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Top 8 Security Issues to Fix Before Launching Your AI-Generated App

By Timur Guvenkaya

July 27, 2025

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You’ve likely caught the news about the Tea app hack, where a simple open storage leaked thousands of women’s personal photos and info. Tea clearly was built as a quick tool for sharing dating stories, but it shows how AI-generated apps can trip over basic safety nets. AI-generated apps are perfect for fast prototypes and MVPs, often with easy cloud setups like Firebase. But in the rush, web security can get forgotten. If you’re not super technical, don’t worry. Here’s a list of the top 8 issues to spot and fix. We’ll explain each like everyday advice, plus easy steps to handle them.

Why Security Matters

Before diving in, remember: A security slip can shatter user trust overnight, like the Tea case where hackers grabbed 13,000+ images and posted them online. For hobby builders or startup folks creating AI-generated apps from their ideas, strong foundation means your app grows without any issues. Plus, it protects real people, your users. Adding these checks is like putting locks on your digital doors; it doesn’t slow you down, but skipping it invites trouble.

1. Leaked API Keys and Secrets

Imagine leaving your house key under the mat. That’s what happens when apps stash secret codes (like API keys for connecting to cloud services) in places anyone can peek, such as in the app’s visible code on frontend or public files.

Simple Fix: Hide them in secure spots, like secret managers from AWS or your platform. Run a free scan with something like TruffleHog to hunt for leaks before they happen.

2. Open Storage Buckets Everyone Can Access

Just like Tea’s Firebase bucket that was accidentally set to “public,” making user files grab-and-go for hackers. It’s akin to storing family photos in an unlocked online folder.

Simple Fix: Always start with “private” settings on buckets (like in AWS S3 or Firebase). Turn on logs to track who accesses what, and use rules to limit entry.

3. Forgetting Row-Level Security in Databases

In user-friendly databases like Supabase, skipping this is like having a shared fridge where anyone can grab your snacks. Without it, users might peek at data that isn’t theirs.

Simple Fix: Flip on row-level security (RLS) in your database settings. It’s often just a toggle. Then add basic rules, like ensuring only the owner sees their info. Test by pretending to be a user and trying to access stuff you shouldn’t.

4. Weak Login and Signup Systems

If your app trusts the user’s device to handle logins without double-checking on the server, it’s like accepting a fake ID at the door. Hackers can fake their way in.

Simple Fix: Use ready-made secure login solutions like Auth0 or your platform’s built-in auth (e.g., Supabase Auth). Always verify on the server side, and set up things like secure passwords or two-factor authentication for extra peace of mind.

5. Loose Rules on Who Can Connect from Where

Broad “CORS” settings (that’s technical jargon for cross-site access) are like leaving your windows wide open. Outsiders can reach in and mess with your app.

Simple Fix: Limit connections to only trusted sites, such as your own app’s address. Check all incoming data like you’d inspect mail, and set user roles so not everyone has full access.

6. Weak or Guessable Secrets (Like Passwords and Keys)

Imagine using “password123” for your home Wi-Fi. Hackers love that because it’s easy to guess. In AI-generated apps, weak secrets mean things like simple passwords, short API keys, or reused codes that bots can guess quickly.

Simple Fix: Generate strong, random secrets using tools built into your platform. Enforce rules like minimum length and no common words. For logins, add two-factor authentication. It’s like a second lock on the door.

7. Outdated or Vulnerable Dependencies in Your App

Think of your app like a Lego build: if one piece is old and cracked, the whole thing can fall apart. AI-generated apps often pull in ready-made bits (like plugins or libraries) that might have known bugs if not updated, leaving doors open for exploits.

Simple Fix: Check for updates regularly in your platform’s dashboard. Stick to trusted sources, and run a quick scan with free tools like Dependabot or Snyk to spot vulnerabilities before launch.

8. Missing Rate Limits on APIs and Features

Picture your app as a popular food truck. If too many people rush it at once, it could crash or get overwhelmed by malicious actors spamming orders. Without rate limits, hackers can flood your app with requests, like brute-force attacks or denial-of-service, draining resources or exposing weaknesses.

Simple Fix: Set limits on how many requests a user can make per minute (e.g., via your cloud provider’s settings in Firebase or AWS). Tools like Cloudflare or built-in API gateways make this a quick toggle. Test by simulating heavy use to ensure it holds up.

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