Security Terminology
When you're building an app with AI, you'll hear a lot of security terms thrown around. Some of them sound scary. Some of them sound like gibberish. Some of them sound like they're from a spy movie.
This page explains the most common security terms in plain English — no computer science degree, no cybersecurity certification, no technical background required.
Think of this as your translator for security-speak.
A
Access Control
The rules that decide who can see or do what inside your app. Not everyone should have the keys to everything.
Example: A regular user can view their own orders, but only a manager can refund orders or delete user accounts.
Why it matters for your app: If access control is broken, any user can do anything — including things they shouldn't. This is one of the most common bugs in AI-generated apps.
Applies to: Web apps, mobile apps, desktop apps.
API Key
A secret password that lets one app talk to another. When your app needs to use a service (like sending emails, processing payments, or accessing AI models), the API key proves your app is allowed to use that service.
Important: API keys are like the master key to your office building. Never share them publicly, never post them on GitHub, and never paste them into your app's frontend code. If someone steals your API key, they can use the service on your dime — and you'll get the bill.
Example: Your app needs an API key to use Stripe (payment processing), SendGrid (email sending), or OpenAI (AI features).
Applies to: Web apps, mobile apps, desktop apps.
Audit Log
A record of everything important that happens in your app — who did what, and when. Like a security camera footage for your app's activity.
Example: An audit log might show: "User 'john@example.com' deleted order #1234 on May 15, 2026 at 3:42 PM from IP address 192.168.1.1."
Why it matters: When something goes wrong (a data breach, a suspicious transaction, an employee abusing access), audit logs are how you figure out what happened.
Applies to: Web apps, mobile apps, desktop apps.
Authentication (Auth)
The process of verifying who someone is. It's the digital equivalent of checking someone's ID before letting them into a building.
Example: When you log into an app with your email and password, that's authentication. "Prove you are who you say you are."
On mobile: Face ID, fingerprint scanning, and PIN codes are all forms of authentication.
On desktop: Login screens, Windows Hello, and Mac Touch ID are authentication.
Applies to: Web apps, mobile apps, desktop apps.
Authorization (Authz)
What a user is allowed to do after they've logged in. Authentication proves who you are; authorization decides what you can access.
Example: A regular user can view their own profile, but only an admin can delete other users' accounts. That's authorization.
Why it matters: Even if authentication is perfect, broken authorization means anyone can do anything. This is a very common flaw in AI-generated apps.
Applies to: Web apps, mobile apps, desktop apps.
B
Backdoor
A hidden way to access your app that bypasses normal security. Sometimes developers create backdoors intentionally for testing and forget to remove them. Sometimes attackers install them.
Why it matters for AI-built apps: AI tools sometimes generate "debug" or "test" code that includes backdoors. Always check that your app doesn't have hidden admin accounts, secret URLs, or hardcoded passwords.
Example: An AI might generate a secret URL like /admin-force-login?user=admin that lets anyone log in as admin without a password. That's a backdoor.
Applies to: Web apps, mobile apps, desktop apps.
Brute Force Attack
When an attacker tries every possible password until they guess the right one. Like trying every key on a keyring until one opens the door.
Why it matters: Without rate limiting (see below), an attacker can try thousands of passwords per minute. Your users' accounts can be hacked by sheer persistence.
How to protect against it: Limit login attempts (e.g., 5 tries then wait 15 minutes), require strong passwords, and use multi-factor authentication.
Applies to: Web apps, mobile apps, desktop apps.
C
Certificate / SSL Certificate
A digital ID card for your website that proves it's really you and enables the padlock icon in the browser. It's what makes HTTPS work.
Simple way to think about it: When you visit a website with a valid certificate, your browser knows "yes, this is really myapp.com and not a fake copy." The certificate also encrypts everything between you and the site.
Good news: Most modern hosting platforms (Vercel, Netlify, Cloudflare Pages) give you SSL certificates for free automatically. You rarely need to buy one anymore.
Applies to: Web apps (also relevant for mobile apps that talk to servers).
CORS (Cross-Origin Resource Sharing)
A security rule that browsers enforce to prevent one website from stealing data from another. It's like a bouncer checking IDs before letting apps talk to each other.
Why you'll encounter it: When your frontend tries to talk to your backend and they're on different domains, CORS errors pop up. It's annoying but it's there to protect your users.
