How to Secure Your PlanetScale App
Last updated: April 20, 2026
PlanetScale provides managed MySQL with security handled at the infrastructure level. This guide covers application-level security for PlanetScale.
Why Security Matters for PlanetScale
Key Security Concerns
- Connection strings contain credentials - must be protected
- Branch promotion can push vulnerable schemas to production
- No Row Level Security - must implement in application layer
- Vitess has some MySQL feature limitations affecting security patterns
- Shared infrastructure on free tier
Security Strengths
- Built on Vitess - battle-tested at YouTube/Slack scale
- No direct database access - all queries through secure proxy
- Branch workflows: test schema changes before production
- SOC 2 Type II certified with audit logging
- Non-blocking schema changes prevent downtime attacks
Step-by-Step Security Guide
1. Protect Connection Credentials
Store PlanetScale credentials in environment variables, never in code.
2. Protect Production Branch
Enable production branch protection to require deploy requests for schema changes.
3. Use Separate Branches
PlanetScale branching allows safe schema changes. Use separate branches for development.
4. Implement Application-Level Access Control
PlanetScale doesn't have RLS. Implement access control in your application layer.
5. Use Parameterized Queries
Prevent SQL injection with parameterized queries. MySQL is vulnerable to injection attacks.
// Use parameterized queries
const [rows] = await pool.query(
'SELECT * FROM users WHERE id = ?',
[userId]
);6. Monitor Query Patterns
Use PlanetScale Insights to monitor for unusual query activity.
Common Security Mistakes
Avoid these common PlanetScale security pitfalls:
- Credentials in version control
- No branch protection for production
- Missing application-level access control
- String concatenation in SQL queries
- Development branches accessing production data
Recommended Security Tools
Use these tools to maintain security throughout development:
Ready to Secure Your App?
Security is an ongoing process, not a one-time checklist. After implementing these steps, use vas to verify your PlanetScale app is secure before launch, and consider regular scans as you add new features.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does PlanetScale have Row Level Security?
No, PlanetScale is MySQL-based and doesn't have built-in RLS like PostgreSQL. Implement access control in your application layer.
How does PlanetScale branching affect security?
Each branch can have its own credentials. Use branch protection for production and separate credentials per environment. This prevents accidental production changes.
Explore Related Resources
More on PlanetScale Security
Every angle of PlanetScale security, from the specific findings we detect to step-by-step fixes.
PlanetScale Security Scanner
Hub page: scan your PlanetScale app for vulnerabilities.
PlanetScale Security Risks
Specific risks we find in PlanetScale apps, with real-world examples.
PlanetScale Security Issues
Issues grouped by severity with detection and fix steps.
PlanetScale Best Practices
Remediation playbook derived from PlanetScale's actual failure modes.
Is PlanetScale Safe?
Honest assessment of PlanetScale's production readiness.
PlanetScale Security Checklist
Pre-launch checklist covering every finding class for PlanetScale.