Many teams postpone security until “the product is ready”. The problem is that the product is never ready, and security debt grows with every feature. The later you start, the more expensive the fix.
The point is not to implement corporate standards from day one. The point is a few decisions that cost almost nothing and eliminate the most common, most expensive mistakes.
1. Treat secrets like secrets
API keys, database passwords and tokens must not end up in the repository. Keep them in environment variables or a secrets manager. If they accidentally reach git history - revoke them and generate new ones. Deleting the commit is not enough.
2. Take care of authentication and sessions
Hash passwords with a proven algorithm (e.g. Argon2 or bcrypt); never store them in plain text. Set session cookies as HttpOnly and Secure. If the product requires it, add a second factor (MFA).
3. Apply the principle of least privilege
Every user - and every process - should have only the permissions it actually needs. Do not build an admin panel where “everyone has everything” because it is convenient during the prototype. Permissions are cheap at the start and expensive after an incident.
4. Validate data on the server
Browser-side validation improves user experience but is not a security control. Every piece of data reaching your API must be checked again on the server - length, type, format and access rights to the resource.
5. Control dependencies
Libraries have vulnerabilities too. Use a lockfile, run dependency audits regularly and update what has known security fixes. Do not update everything blindly - but do not leave known holes either.
6. Log wisely, not everything
Logs are essential for detecting problems, but they must not contain passwords, tokens or sensitive data. Define what is logged, who can access logs and how long they are retained.
7. Plan backups and recovery
A backup you have never tried to restore is not a backup. Set up automatic backups, but also a simple restore test. The worst time to learn recovery is during an outage.
Security is a process, not a stage
You cannot “finish” security. But you can start with decisions that make future features secure by default. That is the difference between a project that grows healthily and one that needs rescuing a year later.
Security in an MVP is not about doing more. It is about not letting yourself get hurt.
Building your first product and want to check for obvious risks? Order an audit or start with a free consultation.