Example: Your app's frontend is at myapp.com and your API is at api.myapp.com. CORS rules decide whether myapp.com is allowed to talk to api.myapp.com.
Applies to: Web apps primarily. Mobile apps don't enforce CORS the same way, but your API should still check who's calling it.
CSRF / XSRF (Cross-Site Request Forgery)
A type of attack where a malicious website tricks a user's browser into doing something on another site where the user is logged in.
Simple way to think about it: You're logged into your bank. You visit a random website. That website secretly tells your browser "send $1,000 to attacker." Since you're still logged into your bank, the bank thinks it's you.
How to prevent it: Use CSRF tokens — a unique, random code that your app checks on every important action (like transferring money or changing settings).
Applies to: Web apps primarily.
D
Data Breach
When unauthorized people access your app's data — user information, passwords, payment details, business records. This is the worst-case scenario for any app owner.
Why it matters for your business: Data breaches can result in legal liability, fines, lawsuits, reputation damage, and loss of customer trust. In some cases, they can put you out of business.
Common causes in AI-built apps: Hardcoded secrets, missing access controls, SQL injection, exposed databases, and unsecured APIs.
Applies to: Web apps, mobile apps, desktop apps.
Data Encryption
The process of scrambling data so only authorized people can read it. Like writing a message in a secret code that only the intended recipient can decode.
Two types you need to know about:
- In transit: Data being sent between your user and your server (protected by HTTPS)
- At rest: Data stored on your server or database (protected by encryption)
Why it matters: If someone steals your database but the data is encrypted, they can't read it without the decryption key.
Applies to: Web apps, mobile apps, desktop apps.
DDoS (Distributed Denial of Service)
When an attacker floods your app with so much traffic that it crashes or becomes unusable. Like a thousand people trying to enter a store with one door at the same time.
Why it matters: DDoS attacks can take your app offline for hours or days, costing you money and frustrating users.
How to protect against it: Use a service like Cloudflare that can absorb and filter out attack traffic before it reaches your server.
Applies to: Web apps primarily. Mobile and desktop apps that rely on a server can also be affected.
Directory Traversal
An attack where someone tricks your app into accessing files it shouldn't — like configuration files, passwords, or system files.
Example: An attacker types ../../../etc/passwd into a file download field, hoping to trick your app into revealing system passwords.
Why it matters for AI-built apps: AI-generated code often doesn't properly validate file paths, making directory traversal attacks easy.
Applies to: Web apps, mobile apps, desktop apps.
E
Encryption
See Data Encryption above.
End-to-End Encryption (E2EE)
A way of communicating where only the sender and receiver can read the messages — not even the company running the app can see them.
Example: WhatsApp and Signal use end-to-end encryption. Even if someone hacks WhatsApp's servers, they can't read your messages.
Why it matters: If your app handles sensitive conversations (health advice, legal discussions, private messages), E2EE may be important for user trust and legal compliance.
Applies to: Mobile apps, web apps, desktop apps.
Environment Variables
Settings that live outside your code — like API keys, database passwords, and configuration values. They change depending on where your app is running (your laptop vs. the live server).
Why it matters for security: If you put secrets directly in your code and accidentally share that code (on GitHub, with a freelancer, etc.), those secrets are exposed. Environment variables keep secrets out of your code.
Example: Instead of writing API_KEY = "sk_live_abc123" in your code, you store it in an environment variable and reference it as process.env.API_KEY.
Applies to: Web apps, mobile apps, desktop apps.
Exploit
A specific technique or piece of code that takes advantage of a vulnerability to do something the app wasn't supposed to allow.
Simple way to think about it: A vulnerability is a unlocked door. An exploit is the tool someone uses to open it.
Applies to: Web apps, mobile apps, desktop apps.
F
Firewall
A security guard for your server that blocks unwanted traffic. It decides which connections are allowed in and out of your network.
Example: You can configure a firewall to only allow traffic from certain countries, block known attackers, or only let specific IP addresses access your admin panel.
Applies to: Web apps primarily. Mobile and desktop apps connect through the server's firewall.
2FA / MFA (Two-Factor / Multi-Factor Authentication)
An extra layer of security where users must provide two different types of proof to log in. Usually "something you know" (password) plus "something you have" (phone).
Example: You log in with your password, then a code is sent to your phone via SMS or an authenticator app. Even if someone steals your password, they can't log in without your phone.
