MongoDB
Security Guide

How to Secure Your MongoDB App

Last updated: January 12, 2026

Building with MongoDB? This guide covers the essential security steps to protect your application before launch.

Step-by-Step Security Guide

1. Audit Your Code for Secrets

Review your MongoDB project for hardcoded API keys, tokens, and credentials. Move them to environment variables.

2. Configure Database Security

Enable Row Level Security (Supabase/Postgres) or Security Rules (Firebase) to protect your data.

3. Add Security Headers

Configure Content-Security-Policy, X-Frame-Options, HSTS, and other security headers.

4. Secure Authentication

Enable email verification, enforce password requirements, and implement rate limiting.

5. Review Dependencies

Check for known vulnerabilities in your dependencies using npm audit or similar tools.

6. Run a Security Scan

Use VAS to scan your deployed application for vulnerabilities before launch.

Common Security Mistakes

Avoid these common MongoDB security pitfalls:

Hardcoding secrets in source code
Skipping database security configuration
Missing security headers
Weak authentication settings
Not scanning before production

Recommended Security Tools

Use these tools to maintain security throughout development:

VAS Security Scanner
npm audit / yarn audit
Git-secrets
Snyk

Ready to Secure Your App?

Security is an ongoing process, not a one-time checklist. After implementing these steps, use VAS to verify your MongoDB app is secure before launch, and consider regular scans as you add new features.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most critical security issues to fix first?

Priority order: 1) Exposed API keys (rotate immediately), 2) Missing database security (RLS/Security Rules), 3) Authentication weaknesses, 4) Missing security headers. Exposed secrets and open databases are exploitable within minutes of discovery.

Do I need to be a security expert to secure my app?

No. Most vibe-coded app vulnerabilities are configuration issues, not complex exploits. Enable RLS, move secrets to environment variables, add security headers - these are straightforward steps. Tools like VAS automate the detection so you know exactly what to fix.

How often should I scan my app for security issues?

Scan before every production deployment. Also scan after major feature additions, dependency updates, or when changing authentication flows. Set up CI/CD integration to scan automatically on every deploy.

Is my vibe-coded app safe to use for real users?

It can be, after security review. AI tools prioritize functionality over security. Treat generated code as a prototype needing hardening. Run VAS scan, fix all critical/high issues, then you're ready for production use.