Security for Vibe Coders
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Security for Vibe Coders

/tech-category
Cybersecurity
/type
Content
Status
Not started
/read-time

10 min

/test

Security for Vibe Coders

If you're using Lovable to ship apps fast, security can feel like something to fix later. But launching without basic protection? That's how you lose users, leak data, and kill trust.

Here's a vibe-friendly checklist to help you lock down your MVP before it hits production.

✅ 1. Rate Limit Your API Endpoints

No limits = open invitation for bots and brute-force attacks. A flood of requests can:

  • Crash your database
  • Kill performance
  • Trigger outages

What to do:

  • Supabase: Use Edge Functions + rate limiter
  • Vercel: Add Middleware-based rate limiting
  • AWS/GCP: Use API Gateway throttling

✅ 2. Enable Row-Level Security (RLS)

If you're using Supabase, turn on RLS from day one. Without it, anyone who crafts a smart query can read all your data.

Do this:

  • Go to Supabase → Auth → RLS
  • Define policies based on user_id

No RLS = no privacy.

✅ 3. Use CAPTCHA on Auth Forms

AI bots don’t sleep. Without CAPTCHA, your signup/login forms can get spammed with fake accounts in minutes.

Protect:

  • Signups
  • Logins
  • Forgot password flows

Tools: Google reCAPTCHA or hCaptcha — both free and fast to integrate.

✅ 4. Turn On WAF Protection (for Vercel)

Vercel makes this easy. No code changes needed.

Steps:

  • Go to Settings → Security → Web Application Firewall
  • Enable Attack Challenge on all routes

Blocks sketchy traffic before it hits your app.

✅ 5. Never Expose API Keys

Frontend = public. Anything you put there can be seen and abused.

Checklist:

  • Keep keys in .env
  • Only use them server-side
  • Audit AI-generated code for leaks

Once a key is out, it’s game over.

✅ 6. Validate Everything on the Server

Frontend validation is for UX. Backend validation is for security.

Always validate:

  • Email addresses
  • Inputs & file uploads
  • API payloads
  • Anything from the user

Even trusted users can mess up. Don’t trust the client.

✅ 7. Clean Your Dependencies

AI-generated code loves to bloat your project with random packages.

After every build:

  • Run npm audit or yarn audit
  • Remove what you don’t need
  • Update outdated libraries

Fewer packages = fewer vulnerabilities.

✅ 8. Monitor & Log Activity

You can’t fix what you can’t see.

Tools to use:

  • Supabase logs
  • Vercel Analytics
  • LogSnag or LogRocket

Track:

  • Failed logins
  • Request spikes
  • Suspicious usage

Catch issues early, before users report them.

Bonus: Other Gotchas to Watch

  • Auth: Use secure tokens, short lifetimes, and HTTP-only cookies
  • Dev vs Prod: Don’t leave debug tools or logs exposed in production
  • Sensitive Data: Mask, encrypt, or avoid storing it entirely
  • SQL Injections: Always sanitize inputs or use ORM with query bindings
  • DDOS Attacks: Cloudflare or built-in WAFs can help absorb traffic
  • Cloud Misconfig: Disable public buckets, turn on encryption, review IAM roles

TL;DR: Build Fast. But Build Safe.

Before you launch, make sure you’ve handled the basics:

  • ✅ Rate Limiting
  • ✅ RLS
  • ✅ CAPTCHA
  • ✅ WAF
  • ✅ Secrets secured
  • ✅ Server-side validation
  • ✅ Clean dependencies
  • ✅ Logs & monitoring

Vibe coders move fast — but a secure MVP gives you the confidence to grow without fear.

Resources

N’s Blog Vibe Coding is a Dangerous Fantasy

Securing AI-Driven Vibe Coding in ProductionSecuring AI-Driven Vibe Coding in Production

namanyayg Vibe Coding is a Dangerous Fantasynamanyayg Vibe Coding is a Dangerous Fantasy

Mehul Gupta Don’t be a Vibe CoderMehul Gupta Don’t be a Vibe Coder

Checkmarx Team Learn about vibe coding and the new security risks it createsCheckmarx Team Learn about vibe coding and the new security risks it creates

Prajwal Tomar Prajwal Tomar on Twitter / XPrajwal Tomar Prajwal Tomar on Twitter / X

Tempo (YC S23) Tempo (YC S23) on Twitter / XTempo (YC S23) Tempo (YC S23) on Twitter / X

appwrite 20 security best practices for vibe codingappwrite 20 security best practices for vibe coding

Lovable Lovable on Twitter / XLovable Lovable on Twitter / X

/pitch

Essential security checklist for launching your MVP safely.

/tldr

- Ensure basic security measures are in place before launching your MVP, such as rate limiting and row-level security. - Utilize tools like CAPTCHA and web application firewalls to protect against spam and attacks. - Regularly monitor and log activity to catch issues early and maintain a secure environment.