Why it matters: 2FA prevents 99% of account takeovers. If your app handles money, personal data, or business operations, you should offer 2FA.
Applies to: Web apps, mobile apps, desktop apps.
H
Hardcoded Secrets
When passwords, API keys, or other secrets are written directly into your code instead of being stored in environment variables or a secure vault.
Why it's dangerous: If you share your code (on GitHub, with a contractor, or even just by accident), anyone who sees the code also sees your secrets.
Example of what NOT to do:
const apiKey = "sk_live_abc123def456"; // Hardcoded!
What to do instead:
const apiKey = process.env.STRIPE_API_KEY; // Stored safely
Applies to: Web apps, mobile apps, desktop apps.
Hash / Hashing
A way to turn data into a fixed-length fingerprint that can't be reversed. Unlike encryption (which can be decoded), hashing is one-way — you can't turn a hash back into the original data.
Why it matters for passwords: When a user creates a password, your app should hash it before storing it. If someone steals your database, they only get the hashes — not the actual passwords.
Example: The password "hello123" might be stored as $2y$10$N9qo8uLOickgx2ZMRZoMyeIjZAgcfl7p92ldGxad68LJZdL17lhWy — completely unreadable.
Applies to: Web apps, mobile apps, desktop apps.
HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure)
The secure version of the web protocol that encrypts data between your user's browser and your server. The little padlock icon in the browser bar means HTTPS is active.
Why it matters: Without HTTPS, anyone on the same Wi-Fi network (coffee shop, airport, hotel) can read the data being sent between your users and your app — including passwords and credit card numbers.
Good news: Most modern hosting platforms give you HTTPS for free automatically.
Applies to: Web apps. Mobile and desktop apps should also use HTTPS when communicating with servers.
I
Injection Attack
When an attacker inserts malicious code into your app through a form field, URL, or other input. The most common types are SQL injection (database attacks) and script injection (XSS).
Simple way to think about it: Someone types code into a text box instead of the expected information, and your app blindly runs it.
Why it matters for AI-built apps: AI-generated code often doesn't properly validate or sanitize user input, making injection attacks easy.
Applies to: Web apps, mobile apps, desktop apps.
IP Address
A unique number assigned to every device connected to the internet. Like a street address for your computer or phone.
Example: 192.168.1.1 or 203.0.113.42
Why it matters for security: You can block or allow specific IP addresses, detect suspicious login locations, and rate-limit by IP.
Applies to: Web apps, mobile apps, desktop apps.
J
JWT (JSON Web Token)
A digital ID card that proves a user is who they say they are. When a user logs in, the server creates a JWT and sends it to the app. The app sends it back with every request to prove "I'm still logged in."
Simple way to think about it: A JWT is like a stamped wristband at a concert. Once you show your ticket (login), you get the wristband (JWT), and you can flash it to re-enter any area without showing your ticket again.
Why it matters: If JWTs aren't properly secured (short expiration, proper signing), attackers can forge them to impersonate any user — including admins.
Applies to: Web apps, mobile apps, desktop apps.
K
Key / Secret Key
A piece of secret information used to encrypt, decrypt, or sign data. Like a physical key that locks and unlocks a door.
Example: Your app might have a "secret key" that's used to sign JWTs (see above). If someone steals this key, they can forge login tokens for any user.
Why it matters: Secret keys should be stored securely (in environment variables, not in code) and rotated periodically.
Applies to: Web apps, mobile apps, desktop apps.
L
Login Throttling
See Rate Limiting below.
Logging
The practice of recording what your app does — who logged in, what actions were taken, what errors occurred. Like a flight recorder for your app.
Why it matters for security: When something goes wrong, logs are your first place to look. Without logging, you're flying blind.
Warning: Don't log sensitive information like passwords, credit card numbers, or personal data. Log what happened, not the sensitive details.
Applies to: Web apps, mobile apps, desktop apps.
M
Malware
Malicious software designed to damage, disrupt, or gain unauthorized access to a computer system. Viruses, ransomware, spyware, and trojans are all types of malware.
Why it matters for your app: If your app downloads files from the internet or allows users to upload files, it could accidentally distribute malware. Always validate and scan uploaded files.
Applies to: Web apps, mobile apps, desktop apps.
Man-in-the-Middle Attack (MitM)
When an attacker secretly intercepts communication between two parties. Like someone tapping your phone line and listening to your conversation.
