Devin is the most autonomous AI coding agent available—which means it also carries the most risk. Here's how to use it safely.
Devin can read, write, and modify any file in your repository
Can execute arbitrary shell commands, install packages, run scripts
Can browse the web, read documentation, access external resources
Can interact with cloud services, APIs, and deployment platforms
Works independently for extended periods without human oversight
Devin reads documentation, issues, and web content that could contain malicious instructions designed to hijack its behavior.
With file system and environment access, Devin can read .env files, SSH keys, and other credentials you may have locally.
Devin installing packages autonomously could be tricked into installing malicious dependencies through typosquatting or compromised packages.
Large autonomous changes across many files are difficult for humans to thoroughly review, potentially hiding vulnerabilities.
With web and API access, a compromised Devin session could send proprietary code or secrets to external servers.
Run Devin in sandboxed containers or VMs without access to production credentials or sensitive repositories.
Use dummy API keys and mock services during development. Only inject real credentials in controlled CI/CD pipelines.
Treat Devin's output like an untrusted PR. Review every file change, especially security-sensitive areas.
Only give Devin access to specific repositories it needs. Don't connect it to your entire GitHub organization.
Log and review what external resources Devin accesses during sessions to detect anomalous behavior.
Don't let Devin run indefinitely. Set reasonable time bounds and review output incrementally.
Autonomous agents can introduce subtle security vulnerabilities. Scan the code Devin generates to catch issues before they reach production.
Free Security ScanDevin can be used safely with proper precautions, but it carries inherent risks as a fully autonomous agent with broad system access. The key is to run it in isolated environments, never expose production credentials, and thoroughly review all code changes before deploying.
Devin operates with much more autonomy than tools like Cursor or Copilot. While those tools suggest code that you approve, Devin can work independently for hours, browsing the web, running commands, and making changes without per-action approval. This increased autonomy means higher risk if compromised.
Only if you give it credentials. The safest approach is to never provide Devin with production access. Use development environments, mock services, and dummy credentials. Real deployment should happen through reviewed CI/CD pipelines, not autonomous agents.
Treat Devin's output like code from an untrusted source. Use diff tools to review every change, pay special attention to dependency modifications, environment variable handling, and any network/API calls. Run security scanners on the output before merging.
This is a real risk with any autonomous agent that can install dependencies. Mitigate by using lockfiles, running in isolated environments, and auditing dependency changes. Consider using tools that detect known malicious packages before they're installed.
Last updated: January 16, 2026