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How to Secure the Vibe-Coded Apps
Vibe coding
This guide briefly explains in simple terms, how individuals, startups, and SMEs in the EU can secure AI-built apps, protect user data, and avoid GDPR and Cyber Resilience Act violations.
Vibe coding, building apps just by describing what you want to an AI, is incredible for turning ideas into working apps fast. But because these tools focus on making apps work immediately, they often skip the invisible security protections your data needs.
Securing vibe-coded apps in the EU means addressing hidden security risks in AI-generated and no-code software. This guide outlines how to protect user data and comply with GDPR and the Cyber Resilience Act.
Securing vibe-coded apps in the EU means addressing hidden security risks in AI-generated and no-code software. This guide outlines how to protect user data and comply with GDPR and the Cyber Resilience Act.
1. Don’t Put the Lock on the Outside
Problem: Some apps only check login status in the browser (client-side).
Risk: Anyone tech-savvy can trick the app into thinking they’re logged in.
Fix: Make login checks server-side. Ask your AI tool to handle authentication on the server, not in the user’s browser.
Risk: Anyone tech-savvy can trick the app into thinking they’re logged in.
Fix: Make login checks server-side. Ask your AI tool to handle authentication on the server, not in the user’s browser.
2. Logged In ≠Access to Everything
Problem: Apps often let any logged-in user see all data.
Risk: Without Row-Level Security (RLS), users could see other people’s private info—emails, payments, messages.
Fix: Use RLS or object-level rules. Tell your AI: “Users can only see their own data records.”
Risk: Without Row-Level Security (RLS), users could see other people’s private info—emails, payments, messages.
Fix: Use RLS or object-level rules. Tell your AI: “Users can only see their own data records.”
3. Close Hidden Back Doors
Problem: Test or admin pages created during development can stay live unnoticed.
Risk: Anyone who guesses the URL can access your database without logging in.
Fix: Audit your app before launch. Delete or password-protect all test pages and endpoints.
Risk: Anyone who guesses the URL can access your database without logging in.
Fix: Audit your app before launch. Delete or password-protect all test pages and endpoints.
4. Lock Your Database “Safe”
Problem: AI scripts often set databases to “public read” so the app works immediately.
Risk: This exposes sensitive info to anyone on the internet. Example: Moltbook AI exposed 1.5 million private keys.
Fix: Set your database to private. Never leave it accessible without a login.
Risk: This exposes sensitive info to anyone on the internet. Example: Moltbook AI exposed 1.5 million private keys.
Fix: Set your database to private. Never leave it accessible without a login.
5. Don’t Leave Master Keys in the Code
Problem: API keys (like for Stripe or Google Maps) are sometimes included in the app’s public code.
Risk: Attackers can find them and access your paid services or steal data.
Fix: Use Environment Variables to store keys safely behind the scenes.
Risk: Attackers can find them and access your paid services or steal data.
Fix: Use Environment Variables to store keys safely behind the scenes.
6. Protect Data in Transit
- Problem: Some apps don’t use HTTPS.
- Risk: Without HTTPS, passwords and personal info travel like unsealed letters, anyone on the same network can intercept them.
- Fix: Enforce HTTPS and disable debug mode before going live. Debug mode can log sensitive info.
7. Get an Expert Vibe Check
Problem: Hidden risks can slip past even smart AI tools.
Risk: Non-compliance with GDPR and CRA, reputation and business risks.
Fix:
Risk: Non-compliance with GDPR and CRA, reputation and business risks.
Fix:
- Keep a record of how you built the app with AI.
- Use AI tools to catch the bugs and known vulnerabilities. However keep in mind that even here AI can produce new vulnerabilities, while fixing.
- Therefore, if you are not a developer, hire a professional security auditor to review your app before launch. They’ll catch “shadow IT” risks and ensure compliance.