How to prevent it: HTTPS encrypts communication, making MitM attacks much harder. Never let your app send sensitive data over unencrypted connections.
Applies to: Web apps, mobile apps, desktop apps.
Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
See 2FA / MFA above.
O
OAuth / OAuth 2.0
A standard way for apps to let users log in using their existing accounts from Google, Apple, Facebook, GitHub, etc. Instead of creating a new username and password, users click "Sign in with Google."
Simple way to think about it: Instead of every store issuing its own ID card, OAuth lets you use your government ID everywhere. The store trusts the government to verify who you are.
Why it matters: OAuth is generally more secure than building your own login system, because the authentication is handled by companies with dedicated security teams.
Applies to: Web apps, mobile apps, desktop apps.
OWASP (Open Web Application Security Project)
A non-profit organization that publishes the most widely-used list of web security risks. Think of it as the "consumer reports" for app security.
Why you'll hear about it: The OWASP Top 10 is a list of the 10 most critical security risks for web applications. If you ask a developer "is my app OWASP-compliant?" they'll know what you mean.
Applies to: Web apps primarily, but many principles apply to mobile and desktop apps too.
P
Patch / Patching
Updating your software to fix security vulnerabilities. Like patching a hole in a boat before it sinks.
Why it matters: Hackers actively look for unpatched software. If you don't update your app's dependencies (libraries, frameworks, plugins), you're leaving known holes open.
Example: A popular JavaScript library has a security flaw. The library's developers release a patched version. If you don't update, your app is vulnerable.
Applies to: Web apps, mobile apps, desktop apps.
Penetration Test (Pen Test)
A controlled, authorized attempt to hack your own app to find security weaknesses before real attackers do. Like hiring someone to try to break into your house so you can fix the weak spots.
Why it matters: Automated security scanners can only find common problems. A human penetration tester can find creative, unexpected vulnerabilities.
Applies to: Web apps, mobile apps, desktop apps.
Phishing
A fake message (email, text, or notification) that tricks someone into revealing their password or clicking a malicious link. The message looks like it's from a legitimate company.
Example: You get an email that looks like it's from Apple saying "your account has been locked, click here to reset your password." The link goes to a fake Apple login page that steals your password.
Why it matters for your app: If your app stores valuable data, attackers may phish your users. Educate your users and implement 2FA to reduce the risk.
Applies to: Web apps, mobile apps, desktop apps.
Plain Text
Data that's stored or sent without any encryption — completely readable by anyone who accesses it. The opposite of encrypted.
Why it matters: Storing passwords in plain text is one of the worst security mistakes you can make. If your database is breached, every password is immediately visible.
Applies to: Web apps, mobile apps, desktop apps.
Privilege Escalation
When a user gains access to features or data they shouldn't have. Like a hotel guest somehow getting a master key that opens every room.
Two types:
- Horizontal: User A can see User B's data (e.g., changing an ID in the URL)
- Vertical: A regular user can perform admin actions (e.g., deleting other users)
Why it matters for AI-built apps: This is extremely common in AI-generated code. The AI creates basic access control but forgets to check permissions on every action.
Applies to: Web apps, mobile apps, desktop apps.
R
Ransomware
A type of malware that encrypts your data and demands payment to unlock it. Like someone putting all your files in a safe, locking it, and demanding money for the combination.
Why it matters: If your app doesn't have proper backups, ransomware can destroy your business. Always have off-site, encrypted backups.
Applies to: Web apps, mobile apps, desktop apps.
Rate Limiting
A safety mechanism that limits how many requests a user or app can make in a given time period. It prevents abuse and protects your server from being overwhelmed.
Example: Your login endpoint might allow 5 attempts per minute. After that, the user has to wait. This prevents bots from trying millions of passwords.
Why it matters: Without rate limiting, attackers can brute-force passwords, scrape your data, or overwhelm your server.
Applies to: Web apps, mobile apps, desktop apps (when they communicate with a server).
RBAC (Role-Based Access Control)
A system where permissions are grouped by roles instead of assigned to individual users. You create roles like "Admin," "Editor," and "Viewer," and assign users to those roles.
Simple way to think about it: Instead of giving every employee individual keys to specific rooms, you give them a badge that says "Manager" or "Staff" — and the badge determines which doors they can open.
Why it matters: RBAC makes it much harder to accidentally give someone too much access.
Applies to: Web apps, mobile apps, desktop apps.
