Corrosion of materials is a significant problem in various fields, leading to a reduction in the strength and durability of various structures and products. This paper discusses the mechanisms of corrosion, the effects on different materials and presents methods of corrosion protection. The methods and materials of the study include laboratory tests using carbon steel (AISI 1018) in an aggressive environment where the corrosion rate was measured. The results showed that the corrosion rate of carbon steel in salt spray averaged 0,4 mm per year. With the use of anodic protection, the corrosion rate was reduced by 50%. Instrumental analysis allowed the thickness of the oxide coatings to be determined, where samples with anodic protection had an oxide coating thickness of 20 µm, while samples without protection had an oxide coating thickness of 60 µm. These results emphasize the importance of understanding corrosion mechanisms and proper selection of material protection methods to ensure durability and reliability in various industries.