No-code platforms like Adalo empower creators to build apps without coding, but security must remain a priority. With 70% of new enterprise apps expected to use low-code or no-code by 2025, protecting sensitive user data is essential. A single breach can erode trust and damage your reputation. This article outlines seven key practices to secure your no-code app:
- Role-Based Access Control (RBAC): Limit user permissions and back it up with server-side checks.
- Protect API Keys: Use secret management tools, rotate keys regularly, and monitor access logs.
- Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Add an extra layer of protection for user accounts.
- Validate and Sanitize Inputs: Prevent security risks by filtering all user-provided data.
- Encrypt Data: Secure data in transit (HTTPS) and at rest using encryption protocols.
- Conduct Regular Security Audits: Monitor logs, test for vulnerabilities, and review permissions.
- Follow Compliance Rules: Adhere to regulations like GDPR or HIPAA and enforce least privilege principles.
Adalo simplifies this process with built-in tools like SSL, role-based permissions, and encrypted data handling. However, as an app creator, you must actively implement these practices to safeguard your app and users.
7 Security Best Practices for No-Code Apps
1. Use Role-Based Access Control (RBAC)
Access Control Implementation
Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) acts as a critical safeguard against unauthorized access, ensuring users only have the permissions needed to perform their tasks. This concept, known as the Principle of Least Privilege, assigns specific permissions to roles like Admin, Editor, Viewer, or Guest.
No-code platforms make this process more intuitive by offering visual tools for defining roles and setting conditional visibility rules. During the design phase, you can assign roles and use these rules to control what users can see or do. For instance, an Admin might have access to a "Delete User" button, while a regular user wouldn’t even see it. As Romain Cochard, CEO of Hack'celeration, puts it:
"Role-based permissions... provide solid foundations for standard apps."
However, don’t rely solely on hiding elements in the user interface. Always back this up with server-side authorization checks to ensure sensitive data is protected. Client-side controls can be bypassed, so validating roles on the server before granting access is a must. As OWASP emphasizes:
"Keep in mind security principles like least privilege, defense in depth, and separation of concerns."
Platforms like Adalo include built-in role-based controls. For example, their Professional plan ($65/month) and Team plan ($200/month) allow for granular permissions, covering both published apps and development environments.
Audit and Monitoring Practices
Defining roles isn’t a "set it and forget it" process. Regular audits are necessary to adapt to changes, such as team members shifting roles, leaving the organization, or no longer needing access to certain resources. Quarterly reviews can help ensure that permissions remain aligned with current needs. These audits should enforce least-privilege access and include maintaining logs of who accessed what and when. Monitoring these logs can help identify unusual activity early and support compliance with data governance standards.
Additionally, take steps to protect your API keys and credentials, as this further strengthens your app’s security.
2. Protect API Keys and Credentials
Credential Management and Security
Strong role-based access controls are a great start, but safeguarding your app's API keys and credentials takes security to the next level.
API keys and credentials act as the gatekeepers to your app's data and services. If they fall into the wrong hands, attackers could rack up charges, steal sensitive data, or disrupt your operations. As Google Cloud's documentation cautions:
"API keys hardcoded in the source code or stored in a repository are open to interception or theft by bad actors."
Avoid hardcoding API keys into your app's configuration files, cloud workflows, or client-side code. Instead, rely on secret management tools like Azure Key Vault or Google Cloud Secret Manager. These systems encrypt your credentials both at rest and in transit, ensuring a secure environment for sensitive information. If you're using Adalo's Professional plan ($65/month) or higher, you can connect to external backends that support these secret management tools via custom API connections.
It's also smart to assign unique API keys to each user or team member. This way, if a key is compromised, you can revoke it immediately without disrupting other users or services. When setting up keys, apply restrictions such as IP address whitelisting, HTTP referrer limits, or service-specific permissions to further limit potential misuse. Regularly rotating these keys is another important step to reduce risk.
Audit and Monitoring Practices
Rotating API keys on a regular schedule limits their exposure and reduces the chance of long-term misuse. When rotating keys, always create the new key first, update your app's configuration, and then delete the old one. To handle any brief disruptions during this process, consider adding retry logic to your app.
