How can you make web forms and inputs secure and user-friendly?

1 Use HTTPS and SSL

The first and most important step to secure your web forms and inputs is to use HTTPS and SSL protocols, which encrypt the data transmitted between your website and your users' browsers. This prevents hackers from intercepting, modifying, or stealing sensitive information, such as passwords, credit card numbers, or personal details. To use HTTPS and SSL, you need to obtain a valid certificate from a trusted authority and configure your web server accordingly.

3 Use secure passwords and tokens

To protect your users' accounts and data, you need to use secure passwords and tokens for your web forms and inputs. Passwords should be strong, unique, and hashed before storing them in your database. You should also implement password policies, such as requiring minimum length, complexity, and expiration. Tokens are random strings that are generated and attached to each form submission, to prevent cross-site request forgery (CSRF) attacks, which can trick users into performing unwanted actions on your website. You should also use tokens for authentication and authorization, such as JSON Web Tokens (JWT).

4 Optimize layout and design

When creating web forms and inputs, it is important to ensure their security as well as optimize their layout and design for user-friendliness and accessibility. Labels, instructions, and feedback for each input field should be clear and concise. Group related inputs together in a logical order and flow. Additionally, choose appropriate input types such as text, email, number or date to enable browser validation and input methods. Placeholders, tooltips or icons can provide hints or examples. Multiple choice inputs should be done with checkboxes, radio buttons or dropdowns to avoid long lists. Buttons, links or tabs should be used for navigation and actions while indicating their state and function. Finally, use responsive design and media queries to adapt forms and inputs to different screen sizes and devices.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?