, and prioritize the most impactful fixes first.
The Dynamic Nature of the Top 10
Threats evolve, and so does the OWASP Top 10. It is revised every few years as categories merge or appear — track the latest version.
Check Your Knowledge
Which of the following statements accurately describe the OWASP Top 10?
Recap: Your Security Journey
You took your first step into backend security: OWASP drives the field, and its Top 10 is a dynamic, data-driven guide for prioritizing risk. Keep going!
Frequently asked questions
Is the “Introduction to OWASP Top 10” lesson free?
Yes — the full text of “Introduction to OWASP Top 10” is free to read here on the web, and the Secure Coding & OWASP Top 10 for Backend course includes 4 lessons in total. To practise it interactively (a built-in code editor and a 24/7 AI tutor) and unlock the rest of the Secure Coding & OWASP Top 10 for Backend course, upgrade to CoddyKit PRO.
What will I learn in “Introduction to OWASP Top 10”?
Get an overview of the OWASP Top 10 list, understanding its purpose and how it guides identifying common web application security risks. You practise Secure Coding & OWASP Top 10 for Backend with hands-on code you run directly in the browser, and a 24/7 AI tutor answers your questions as you work through the lesson.
Do I need any experience to start Secure Coding & OWASP Top 10 for Backend?
No prior experience is required. Secure Coding & OWASP Top 10 for Backend on CoddyKit is structured for beginners through advanced learners; this is — lesson 3 of 4, so you can start here or from the beginning and move at your own pace.
How long does the “Introduction to OWASP Top 10” lesson take?
Most CoddyKit lessons take about 5–10 minutes. Each one is bite-sized and interactive, so you make steady progress and pick up exactly where you left off across the web and the app.
Can I write and run code in this Secure Coding & OWASP Top 10 for Backend lesson?
Yes. Every Secure Coding & OWASP Top 10 for Backend lesson includes a built-in code editor, so you write and run real code right in your browser and get instant AI feedback — no local setup required.
All lessons in this course
- Why Secure Coding Matters
- Core Security Principles
- Introduction to OWASP Top 10
- Threat Modeling for Backend Applications