Enable logging to monitor who accesses your secrets and when. As highlighted by Microsoft's Azure Well-Architected Framework:
"Improper handling of secrets can lead to data breaches, service disruption, regulatory violations, and other issues."
To stay ahead of potential vulnerabilities, use tools like GitHub Secret Scanner or Defender for Cloud to identify exposed secrets. Remove any unused keys immediately to reduce your attack surface.
Finally, when sharing API keys with external services, always pass them through HTTP headers (e.g., x-goog-api-key) rather than URL query parameters. URLs can be logged and might inadvertently expose your keys to unauthorized parties.
Build secure apps that scale with no-code
3. Turn On Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA or 2FA)
Adding Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) to your app is a smart way to boost security. It builds on strong access controls and credential management by adding an extra layer of protection.
What Is MFA?
MFA introduces an additional authentication step beyond the usual email and password login. This means even if someone gets hold of a user's password, they can't access the account without completing the second verification step. This extra layer is crucial for keeping your app secure.
For mobile apps built on Adalo, you can use biometric methods like Face ID, Touch ID, or fingerprint scanning. These methods are not only secure but also user-friendly. However, always provide a reliable backup option, such as a PIN, in case biometric methods fail.
Combining MFA with Access Controls
MFA works even better when paired with role-based access controls. For example, you can require users to re-authenticate before performing sensitive actions like updating payment methods, changing passwords, or accessing private data.
If you're using Adalo, Two-Factor Authentication is available starting with the Professional plan, which costs $65 per month. Additionally, you can integrate social sign-on options from providers like Google, Apple, or Facebook, many of which include MFA.
Keeping an Eye on Authentication
It's important to monitor user authentication activity to spot any unusual behavior, such as multiple failed MFA attempts. Avoid sending MFA codes via SMS, as it's less secure. Instead, use authenticator apps or biometric methods backed by hardware. For iOS apps, you can add another layer of security by requiring device unlocks for sensitive actions. Also, make sure unauthorized users are redirected to the login screen when accessing deep links.
4. Validate and Sanitize User Inputs
Every piece of data that users provide - whether it’s an email address, a file upload, or a date entry - can pose a security risk if not properly validated. By ensuring inputs are formatted and processed correctly, you reduce the chances of data corruption or security breaches.
Data Validation and Sanitization
Validation comes in two forms: syntactic and semantic. Syntactic validation checks if the data follows the correct format, like ensuring a date is in MM/DD/YYYY format or a Social Security Number matches the XXX-XX-XXXX pattern. Semantic validation, on the other hand, ensures the data makes sense in the given context - like verifying that a start date is earlier than an end date or that a price is within an acceptable range.
As OWASP advises:
"Input validation should happen as early as possible in the data flow, preferably as soon as the data is received from the external party".
This means you should validate inputs as soon as they are submitted, before they interact with your database or other system components.
Always prioritize allowlisting over denylisting. Instead of trying to block invalid inputs, specify exactly what is permitted. OWASP warns:
"It is a common mistake to use denylist validation... this is a massively flawed approach as it is trivial for an attacker to bypass such filters".
For example, if your app requires users to select a U.S. state, validate their input against a predefined list of all 50 states rather than attempting to block invalid entries.
In platforms like Adalo, you can enforce validation through built-in database field types like text, number, date, or image. Assign specific property types to your fields - for instance, use "Number" for fields like age instead of "Text." For structured data such as ZIP codes or phone numbers, you can implement Regular Expressions (Regex) to enforce strict format rules. A U.S. ZIP code, for example, can be validated using the pattern /^[0-9]{5}(-[0-9]{4})?$/, which supports both 5-digit and ZIP+4 formats.
These initial validation steps create a solid foundation for monitoring and securing your application.
Audit and Monitoring Practices
Server-side validation is non-negotiable. OWASP underscores:
"Input validation must be implemented on the server-side before any data is processed by an application's functions, as any JavaScript-based input validation performed on the client-side can be circumvented".
While client-side validation enhances user experience by providing immediate feedback, it can be bypassed if JavaScript is disabled or manipulated using tools like web proxies. Server-side validation ensures that data integrity is maintained regardless of client-side vulnerabilities.
