Railway + PostgreSQL Security
Railway makes PostgreSQL deployment easy. Learn how to secure your database connections and configure proper access control.
Why Railway + PostgreSQL?
Railway's one-click PostgreSQL deployment is popular for web applications. The simplicity can lead to overlooked security configurations.
Common Vulnerabilities
These are the security issues we find most often in Railway apps using PostgreSQL.
Public Database Endpoint
Railway databases may be accessible via public URLs when private networking should be used.
Shared Credentials Across Environments
Development and production may share the same database credentials.
Missing SSL Requirement
Database connections may not require SSL encryption.
Overly Permissive User
Application may use a database user with more permissions than needed.
What We Check for Railway + PostgreSQL
Network Configuration
Verify database uses private networking for internal services.
Credential Management
Check that credentials are in Railway variables, not code.
Connection Security
Verify SSL is required for all connections.
User Permissions
Review database user permissions and RLS configuration.
Quick Security Wins
Apply these fixes right now to improve your security.
Switch to DATABASE_PRIVATE_URL for internal servicesCreate separate Railway environments for dev/staging/prodAdd sslmode=require to connection stringsEnable RLS on tables containing user dataCreate a limited database user for the applicationThe Bottom Line
Railway + PostgreSQL is solid when using private networking and separate environments. Don't expose your database publicly if internal access is sufficient.
Secure Your Railway + PostgreSQL App
Find Row Level Security misconfigurations, exposed credentials, and other vulnerabilities before attackers do.
Start Security ScanFrequently Asked Questions
Should I use public or private database URLs on Railway?
Use DATABASE_PRIVATE_URL for services within Railway. This keeps database traffic on Railway's internal network, away from the public internet. Only use public URLs if you need to connect from outside Railway (like local development).
How do I use different databases for development and production?
Create separate Railway environments for each stage. Each environment can have its own PostgreSQL instance with different credentials. This isolates your production data from development access.
Does Railway PostgreSQL have Row Level Security?
Yes, Railway uses standard PostgreSQL which supports RLS. Enable it on your tables: ALTER TABLE t ENABLE ROW LEVEL SECURITY. Then create policies that restrict data access based on user context. This is especially important for multi-tenant applications.
How do I require SSL for Railway PostgreSQL connections?
Add ?sslmode=require to your connection string. Railway PostgreSQL supports SSL - requiring it ensures all data in transit is encrypted. This is especially important if you're connecting from outside Railway's private network.