Windsurf Security Checklist
Last updated: January 12, 2026
Use this checklist to ensure your Windsurf application is secure before launch. 6 critical items require immediate attention.
Why This Security Checklist Matters
Security checklists serve as systematic guides for identifying vulnerabilities that might otherwise be overlooked during rapid development cycles. For Windsurf applications specifically, this checklist addresses the most common security gaps that emerge when using AI-assisted development workflows.
Research from multiple security organizations indicates that approximately 80% of AI-built applications contain at least one exploitable vulnerability at launch. The vulnerabilities are often predictable—they follow patterns that this checklist is designed to catch. By systematically reviewing each item, you significantly reduce the risk of launching an insecure application.
Unlike generic security checklists, this guide focuses specifically on vulnerabilities prevalent in Windsurf applications. Each item has been prioritized based on real-world attack patterns and the potential impact of exploitation. Critical items should be addressed before any production deployment.
Critical Priority
Critical items can lead to complete application compromise, data breaches, or unauthorized access to all user accounts. These must be addressed before deploying to production. Attackers actively scan for these vulnerabilities.
High Priority
High priority items represent significant security risks that could allow unauthorized access to sensitive data or functionality. While not immediately catastrophic, these vulnerabilities should be fixed as soon as possible.
Medium/Low Priority
Medium and low priority items strengthen your overall security posture. While they may not be immediately exploitable, addressing them prevents attack chains and defense-in-depth gaps.
Manual vs Automated Security Checking
While manual security reviews are thorough, they're time-consuming and prone to human error. Automated scanning catches common vulnerabilities instantly, freeing you to focus on business logic and complex security decisions.
Items VAS Automates
- Exposed API keys and secrets in JavaScript bundles
- HTTP security header configuration
- Supabase RLS policy testing
- Firebase Security Rules validation
- Cookie security attributes
Manual Review Still Required
- Business logic vulnerabilities
- Custom authentication implementations
- Access control logic in API routes
- Data validation requirements
- Third-party integration security
Cascade Agent Security
Review Cascade flows before execution
Cascade can chain multiple operations - review the full flow before approving multi-step changes
Limit Cascade permissions
Don't grant Cascade access to production systems, credentials, or sensitive directories
Monitor Cascade actions
Review the action log to understand what changes Cascade made to your codebase
Use version control checkpoints
Commit or stash changes before running Cascade flows so you can rollback if needed
MCP Server Security
Audit installed MCP servers
MCP servers can execute arbitrary code - only install from trusted sources
Review MCP server permissions
Understand what access each MCP server has to your filesystem and network
Remove unused MCP servers
Uninstall any MCP servers you're not actively using to reduce attack surface
Keep MCP servers updated
Update MCP servers regularly to get security fixes
Privacy Configuration
Configure .gitignore for AI exclusion
AutoWindsurf respects .gitignore - ensure sensitive files are listed
Review codebase indexing scope
Check what directories are being indexed and sent for AI processing
Understand data handling policies
Review Windsurf's privacy policy for how your code is processed and stored
Code Review
Review AI-generated authentication code
Cascade-generated auth flows may have security gaps - manual review required
Check for hardcoded secrets in generated code
AutoAI may generate placeholder secrets or expose credentials in configuration
Validate database security in generated code
Ensure proper RLS, input validation, and access controls in AI-generated database code
Test generated API endpoints
AI-generated APIs may lack rate limiting, input validation, or proper authentication
Don't Check Manually
VAS automatically checks 2 of these 15 items. Get instant results with detailed remediation guidance.
Run Automated Security ScanFrequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between critical and high priority items?
Critical items represent immediate security risks that could lead to data breach if not addressed - like missing database access controls or exposed secrets. High priority items are important but typically require an additional vulnerability to exploit.
Can I skip low priority items?
Low priority items provide defense-in-depth but aren't immediate risks. Address all critical and high items before launch. Low items can be added post-launch, but shouldn't be ignored entirely - they protect against edge cases and future vulnerabilities.
How often should I re-run this checklist?
Re-run after major feature additions, authentication changes, or new database tables. Set up automated scanning with VAS to catch regressions. Many teams integrate security scans into their CI/CD pipeline for continuous verification.
What does 'Auto-Scanned' mean on checklist items?
Items marked 'Auto-Scanned' can be automatically verified by VAS. Instead of manually checking each item, run a VAS scan to instantly verify these items against your deployed application. Non-automated items require manual verification.