5-Minute Safety Check for AI-Built Apps (No Coding Needed)

You built fast with Cursor or Claude. Now you’re worried about leaking data, spam signups, or an unexpected bill. Here’s a plain-English, five-minute safety check—no coding required.

What This Fixes #

• API keys sitting in code files
• Bots spamming signups or forms
• Users seeing data they shouldn’t
• Webhooks silently failing
• Surprise errors you only hear about from customers

Why This Happens #

AI builds fast but doesn’t automatically set guardrails. A few small settings keep your app safe without slowing you down.

The 5-Minute Checklist #

1. Hide your keys. Open your host settings and move API keys into “environment/secret” settings. Delete keys sitting in code files and make fresh ones.

2. Set a simple limit. Turn on “max 100 requests per hour per IP” (or any basic rate limit). This blocks spam bursts without hurting real users.

3. Make sure each user sees only their data. In Supabase/Neon/PlanetScale, enable the option that says “each user only sees their own data.” It’s usually labeled policies or row-level security.

4. Check webhooks. In Stripe, email, or SMS dashboards, confirm webhooks point to a live URL and show a green check. Re-send a sample event; make sure it lands.

5. Add one alert. Create an alert for sudden errors. If errors spike, you get an email or Slack ping before customers complain.

Copy-Paste Instructions for Your AI #

Find any API keys stored in code files and move them to environment/secret settings.
Set a simple per-IP limit: 100 requests/hour.
Confirm database settings so each user only sees their own data.
Re-send a test webhook from Stripe/email provider and confirm it arrives.
Set one alert for sudden errors and tell me how to turn it on.

Comparison: With vs. Without Safety Steps #

How Giga Helps #

Giga writes a clear rules file your AI reads before making changes. It highlights sensitive areas (keys, data access, webhooks) and keeps your AI focused on them. You get a short checklist and a before/after note you can share with customers or investors.

FAQ #

I don’t know where my keys are. What now? Ask your AI: “List every file that contains an API key.” Move them into environment/secret settings.

Will the limit block real users? The 100-per-hour rule is generous for humans but stops bots.

Do I need to code to turn on data rules? No. Use the dashboard toggles. If you can click checkboxes, you can do it.

What if I skip webhooks? Payments, emails, and notifications can silently fail. Re-send one test and be sure it arrives.

Why Giga? Giga gives AI a clear map of what’s sensitive. It keeps AI focused on safety steps and leaves you with proof of what changed.

What to Do Next #

• Run the 5-minute checklist today.
• Paste the AI instructions above the next time you work on safety.
• If you want it done for you, Giga will set the rules and checklist up fast, so you can get back to building.

Is This Normal? (Longer Answer) #

Everyone hits this point. It’s the moment your project stops being a toy and starts being real. AI didn’t get worse—you just outgrew what it can remember without a map. Treat it like a milestone: “My app is real, now I need to help AI keep up.”

Quick Wins (Do These Today) #

• Write a 5-line “project map” note: your 3 most important screens, what they do, and any files they rely on (auth, payments, uploads).
• Copy your top three errors (or the last thing that broke) into a single note AI can read before answering.
• Ask AI to restate the goal before coding: “Tell me what you’re about to change and why.”

What Changes After the Map (Story Edition) #

Before: “Almost done,” surprise breakage, fear of prompting. After: AI replies with specifics—“Checkout works, but image upload fails on paid plan because bucket name is missing.” You fix what matters and ship.

If You’re Non-Technical, How Do You “Give AI a Map”? #

You don’t have to write code. You list your screens, flows, and sensitive areas in plain language. Giga turns that into a format Cursor/Claude read first, so their answers match your app.

What Giga Hands You #

• A context pack (your app’s map) that AI tools read before they answer.
• Simple prompts to paste so AI cites the map instead of guessing.
• A short “keep updated” note so the map stays fresh as you add features.