What is OWASP Top 10?
OWASP Top 10 Definition: A list of the most critical web application security risks compiled by the Open Web Application Security Project.
Understanding OWASP Top 10
The OWASP Top 10 is essentially the 'greatest hits' list of web application vulnerabilities—the most critical security risks that organizations should address first. Updated every few years by the Open Web Application Security Project, it represents expert consensus on which vulnerabilities are causing the most damage in real-world applications. It's not comprehensive security guidance, but rather a starting point focusing on what's actually exploited most often. Each entry explains the vulnerability, provides examples of how attacks work, and offers specific mitigation strategies. What makes it particularly valuable is that it's not just theoretical—it's based on data from security testing firms, bug bounties, and real-world breaches. Developers, security professionals, and even non-technical stakeholders use it as a shared reference point for understanding and prioritizing application security risks.