Why I Don’t Use LocalStorage for Tokens — And What I Do Instead

LocalStorage poses security risks for storing JWT tokens due to XSS vulnerability and lack of browser security features. A safer approach uses access tokens stored in memory (lost on page refresh) combined with refresh tokens in secure HttpOnly cookies. This pattern reduces XSS attack surface, ensures session expiry on tab close, and leverages browser cookie security flags. Token rotation further enhances security by invalidating refresh tokens after each use.