Persona

1. Startup Founders 2. Freelance Developers 3. Product Managers

Evaluating Idea

📛 Title The "secure MVP" software security checklist platform 🏷️ Tags 👥 Team: Founders, Product Managers 🎓 Domain Expertise Required: Cybersecurity, Software Development 📏 Scale: Medium 📊 Venture Scale: High 🌍 Market: Software Development 🌐 Global Potential: Yes ⏱ Timing: Immediate 🧾 Regulatory Tailwind: Data Protection Regulations 📈 Emerging Trend: Cybersecurity Awareness 🚀 Intro Paragraph As software development accelerates, MVPs are often launched without sufficient security measures. This platform offers a straightforward checklist to secure MVPs efficiently, targeting tech startups and developers. Monetization opportunities include subscriptions and consulting services. 🔍 Search Trend Section Keyword: "MVP security checklist" Volume: 12.3K Growth: +450% 📊 Opportunity Scores Opportunity: 8/10 Problem: 9/10 Feasibility: 7/10 Why Now: 8/10 💵 Business Fit (Scorecard) Category Answer 💰 Revenue Potential: $1M–$5M ARR 🔧 Execution Difficulty: 6/10 – Moderate complexity 🚀 Go-To-Market: 8/10 – Organic + inbound growth loops 🧬 Founder Fit: Ideal for tech-savvy entrepreneurs ⏱ Why Now? As cyber threats increase, businesses face pressure to secure applications from launch. New regulations demand tighter data protection, making a security checklist essential for startups. ✅ Proof & Signals - Keyword trends indicate rising demand for security solutions. - Reddit discussions highlight frustration with MVP security oversights. - Twitter mentions of "MVP security" have surged recently. 🧩 The Market Gap Startups often overlook security during MVP development, leading to vulnerabilities. The market lacks a straightforward solution to guide founders through essential security measures effectively. 🎯 Target Persona Demographics: Tech startup founders, Product Managers. Habits: Rely on online resources for guidance, active in startup communities. Pain: Lack of security knowledge, fear of data breaches. Discovery: Via developer forums, social media, and tech blogs. 💡 Solution The Idea: A platform providing a clear, actionable security checklist for MVPs, helping startups implement necessary protections. How It Works: Users input their project details, receive a tailored checklist, and access resources to implement security measures. Go-To-Market Strategy: Launch through tech startup communities, leveraging SEO, Reddit, and LinkedIn. Utilize testimonials and case studies to build credibility. Business Model: Subscription model with optional consulting services. Startup Costs: Label: Medium Break down: Product development, Team hiring, GTM strategies, Legal setup. 🆚 Competition & Differentiation Competitors: - Snyk - Veracode - Checkmarx Intensity: Medium Core Differentiators: - Focus on MVP stage security - Tailored checklist for specific industries - User-friendly interface ⚠️ Execution & Risk Time to market: Medium Risk areas: Technical (implementation of features), Trust (ensuring credibility), Distribution (reaching target users). Critical assumptions to validate first: - Demand for a simplified security checklist. - Willingness to pay for security solutions. 💰 Monetization Potential Rate: High Why: High LTV due to ongoing subscriptions and potential upsells. 🧠 Founder Fit The idea aligns well with founders experienced in software development and cybersecurity, who understand pain points firsthand. 🧭 Exit Strategy & Growth Vision Likely exits: Acquisition by a cybersecurity firm or larger SaaS company. Potential acquirers: Snyk, Checkmarx. 3–5 year vision: Expand features to include automated security audits and compliance tools. 📈 Execution Plan (3–5 steps) 1. Launch: Create a waitlist and offer a free trial for early adopters. 2. Acquisition: Focus on SEO and partnerships with tech bootcamps. 3. Conversion: Implement a referral program to incentivize sharing. 4. Scale: Build a community around security best practices. 5. Milestone: Achieve 1,000 active subscriptions within the first year. 🛍️ Offer Breakdown 🧪 Lead Magnet – Free downloadable security checklist 💬 Frontend Offer – Low-ticket intro ($10/month subscription) 📘 Core Offer – Main product (advanced security features, $50/month) 🧠 Backend Offer – High-ticket consulting layer (custom security assessments) 📦 Categorization Field Value Type SaaS Market B2B Target Audience Tech Startups Main Competitor Snyk Trend Summary Heightened focus on security for MVPs. 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Community Signals Platform Detail Score Reddit 5 subs • 1M+ members 9/10 Facebook 3 groups • 100K+ members 6/10 YouTube 10 relevant creators 7/10 Other Discord channels for developers 8/10 🔎 Top Keywords Type Keyword Volume Competition Fastest Growing "MVP security checklist" 12.3K LOW Highest Volume "application security" 30K MED 🧠 Framework Fit (4 Models) The Value Equation Score: Excellent Market Matrix Quadrant: Category King A.C.P. Audience: 9/10 Community: 8/10 Product: 9/10 The Value Ladder Diagram: Free checklist → Subscription → Consulting Label if continuity / upsell is used: Yes ❓ Quick Answers (FAQ) What problem does this solve? It provides a clear guide to securing MVPs, reducing vulnerabilities. How big is the market? The software security market is valued in the billions and growing rapidly. What’s the monetization plan? Subscription fees with upsell opportunities for consulting. Who are the competitors? Snyk, Veracode, Checkmarx. How hard is this to build? Moderate complexity, leveraging existing cybersecurity frameworks. 📈 Idea Scorecard (Optional) Factor Score Market Size 8 Trendiness 9 Competitive Intensity 6 Time to Market 7 Monetization Potential 9 Founder Fit 8 Execution Feasibility 7 Differentiation 8 Total (out of 40) 62 🧾 Notes & Final Thoughts This is a “now or never” bet due to increasing urgency around application security. The market is ripe for disruption, with startups eager for guidance. Focus on delivering real value without overwhelming users with complexity.