SecurityError

SecurityError is a term used in computing to denote an exception raised when an operation would compromise security or violate permissions. The phrase appears in multiple programming environments, but it is most closely associated with web browsers and their DOM APIs. The concept centers on preventing actions that could expose data, resources, or users to risk by enforcing security constraints.

In the web platform, SecurityError is the name of a DOMException used to signal a security policy violation. When a script attempts to perform an action that is disallowed by the browser’s security model—such as accessing restricted resources across origins or performing an operation without the necessary permissions—the API may throw or reject a SecurityError. The exact triggers depend on the API and the browser; the underlying purpose is to prevent unsafe actions within a page or extension. Handling typically involves catching the exception in JavaScript and adhering to permissions, user interaction requirements, or secure contexts.

Beyond the browser DOM, some programming languages and environments designate SecurityError as a dedicated exception type or as a general class for security-related failures. The precise semantics—including inheritance and error codes—vary by language and version. Consequently, developers should consult the relevant API documentation to interpret SecurityError accurately in a given context.