Security & Data Protection Guide

Security guardrails for AI-built applications.

AI coding tools build working software fast, but security flaws inevitably arise during vibe coding. Here is how to identify them, fix them, and protect user data.

Why security issues arise when building with AI

When developers build applications with AI coding tools (Cursor, Claude Code, Lovable, Bolt, v0, Windsurf), the AI focuses on generating code that immediately works for the prompt. However, standard LLM outputs routinely cut corners on defensive engineering:

Frontend-Only Checks

AI hides buttons or disables UI inputs for non-admins, but leaves the underlying backend API routes completely unprotected.

Client-Trusted Payloads

AI accepts pricing, quantities, discounts, or account roles directly from the client JSON body rather than verifying server-side.

Missing Row-Level Security

Database tables are created without strict RLS policies, allowing any authenticated user to dump or modify records belonging to others.

Uncapped API & AI Endpoints

Endpoints that invoke paid LLMs (OpenAI, Anthropic) or send OTP SMS messages are created without rate limiting or abuse controls.

ShipSecurely provides the antidote: a structured checklist with ready-to-paste prompts so you can hand the audit and remediation tasks straight back to your AI agent before launching.

Protecting User Data & Sensitive Information

Essential rules for securing data that users give to your app or website.

When users trust your app with their email addresses, billing information, private messages, or documents, data protection cannot be an afterthought. Apply these fundamental data security practices:

1. Strict Multi-Tenant Data Isolation

Always scope database queries to the requesting user’s session ID (e.g. WHERE id = :id AND user_id = :currentUserId). Never rely solely on object IDs in URLs.

2. Secure Credential & Token Storage

Store auth tokens exclusively in httpOnly, Secure cookies for web apps, and iOS Keychain / Android Keystore for mobile apps. Never store tokens in plaintext localStorage.

3. User Input Validation & Sanitization

Validate every incoming user payload against strict runtime schemas (Zod). Strip unexpected keys to prevent mass assignment, and sanitize form inputs to prevent XSS and injection attacks.

4. Sensitive Log Masking & Error Shielding

Never print user passwords, tokens, or PII into server console logs or mobile device logs. Strip stack traces from production error responses to prevent information disclosure.

Works with all major AI coding agents

Whether you use terminal agents, IDE extensions, or web-based app builders, ShipSecurely prompts are formatted for instant paste and resolution:

Cursor AI (Composer & Chat)Claude Code CLILovableBolt.newv0 by VercelWindsurf (Codeium)GitHub Copilot WorkspaceCline / Roo CodeAiderReplit AgentDevin

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about security, user data protection, and using ShipSecurely prompts.

No. ShipSecurely requires zero login, zero email capture, and zero accounts. All of your checklist progress and completed items are saved directly in your browser’s localStorage.

Ready to audit and secure your app?

Choose your checklist, copy the prompts, and let your coding agent harden your application and protect your users.