AI Trends

Responsible vibe coding: note these 16 crucial security rules

Remy Gieling

February 1, 2026

min read

Responsible vibe coding: note these 16 crucial security rules

Vibecoding makes it easier than ever to build apps without programming knowledge, but without basic security knowledge, you run the risk of opening your creation to hackers immediately.

In 2025, there's a new movement that's taking the tech world by storm: vibecoding. A term that stands for developing software, without a formal programming background, using generative AI that takes over the coding work for you. Thanks to tools like Replicit, Lovable and Firebase Studio More and more people—entrepreneurs, marketers, designers—are building their own AI-driven apps themselves. No rules, no endless sprints, but with a lot of creative freedom.

This trend fits perfectly with the democratization of technology. Anyone with an idea can start building today. But where there is light, there is also shadow. Because with the ease of construction comes the responsibility for safety. And that's where things often go wrong.

From MVP to open door

Over the past year, we've seen countless examples of enthusiasts who proudly launched their app, shared it on Reddit, Product Hunt, or X (formerly Twitter), but within days saw their database empty or their entire application crash. Why? Because they weren't aware of the basic principles of digital safety.

The tools that make it possible to build an app without code abstract away many technical details. That is their strength, but also their weakness. Because if you don't know that you should never put API keys in the frontend, or that you always have to validate user input, you also don't know that he or she opens the digital front door wide.

A quick checklist for secure vibecoding

If you're serious about vibecoding, don't just ask yourself: does my app work? But also: can my app take a beating? Below are a few essential security measures, divided into three categories: frontend, backend, and general security hygiene.

1. Frontend security — close the windows

Always use HTTPS
Without HTTPS, malicious parties can listen in on traffic between your app and the user. This is a basic requirement.
Validate all user inputs
XSS attacks often stem from fields where people can enter random JavaScript. Check and filter everything that comes in.
Do not store sensitive data in the browser
That means: no tokens in LocalStorage, no passwords in cookies, no sensitive information in the client-side code.
Implement CSRF protection
Especially with forms and state-changing actions. Make sure you use tokens so that an external website cannot force actions on behalf of your user.
Never provide API keys to the frontend
Even if you think: “well, it's just a demo”. Everything you put into the front end is visible. Use a backend as a proxy.

2. Backend security - protect your core

Use secure authentication
Never save passwords as plaintext. Use hashing and salting libraries (such as bcrypt).
Always do authorization checks
Just being logged in isn't enough. Make sure someone actually has the right rights for an action.
Protect your API endpoints
Even if your frontend hides everything neatly, the backend itself must also be protected.
Prevent SQL injections
Use ORMs or parameterized queries. Never let direct user input into your database.
Use secure headers
For example, add X-Frame-Options and HSTS. Many frameworks have plugins or middleware for these headers.
Protect against DDoS attacks
CDNs such as Cloudflare offer good standard protection against basic DDoS attacks.

3. Security habits — working responsibly

Update your dependencies
Many leaks come from outdated libraries. Use tools like Dependabot or Snyk to keep your stack up to date.
Handle errors safely
Do not show error messages with stack traces or database information to users. Securely log them to the backend.
Use safe cookies
put HTTP Only, Secure, and SameSite attributes on when you use cookies.
Restrict uploads
Only allow safe file types and scan uploaded files for malware.
Rate limiting
Limit how often someone can perform an action (such as logging in or submitting a form) to prevent brute-force attacks.

From vibecoder to responsible creator

Vibecoding is awesome. It allows you to build something that can make an impact with minimal resources. But if you want your app to be not alone works, but also continues to work without worrying about data leaks or legal problems, security is not a nice-to-have, but a must.

We really don't all have to become certified security experts. But a basic understanding of how to protect your application against the most common attacks is essential. Especially now that AI and automation are increasingly processing sensitive data.

So: build, let your creativity run wild, and use tools like Lovable, Firebase Studio, and Replit to experiment quickly. But also take the time to read up on these simple security measures.

This way, it's not just a nice vibe, but you're building something that really stands.