How to Secure Your Cursor App
Last updated: January 12, 2026
Cursor accelerates development with AI, but AI-generated code needs security review. This guide covers securing your development workflow and the code Cursor helps you write.
Why Security Matters for Cursor
Key Security Concerns
Security Strengths
Step-by-Step Security Guide
1. Enable Privacy Mode for Sensitive Projects
Privacy Mode prevents your code from being stored on Cursor servers. Enable it for proprietary or client codebases.
2. Create a .cursorignore File
Exclude sensitive files from AI context. Add .env, credentials.json, private keys, and secret directories.
# .cursorignore
.env*
credentials/
secrets/
*.pem
*.key3. Review AI-Generated Auth Code
Never auto-accept authentication code. AI often suggests patterns with subtle vulnerabilities. Use established auth libraries instead.
4. Audit MCP Servers
MCP servers can execute arbitrary code on your machine. Only install from trusted sources and remove unused servers.
5. Scan Deployed Applications
After building with Cursor, scan your deployed application with VAS to catch vulnerabilities in AI-generated code.
Common Security Mistakes
Avoid these common Cursor security pitfalls:
Known Cursor Vulnerabilities
These are documented security issues specific to Cursor applications. Click through for detailed remediation guidance.
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 Cursor app is secure before launch, and consider regular scans as you add new features.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Cursor store my code?
Cursor sends code to AI providers for processing. With Privacy Mode disabled, snippets may be stored. Enable Privacy Mode for sensitive projects to prevent storage. Check Cursor's current privacy policy for specifics.
Are MCP servers safe?
MCP servers can execute arbitrary code with your user permissions. Only install from trusted sources, review their code if possible, and remove servers you're not actively using. Treat them like any executable you install.
How do I know if AI-generated code is secure?
You can't trust AI for security-critical code. For authentication, encryption, and access control, use established libraries rather than AI-generated implementations. Run VAS scans on your deployed application to catch common vulnerabilities.