TL;DR
Both Cursor and GitHub Copilot send code to cloud servers for AI processing. Cursor sends more context (entire codebase), Copilot sends less (current file). Both can generate insecure code patterns. GitHub Copilot has enterprise features for code filtering. For sensitive codebases, both require careful policy consideration. Neither tool makes your code inherently insecure.
Data Privacy Comparison
| Privacy Aspect | Cursor | GitHub Copilot |
|---|---|---|
| Code Sent to Cloud | Yes (codebase context) | Yes (current file + context) |
| Context Window | Large (multi-file) | Smaller (focused) |
| Training on Your Code | Optional (can disable) | Optional (business plans) |
| Self-Hosted Option | No | Enterprise Cloud |
| Data Retention | Not retained (processed) | Not retained (business) |
Both tools send code to servers: If your codebase contains secrets, API keys, or highly sensitive proprietary code, consider the implications of it being processed by external AI services.
Code Security Risks
AI coding assistants can introduce security vulnerabilities in the code they generate:
Common Vulnerability Patterns
- Hardcoded secrets: AI might suggest patterns with embedded API keys
- SQL injection: String concatenation instead of parameterized queries
- XSS vulnerabilities: Missing output escaping in generated UI code
- Insecure defaults: Disabling SSL verification, permissive CORS
- Outdated patterns: Using deprecated or vulnerable library versions
Both tools have this risk: AI suggestions from any provider can include insecure patterns. Always review generated code for security issues, regardless of which tool you use.
Enterprise Security Features
| Enterprise Feature | Cursor | GitHub Copilot |
|---|---|---|
| SSO/SAML | Business plans | Enterprise |
| Audit Logs | Limited | Enterprise |
| Content Exclusions | Via .cursorignore | Via settings |
| IP Indemnity | No | Enterprise |
| Org-wide Policies | Business plans | Enterprise |
GitHub Copilot has more mature enterprise features due to Microsoft's enterprise focus. Cursor is improving rapidly but has a smaller enterprise footprint.
Code Filtering
Cursor
- Use
.cursorignoreto exclude sensitive files - Privacy mode to reduce context sent
- Manual control over what files are indexed
GitHub Copilot
- Content exclusion settings in organization
- Public code matching filter
- Duplication detection to avoid licensing issues
- Secret scanning integration
Underlying AI Models
| Aspect | Cursor | GitHub Copilot |
|---|---|---|
| AI Provider | Multiple (Claude, GPT-4, etc.) | OpenAI (GPT models) |
| Model Selection | User choice | Fixed by GitHub |
| Local Processing | No | No |
Cursor's flexibility to use different models means varying privacy policies depending on which model you select. GitHub Copilot uses OpenAI models exclusively.
Secure Usage Best Practices
Regardless of which tool you use:
- Never include API keys or secrets in your codebase
- Use
.gitignoreand tool-specific ignore files for sensitive files - Review AI-generated code for security vulnerabilities
- Don't trust AI suggestions for authentication or cryptography code
- Run security scans on your codebase regularly
- Consider using tools like CheckYourVibe to catch AI-generated security issues
Which Should You Choose?
Choose Cursor If:
You want more control over which AI model to use, prefer a full IDE experience, or work on projects where larger context windows improve code quality. Be aware it sends more context to servers.
Choose GitHub Copilot If:
You need enterprise compliance features, prefer VS Code integration, want IP indemnification, or work in an organization with existing Microsoft/GitHub contracts.
Will my code be used to train AI models?
Both tools have options to opt out of training. GitHub Copilot for Business and Enterprise don't use your code for training. Cursor lets you disable training data collection in settings. Read each tool's privacy policy carefully.
Can AI coding assistants leak my secrets?
If your code contains secrets and you send it to the AI, those secrets are processed by external servers. The bigger risk is AI generating code that contains hardcoded secrets. Use environment variables and never commit secrets to code.
Which generates more secure code?
Neither tool guarantees secure code. Both can suggest vulnerable patterns. The quality depends on the underlying models and your prompts. Always review generated code for security issues.
Can I use these tools for HIPAA/PCI compliant projects?
Consult your compliance officer. For sensitive data processing code, consider the risks of sending that context to AI services. GitHub Copilot Enterprise may offer better compliance options with BAAs.
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