S
Salt (Password Salt)
A random, unique value added to a password before hashing it. This ensures that even if two users have the same password, their stored hashes will be different.
Why it matters: Without salt, attackers can use pre-computed tables (called rainbow tables) to quickly crack hashed passwords. Salt makes this attack much harder.
Applies to: Web apps, mobile apps, desktop apps.
Sanitization / Input Sanitization
The process of cleaning user input to remove dangerous content before using it. Like washing vegetables before cooking — you remove the parts that could make you sick.
Example: If a user types <script>alert('hacked')</script> into a comment field, sanitization removes or neutralizes the script tags so they don't execute.
Why it matters for AI-built apps: AI-generated code often skips input sanitization, leaving your app vulnerable to injection attacks.
Applies to: Web apps, mobile apps, desktop apps.
Session Hijacking
When an attacker steals a user's active session (their "logged in" status) and impersonates them. Like someone stealing your concert wristband and using it to get in.
How it happens: Through stolen session tokens, insecure Wi-Fi, cross-site scripting, or physical access to a device.
How to prevent it: Use HTTPS, set short session timeouts, and regenerate session IDs after login.
Applies to: Web apps, mobile apps, desktop apps.
Session Timeout
The automatic log-out after a period of inactivity. If a user walks away from their computer while logged into your app, session timeout ensures someone else can't walk up and use their account.
Why it matters: Without session timeout, a user who forgets to log out at a coffee shop leaves their account open for anyone to use.
Applies to: Web apps, mobile apps, desktop apps.
Social Engineering
Tricking people into revealing information or performing actions instead of hacking the technology directly. It's easier to trick a human than to break through technical security.
Example: Someone calls your customer support pretending to be a user who "forgot their password" and convinces the support person to reset the account.
Why it matters: No amount of technical security can protect against a well-trained social engineer. Train yourself and your team to verify identities before sharing information.
Applies to: Web apps, mobile apps, desktop apps.
SQL Injection
A type of attack where someone types malicious database commands into a form field (like a search box or login field), tricking your app into revealing or deleting data.
Simple way to think about it: Your app asks "what's your username?" and instead of answering "John," the attacker types John; DROP TABLE users; — and your app obediently deletes the entire user database.
Why it matters for AI-built apps: SQL injection is one of the most common vulnerabilities in AI-generated code. AI tools often generate database queries without proper protection.
Applies to: Web apps, mobile apps, desktop apps (if they connect directly to a database).
SSL / TLS
See Certificate / SSL Certificate above.
T
Token
A temporary digital key that proves a user is authenticated. When you log into an app, the server gives you a token. Your app sends this token with every request to prove "I'm still logged in."
See also: JWT above.
Applies to: Web apps, mobile apps, desktop apps.
Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
See 2FA / MFA above.
U
Upload Validation
The process of checking files that users upload to make sure they're safe. This includes checking file type, file size, and file contents.
Why it matters for AI-built apps: AI-generated code often accepts any file type without checking. Someone could upload a malicious script disguised as an image.
What to check:
- Is the file actually the type it claims to be? (Not just the extension — check the contents)
- Is the file size reasonable?
- Is the filename safe? (No
../../or special characters)
Applies to: Web apps, mobile apps, desktop apps.
V
Vulnerability
A weakness in your app that could be exploited by an attacker. Like a crack in a wall that someone could use to break in.
Examples: A missing login limit, a database query that accepts raw input, an exposed API key in your code.
Why it matters: Every app has vulnerabilities. The goal isn't to have zero vulnerabilities — it's to find and fix the dangerous ones before attackers do.
Applies to: Web apps, mobile apps, desktop apps.
Vulnerability Scanner
An automated tool that checks your app for known security weaknesses. Like a metal detector at an airport — it doesn't catch everything, but it catches the most common threats.
Examples: Snyk, GitGuardian, OWASP ZAP.
Why it matters: Automated scanners are a good first step, but they can't catch everything. Combine them with manual review and penetration testing.
Applies to: Web apps, mobile apps, desktop apps.
X
XSS (Cross-Site Scripting)
A type of attack where someone injects malicious scripts into your website that run in other users' browsers. The attacker's code can steal cookies, redirect users, or deface your site.
Simple way to think about it: Someone posts a comment on your blog that looks normal, but hidden inside is a script that steals the login cookies of everyone who reads it.
