Security Analysis

Is Windsurf Safe?

An honest security analysis of Windsurf for developers considering it for their projects.

Quick Answer

Use with caution - keep updated, use privacy features

Windsurf has had security concerns due to 94+ Chromium CVEs discovered in 2024-2025. Keep it updated and use zero data retention mode for sensitive projects. Apps you build need separate security review.

Known Security Incidents

94+ Chromium CVEs Discovered

2024-2025

Security researchers identified numerous Chromium-based vulnerabilities in Windsurf IDE. Users should keep the application updated to receive security patches.

Security Assessment

Security Strengths

  • Zero data retention mode available
  • Active development with regular updates
  • Built-in AI coding assistance
  • Local model options for privacy

Security Concerns

  • 94+ Chromium CVEs discovered in security audits
  • Electron-based apps have larger attack surface
  • Code may be processed by cloud AI
  • AI suggestions may include insecure patterns
  • Requires regular updates to stay secure

Security Checklist for Windsurf

  • 1
    Keep Windsurf updated to latest version
  • 2
    Enable zero data retention mode for sensitive code
  • 3
    Review AI suggestions carefully
  • 4
    Don't trust AI with secrets or credentials
  • 5
    Audit generated code for security issues
  • 6
    Consider alternative editors for highly sensitive work

The Verdict

Windsurf is usable but requires caution. Keep it updated to patch Chromium vulnerabilities, use privacy features, and always review AI-generated code. For highly sensitive projects, consider alternatives.

Security Research & Industry Data

Understanding Windsurf security in the context of broader industry trends and research.

10.3%

of Lovable applications (170 out of 1,645) had exposed user data in the CVE-2025-48757 incident

Source: CVE-2025-48757 security advisory

4.45 million USD

average cost of a data breach in 2023

Source: IBM Cost of a Data Breach Report 2023

500,000+

developers using vibe coding platforms like Lovable, Bolt, and Replit

Source: Combined platform statistics 2024-2025

What Security Experts Say

There's a new kind of coding I call 'vibe coding', where you fully give in to the vibes, embrace exponentials, and forget that the code even exists.

Andrej KarpathyFormer Tesla AI Director, OpenAI Co-founder

It's not really coding - I just see stuff, say stuff, run stuff, and copy paste stuff, and it mostly works.

Andrej KarpathyFormer Tesla AI Director, OpenAI Co-founder

Verify Your Windsurf App Security

Don't guess - scan your app and know for certain. VAS checks for all the common security issues in Windsurf applications.