Zero Trust Security
: A security model that eliminates implicit trust and requires continuous verification of every user, device, and network request regardless of location. Zero trust assumes the network is compromised and enforces ’never trust, always verify’ principles: verify explicitly, use least privilege access, and assume breach.
Why It Matters for AI-Coded Apps
AI-generated applications often have implicit trust assumptions: trusting that internal API calls are safe, assuming authenticated users are authorized for all actions, or trusting client-side data. Zero trust architecture eliminates these assumptions by requiring verification at every boundary.
Real-World Example
A vibe-coded app trusts all requests from the internal network. An attacker who gains access to one service (via SSRF or compromised dependency) can access all internal APIs without authentication. Zero trust requires: every service authenticates requests, validates permissions, encrypts traffic, and logs access – even for internal communication.
How to Detect and Prevent It
Authenticate every request, even between internal services. Implement role-based access control with least privilege. Encrypt all traffic (TLS everywhere, including internal). Validate input at every service boundary. Log and monitor all access. Segment your network so compromising one service does not expose others.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is zero trust practical for small applications?
Yes. Zero trust principles scale down to simple practices: authenticate every API endpoint, use HTTPS everywhere, validate all input server-side, implement least privilege roles, and log access. You do not need a complex infrastructure – just apply these principles consistently.
How does zero trust relate to vibe coding?
Vibe-coded apps frequently violate zero trust by trusting client-side data, skipping server-side auth checks, and assuming internal APIs are safe. Adopting zero trust mindset means treating every piece of AI-generated code as potentially insecure and verifying at every boundary.
What is the difference between zero trust and perimeter security?
Perimeter security (castle-and-moat) trusts everything inside the network and blocks external threats. Zero trust trusts nothing and verifies everything regardless of network location. With cloud deployments, remote work, and API-driven architectures, the traditional perimeter no longer exists.
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