Best 7 Ways for Clickjacking Prevention in React.js

What is Clickjacking?

Clickjacking is a malicious technique where an attacker tricks users into clicking hidden UI elements within an iframe, unknowingly performing unintended actions. In the context of React.js, a highly interactive front-end library, clickjacking can manipulate form submissions, settings changes, or even financial transactions without the user’s knowledge.

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Why Clickjacking is Dangerous in React.js

React apps rely heavily on user interactions and state changes. A successful clickjacking attack can:

• Steal sensitive user data.
• Trigger unauthorized actions (like deleting content or changing preferences).
• Degrade user trust and application reputation.

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How to Implement Clickjacking Prevention in React.js

1. Set the X-Frame-Options Header

React alone doesn’t manage headers; you need server-side configurations to prevent your app from being embedded.

Example using Express.js (commonly used with React for full-stack apps):

// server.js
const express = require('express');
const helmet = require('helmet');

const app = express();
app.use(helmet.frameguard({ action: 'deny' }));

app.listen(3000, () => console.log('Server running on port 3000'));

🔒 This sets X-Frame-Options: DENY, preventing clickjacking by disallowing framing.

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2. Use CSP (Content Security Policy) Headers

Add frame-ancestors directive in the response header using your server setup.

Example in Express.js:

app.use((req, res, next) => {
  res.setHeader("Content-Security-Policy", "frame-ancestors 'none'");
  next();
});

✅ This prevents the browser from rendering the app inside any frame or iframe.

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3. Client-side Clickjacking Detection (React Specific)

Detect if your app is inside an iframe and redirect or alert the user.

// App.js
import React, { useEffect } from 'react';

const App = () => {
  useEffect(() => {
    if (window.top !== window.self) {
      alert("Clickjacking attempt detected!");
      window.top.location = window.location.href;
    }
  }, []);

  return <div>Your secure React.js App</div>;
};
export default App;

🛡️ This actively detects iframe embedding and redirects to safety.

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4. Implementing a Fullscreen Overlay Warning

In sensitive components, use a visual overlay when an iframe is detected.

const ClickjackProtected = () => {
  const [isFramed, setIsFramed] = React.useState(false);

  useEffect(() => {
    if (window.top !== window.self) {
      setIsFramed(true);
    }
  }, []);

  return (
    <>
      {isFramed && (
        <div style={{
          position: 'fixed', top: 0, left: 0,
          width: '100vw', height: '100vh',
          background: 'rgba(0,0,0,0.8)', color: 'white',
          zIndex: 9999, display: 'flex', alignItems: 'center',
          justifyContent: 'center'
        }}>
          Clickjacking attempt detected. Exiting...
        </div>
      )}
      <div>Your secure content</div>
    </>
  );
};

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5. Iframe Busting Script

Embed this script as a fail-safe option in your index.html:

<script>
  if (self !== top) {
    top.location = self.location.href;
  }
</script>

📌 This is a traditional and quick fix, commonly used as an extra layer of defense.

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6. Enable Helmet.js in Create React App Proxy Server

If you’re using CRA with a backend proxy, implement Helmet in your Express backend.

Example (proxy-backend/index.js):

const express = require('express');
const helmet = require('helmet');

const app = express();
app.use(helmet.frameguard({ action: 'sameorigin' }));

app.listen(5000, () => console.log('Backend running on port 5000'));

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7. Security Headers via Nginx/Apache for Production

Nginx config:

add_header X-Frame-Options "DENY";
add_header Content-Security-Policy "frame-ancestors 'none'";

Apache config:

Header always set X-Frame-Options "DENY"
Header always set Content-Security-Policy "frame-ancestors 'none'"

Deploying headers on production servers ensures clickjacking prevention in React.js is enforced at all layers.

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This screenshot highlights how our free tool detects vulnerabilities like clickjacking in real-time.

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🔗 Explore Related React.js Security Posts

Want to explore more about frontend security in React.js?

• Unrestricted File Upload in React.js
• Prevent Broken Access Control in React.js
• Prevent Broken Access Control in TypeScript

Explore these guides to harden your application security further.

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🔁 Insecure Backend Threats Matter Too

Don’t forget that backend misconfigurations can open the door to frontend attacks. Learn more about backend security in this guide:
➡️ Insecure Deserialization in Laravel

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📬 Need Help? Contact Us

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We’re ready to assist in securing your React applications.

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✅ Final Thoughts

Implementing clickjacking prevention in React.js isn’t just about setting a header—it’s a multi-layered defense strategy. From backend headers to React-level iframe detection, each layer adds to your app’s resilience.

Secure your React application today by combining headers, detection, overlays, and professional audits.

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