Render
Security Checklist

Render Security Checklist

Last updated: January 12, 2026

Use this checklist to ensure your Render application is secure before launch. 3 critical items require immediate attention.

12
Total Items
3
Critical
7
Auto-Scanned

Secret Management

critical

Remove hardcoded secrets

Auto

No API keys in source code

high

Use environment variables

Store secrets securely

medium

Audit dependencies

Check for vulnerable packages

Database Security

critical

Enable access controls

Auto

Configure RLS or Security Rules

high

Use parameterized queries

Prevent SQL injection

high

Encrypt sensitive data

Protect PII and credentials

Authentication

critical

Implement proper auth

Use established auth solutions

high

Require email verification

Auto

Confirm user identity

high

Secure session management

Auto

HttpOnly cookies, proper expiry

HTTP Security

high

Configure security headers

Auto

CSP, HSTS, X-Frame-Options

high

Enable HTTPS only

Auto

No mixed content

medium

Set secure cookies

Auto

Secure, HttpOnly, SameSite flags

Don't Check Manually

VAS automatically checks 7 of these 12 items. Get instant results with detailed remediation guidance.

Run Automated Security Scan

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between critical and high priority items?

Critical items represent immediate security risks that could lead to data breach if not addressed - like missing database access controls or exposed secrets. High priority items are important but typically require an additional vulnerability to exploit.

Can I skip low priority items?

Low priority items provide defense-in-depth but aren't immediate risks. Address all critical and high items before launch. Low items can be added post-launch, but shouldn't be ignored entirely - they protect against edge cases and future vulnerabilities.

How often should I re-run this checklist?

Re-run after major feature additions, authentication changes, or new database tables. Set up automated scanning with VAS to catch regressions. Many teams integrate security scans into their CI/CD pipeline for continuous verification.

What does 'Auto-Scanned' mean on checklist items?

Items marked 'Auto-Scanned' can be automatically verified by VAS. Instead of manually checking each item, run a VAS scan to instantly verify these items against your deployed application. Non-automated items require manual verification.