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How to Secure a Django App
Protect your Django application with these essential configurations.
Django is a secure framework by default, but many developers overlook critical configurations. This guide covers the most important Django security settings: CSRF, XSS protection, SQL injection prevention, and deployment‑specific recommendations.
150+
Security checks
16
Categories covered
30s
Scan duration
100%
Detection coverage
Key Findings
DEBUG=True in Production critical
Missing Security Headers high
Insecure Cookie Settings medium
1. Production Configuration
Never run with `DEBUG=True` in production – it exposes sensitive information. Set `ALLOWED_HOSTS` to your domain(s). Use `SECURE_SSL_REDIRECT = True` to force HTTPS. Set `SECURE_PROXY_SSL_HEADER` if behind a proxy. Use environment variables for secrets (`SECRET_KEY`, `DB_PASSWORD`).
2. CSRF Protection
Django includes CSRF protection by default. Ensure `django.middleware.csrf.CsrfViewMiddleware` is in `MIDDLEWARE`. Use the `{% csrf_token %}` tag in all forms. For AJAX requests, include the CSRF token in headers. Set `CSRF_COOKIE_SECURE = True` and `CSRF_COOKIE_HTTPONLY = True`.
3. XSS Protection
Django automatically escapes HTML in templates, preventing most XSS attacks. Use `escape` or `|safe` with caution – never mark user‑generated content as safe. Use `mark_safe` only with trusted content. Always use `django.contrib.contenttypes` and `django.contrib.auth` for user‑facing applications.
4. Security Headers
Use the `SecurityMiddleware` and `django-csp` for CSP headers. Set `SECURE_HSTS_SECONDS = 31536000` for HSTS. Set `X_FRAME_OPTIONS = "DENY"` to prevent clickjacking. Set `SECURE_CONTENT_TYPE_NOSNIFF = True`.
The Problem
Django apps often have misconfigurations
- DEBUG=True in production exposing secrets
- CSRF protection not enforced or misconfigured
- Missing security headers
- Insecure cookie settings
- `ALLOWED_HOSTS` not set
OffURL Solution
OffURL detects Django misconfigurations and provides fix steps
- Check for DEBUG=True in response headers
- Verify CSRF protection presence
- Scan security headers
- Provide Django‑specific configuration examples
- Generate an LLM‑ready PDF for AI‑assisted fixes
Key Features
Django detection
We detect if your site uses Django.
Configuration check
We scan for common Django misconfigurations.
LLM‑ready PDF
Get a report formatted for ingestion into your AI assistant.
Actionable fixes
Receive specific recommendations for your Django app.
How do I check if my Django app is secure?
Run an OffURL audit. We check for DEBUG mode, CSRF protection, security headers, and other Django‑specific configurations. You'll get a detailed report with fix steps.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is OffURL and how does it work?
OffURL is a comprehensive website security and performance audit tool. It scans your site for 150+ checks including SSL, security headers, malware, XSS, SQL injection, email security, and more.
Is the security audit really free?
Yes. Your first security report is completely free and includes premium features like detailed findings, fix steps, and the full 150+ checks.
How can I use AI to fix security issues?
Download the premium PDF report and paste it into your preferred LLM (Claude, ChatGPT, Gemini, Cursor) with a prompt asking for specific fixes for your framework.
How long does the security audit take?
Most audits complete in 10‑30 seconds. The scan includes DNS lookups, SSL analysis, HTTP requests, port scanning, and vulnerability tests.
Do I need to create an account?
No. OffURL works without registration. Your first audit is free with premium features included.
What vulnerabilities can OffURL detect?
OffURL detects XSS, SQL Injection, NoSQL Injection, LDAP Injection, XXE, SSRF, SSTI, Code Injection, Command Injection, Open Redirect, Path Traversal, LFI, RFI, CRLF Injection, Parameter Pollution, and CORS Misconfiguration.