Why it matters for AI-built apps: AI-generated code often doesn't properly sanitize user input, making XSS attacks easy.
How to prevent it: Sanitize all user input before displaying it. Never trust anything a user types.
Applies to: Web apps primarily. Mobile and desktop web views can also be affected.
Z
Zero-Day Vulnerability
A security flaw that the software creator doesn't know about yet — meaning there's no fix available. "Zero-day" means the developer has had zero days to fix it.
Why it matters: Zero-day vulnerabilities are the most dangerous because there's no patch. They're highly valuable to attackers and often used in sophisticated attacks.
What you can do: Keep your software updated, use security tools that detect unusual behavior (not just known threats), and have a plan for emergency updates.
Applies to: Web apps, mobile apps, desktop apps.
Quick Reference: Security Terms by Category
Authentication & Identity
| Term | Plain English |
|---|---|
| Authentication | Verifying who someone is (login) |
| Authorization | What someone is allowed to do after logging in |
| 2FA / MFA | Two-step verification (password + phone code) |
| OAuth | "Sign in with Google/Apple/Facebook" |
| JWT / Token | A digital ID card that proves you're logged in |
| Session Timeout | Auto-logout after inactivity |
| Session Hijacking | Someone stealing your login session |
Data Protection
| Term | Plain English |
|---|---|
| Encryption | Scrambling data so only authorized people can read it |
| HTTPS | The padlock icon — encrypts data between browser and server |
| Hash / Hashing | One-way fingerprinting (used for passwords) |
| Salt | Extra randomness added to password hashes |
| Plain Text | Unencrypted, readable data — dangerous for passwords |
| End-to-End Encryption | Only sender and receiver can read messages |
Common Attacks
| Term | Plain English |
|---|---|
| SQL Injection | Typing database commands into form fields |
| XSS (Cross-Site Scripting) | Injecting malicious scripts into your website |
| CSRF / XSRF | Tricking your browser into doing things on other sites |
| Brute Force | Trying every password until one works |
| Phishing | Fake messages that trick people into revealing passwords |
| DDoS | Flooding your app with traffic to crash it |
| Man-in-the-Middle | Secretly intercepting communication |
| Directory Traversal | Tricking your app into accessing forbidden files |
| Privilege Escalation | Getting access to things you shouldn't have |
| Social Engineering | Tricking people instead of hacking technology |
Access Control
| Term | Plain English |
|---|---|
| Access Control | Rules for who can see or do what |
| RBAC | Grouping permissions by roles (Admin, Editor, Viewer) |
| API Key | A secret password for apps to talk to each other |
| CORS | Browser rules that prevent data theft between websites |
| Firewall | A security guard for your server |
Security Practices
| Term | Plain English |
|---|---|
| Rate Limiting | Limiting how many requests someone can make |
| Sanitization | Cleaning user input to remove dangerous content |
| Upload Validation | Checking uploaded files are safe |
| Audit Log | A record of who did what and when |
| Penetration Test | Hiring someone to try to hack your app |
| Vulnerability Scanner | Automated tool that checks for weaknesses |
| Patch / Patching | Updating software to fix security holes |
| Hardcoded Secrets | Putting passwords/keys directly in your code (bad!) |
| Environment Variables | Storing secrets outside your code (good!) |
| Backdoor | A hidden way to access your app bypassing security |
Threats & Risks
| Term | Plain English |
|---|---|
| Vulnerability | A weakness in your app that could be exploited |
| Exploit | Code that takes advantage of a vulnerability |
| Data Breach | Unauthorized access to your app's data |
| Malware | Malicious software (viruses, ransomware) |
| Ransomware | Malware that locks your data and demands payment |
| Zero-Day | A vulnerability the developer doesn't know about yet |
Still Confused?
That's completely normal. Cybersecurity is a massive field, and even experienced developers specialize in only a few areas.
Here's what we recommend:
- Bookmark this page — come back whenever you encounter a security term you don't recognize
- Ask your AI tool — literally type "explain [term] like I'm a business owner who's building an app" into ChatGPT or Claude
- Focus on the most common risks first — SQL injection, broken access control, and hardcoded secrets cause the majority of problems in AI-built apps
- Use the Quick Reference tables above — they're designed for fast scanning when you're in a hurry
The goal isn't to become a security expert. The goal is to understand enough to ask the right questions, spot red flags, and protect your users and your business.