If a value fails server-side validation - especially when it comes from fixed lists like dropdown menus - it could indicate tampering. Treat these failures as potential security threats, and log them immediately for further investigation.
For file uploads, take extra precautions. Validate file extensions, limit file sizes, and rename uploaded files to random strings to prevent unauthorized access. When dealing with free-form text fields, like comment sections, apply canonical encoding and use character allowlisting to block malicious scripts from being injected into your database.
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5. Encrypt Data in Transit and at Rest
Encryption transforms readable information into a secure, unreadable format that only authorized individuals can access. Without it, sensitive data - like payment details, personal information, or location data - becomes vulnerable to interception by cybercriminals.
Encryption and Protecting Data
To secure data in transit, always enforce HTTPS connections. Adalo simplifies this by automatically providing SSL certificates for custom domains, ensuring that all communication between users and servers is encrypted. Disabling SSL certificate validation is a risky move, as it can create exploitable vulnerabilities.
For data at rest, opt for platforms that offer default encryption for stored information. Adalo, for example, includes built-in database encryption to protect user and financial data without requiring extra setup. If your mobile app handles highly sensitive data, consider using hardware-backed security options like Secure Enclave on iOS or Strongbox on Android for critical encryption tasks.
Managing Credentials and Securing Sensitive Data
Never hard-code credentials into your app. Instead, rely on environment variables or secret management tools to keep sensitive data secure during encryption processes.
Additionally, implement UI data masking for fields like Social Security Numbers or credit card details to prevent unauthorized viewing, such as from "shoulder surfing." Collect only the minimum amount of Personally Identifiable Information (PII) needed for your app to function, and set up automatic deletion policies to reduce data retention risks. By encrypting data both in transit and at rest, you strengthen the overall security measures outlined earlier in this guide.
6. Run Regular Security Audits and Monitoring
Maintaining security is an ongoing effort. As your no-code app grows - adding features, integrating with other tools, and adapting to user needs - new vulnerabilities can surface. Regular audits and monitoring help you catch these issues early, providing a safety net that complements your initial security measures.
Audit and Monitoring Practices
Start by setting up real-time audit logging. This tracks who accesses sensitive data and when, creating a clear trail to detect unauthorized access or potential identity theft. Make sure to log all interactions with API keys, tokens, and other critical secrets. These steps reinforce earlier strategies like role-based access and credential monitoring.
Run regular scans using static analysis tools and fuzz testing to uncover vulnerabilities. Make this a routine part of your process. Integrate automated credential scanning into your deployment pipeline to catch exposed secrets before they make it to production.
Testing your app with malformed data is another smart move. It helps identify weak points in error handling, especially for web-facing applications. Alongside this, maintain an up-to-date inventory of every component in your app. Each new integration can expand your attack surface, so compare your components against published Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) notices to stay ahead of known threats.
"Securing a mobile app is not a one-time activity. Make sure you prioritize regular testing to keep your app security and data safe for users."
- Sonia Rebecca Menezes, Expert Tips, Adalo
To strengthen your defenses further, test security updates in a staging environment before rolling them out. Regularly review and sanitize your application logs to ensure sensitive data isn’t accidentally stored. These continuous monitoring practices create a strong, adaptable defense against ever-changing security risks.
7. Follow Compliance Rules and Least Privilege Principles
Compliance and Data Governance
Adhering to regulatory standards is a must for building secure no-code apps. Whether you're dealing with health data under HIPAA, personal data under GDPR, or information about California residents under CCPA, compliance is a shared responsibility.
A good starting point is drafting a clear privacy policy. This policy should outline what data you collect, why you need it, and how long you retain it. App stores often require this, so make sure it's written in straightforward language that users can easily understand - avoid complicated legal terms. Transparency like this helps build trust and sets the stage for implementing least privilege principles in your app.
Access Control Implementation
The least privilege principle ensures that users and systems are granted only the permissions they absolutely need - nothing extra. This minimizes risks if credentials are ever compromised.
To put this into action, define specific roles such as User, Administrator, and Auditor, each with clearly defined access levels. Assign permissions based on necessity and categorize them by risk level to maintain tighter control. This method complements other security measures by preventing any user or system from overstepping its boundaries.
"Mobile apps should stay away from seeking permission requests beyond their functional area."
- Sonia Rebecca Menezes, Adalo
When integrating with external services, always use unique API keys for each consumer instead of reusing one key across multiple apps or workflows. This way, if one integration is compromised, the damage is contained. Additionally, implement isolation boundaries to ensure each credential is restricted to a single resource or scope.
Credential Management and Security
Effective credential management is another crucial piece of the puzzle. Use dedicated secret management systems to handle sensitive information securely. Automate token rotation to reduce the risk of long-term exposure of keys.
"Proper management of secrets is crucial for maintaining the security and integrity of your application, workload, and associated data."
- Microsoft
Regularly review access permissions to prevent "privilege creep" as roles and responsibilities change over time. Conduct quarterly audits to retire outdated assets and revoke unnecessary permissions. These proactive steps ensure your app remains secure and compliant as it evolves.
Conclusion
Security isn’t something you can set and forget - it’s an ongoing effort that protects both your users and your reputation. Sonia Rebecca Menezes from Adalo captures this perfectly:
"Securing a mobile app is not a one-time activity. Make sure you prioritize regular testing to keep your app security and data safe for users."
The seven practices outlined in this guide - like role-based access control and compliance frameworks - work together to create a multi-layered defense. These layers, from access control to audit monitoring, strengthen your app against data breaches, unauthorized access, and regulatory issues. With mobile devices accounting for 59% of global web traffic in 2024, securing your app is more important than ever. Users trust you with sensitive information - personal details, financial data, even their location - often without scrutinizing the fine print.
Modern tools like Adalo make it easier to integrate strong security measures directly into the app development process. Adalo’s platform includes built-in features like user authentication with social sign-on, automatic SSL certificates, role-based permissions, and encrypted data transfer. These tools are designed to maintain both security and scalability. Impressively, Adalo handles over 20 million daily requests while maintaining 99% uptime.
However, data protection isn’t just up to the platform - it’s a shared responsibility. While Adalo provides a secure foundation, it’s your job as the app creator to use these tools effectively. This means requesting only the permissions you truly need, writing clear privacy policies, rotating API keys regularly, and conducting routine security audits. Together, these efforts ensure your app stays safe and trustworthy.
FAQs
What is Role-Based Access Control (RBAC), and how does it improve the security of no-code apps?
Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) strengthens the security of no-code applications by restricting user access to only the data and features relevant to their specific roles. This targeted approach minimizes the chances of unauthorized actions and limits exposure to sensitive information.
By organizing permissions around user roles, RBAC creates a straightforward system for managing access. This not only simplifies the enforcement of security policies but also safeguards essential app functionalities, ensuring that users interact only with what they need.
How can I effectively manage and secure API keys in my no-code app?
Managing API keys securely is crucial to keeping your no-code app and its data safe. Avoid embedding keys directly into your app’s source files or client-side code. Instead, store them in environment variables or use a secure secrets manager. Make sure your keys are not exposed in public repositories. To add another layer of security, restrict API key usage to specific domains, IP addresses, or app package names. Also, avoid sending keys through URL query parameters; use HTTP headers or a secure backend proxy instead.
It’s important to regularly rotate and monitor your API keys to catch any unauthorized use. If you notice suspicious activity, revoke the affected keys immediately. Stick to the principle of least privilege - only grant the access levels that are absolutely necessary.
If you're using Adalo, you can securely store external service keys through server-side Custom Actions or environment-variable settings. For enterprise users, Adalo Blue offers advanced permission controls to limit access to sensitive data. When combined with regular key rotation and monitoring, these practices help protect your app and its users from security threats.
What makes Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) essential for securing no-code apps?
Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) plays a key role in keeping user accounts secure. By requiring multiple forms of verification - like a password combined with a code sent to your phone - it makes it much harder for unauthorized users to gain access. This extra step protects sensitive information and reduces the chances of account breaches.
Beyond just security, MFA helps ensure no-code applications align with industry regulations. It’s a simple yet powerful way to maintain trust and protect user data from potential threats.
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