TL;DR
Cursor and Windsurf are both VS Code-based AI editors with different privacy approaches. Cursor offers Privacy Mode that prevents code storage, while Windsurf (from Codeium) emphasizes their zero-retention policy by default. Both send code to cloud servers for AI processing. Windsurf's enterprise tier includes on-premise deployment options for maximum security.
Cursor and Windsurf represent the new generation of AI-native code editors. Both fork VS Code and add deep AI integration, but they take different approaches to privacy and security. This comparison helps you understand the security tradeoffs when choosing between these increasingly popular development tools.
Platform Overview
What Is Cursor?
Cursor is an AI-powered code editor built on VS Code that integrates AI assistants directly into the editing experience. It features code generation, intelligent autocomplete, codebase-aware chat, and multi-file editing capabilities. Cursor uses Claude, GPT-4, and other models, sending code context to these AI providers for processing.
What Is Windsurf?
Windsurf is Codeium's AI code editor, also built on VS Code. It emphasizes fast autocomplete, natural language code generation, and what they call "Cascade" for multi-step coding tasks. Codeium built their own AI models specifically for code, which gives them more control over data handling and privacy features.
Security Feature Comparison
| Security Feature | Cursor | Windsurf |
|---|---|---|
| Code Processing | Cloud (OpenAI, Anthropic) | Cloud (Codeium servers) |
| Privacy Mode | Yes (no code storage) | Zero retention by default |
| On-Premise Option | Not available | Enterprise tier |
| SOC 2 Compliance | Type II certified | Type II certified |
| Model Training | Opt-out available | Never trains on user code |
| Telemetry Control | Configurable | Configurable |
| GDPR Compliance | Yes | Yes |
| Enterprise SSO | Business tier | Enterprise tier |
Data Privacy Deep Dive
Cursor's Privacy Model
Cursor sends code to third-party AI providers (OpenAI, Anthropic) for processing. With Privacy Mode enabled, Cursor commits to not storing your code on their servers and not using it for training. However, the AI providers' own data policies still apply. Understanding this distinction is important for compliance requirements.
Key Cursor privacy features include:
- Privacy Mode prevents code storage on Cursor servers
- Codebase indexing can be disabled for sensitive projects
- Local .cursorignore files exclude sensitive files
- Business tier includes additional data controls
Windsurf's Privacy Model
Windsurf uses Codeium's own AI models, giving them end-to-end control over data handling. Codeium explicitly states they never train on user code and don't retain code after processing. This single-provider approach simplifies privacy considerations compared to multi-provider setups.
Key Windsurf privacy features include:
- Zero retention policy for all code snippets
- No training on customer code (ever)
- Self-hosted deployment for enterprise
- Encrypted data transmission
Enterprise Security Features
Cursor Business Tier
Cursor's Business tier adds team management, centralized billing, and admin controls. Privacy Mode is enforced for all team members. The tier includes audit logs and SSO integration. However, code still processes through third-party AI providers, which may not satisfy strict enterprise security requirements.
Windsurf Enterprise
Windsurf's enterprise offering includes self-hosted deployment options, allowing organizations to run the AI models entirely within their infrastructure. This addresses the core concern of code leaving the network. Enterprise customers also get dedicated support, custom model fine-tuning, and compliance documentation.
Choose Cursor When: You want access to multiple AI models (Claude, GPT-4) and don't mind code processing through third-party providers. Cursor's Privacy Mode provides reasonable protection for most use cases. Best for developers who value model variety and are comfortable with cloud processing with opt-out training policies.
Choose Windsurf When: You need maximum data control with a zero-retention guarantee and potential on-premise deployment. Codeium's single-provider model simplifies compliance. Best for enterprises with strict data residency requirements or industries with regulatory constraints on code handling.
Code Context and Indexing
How Cursor Handles Context
Cursor indexes your codebase to provide relevant context for AI suggestions. This index can be stored locally or synced for features like cross-device access. The indexing process analyzes your entire codebase, which means sensitive patterns and proprietary logic are processed. Use .cursorignore to exclude sensitive directories.
How Windsurf Handles Context
Windsurf also indexes codebases for context-aware suggestions. Their "Cascade" feature maintains conversation context across multiple files and edits. Codeium's processing happens on their servers but with their stated zero-retention policy. Sensitive file exclusion is also supported through configuration.
AI Provider Considerations
Cursor's Multi-Provider Approach
Cursor routes requests to different AI providers based on the task. This means your code may be processed by OpenAI, Anthropic, or other providers. Each provider has their own data handling policies. While Cursor's Privacy Mode prevents Cursor from storing code, you should review each AI provider's policies for complete understanding.
Windsurf's Single-Provider Approach
Windsurf exclusively uses Codeium's models, simplifying the privacy picture. You only need to trust one provider's data handling commitments. This vertical integration means Codeium can make stronger guarantees about code handling because they control the entire pipeline from editor to model.
Security Best Practices
- Enable Privacy Mode in Cursor for any commercial projects
- Configure ignore files to exclude secrets, credentials, and sensitive configs
- Review enterprise options if working with regulated data
- Disable codebase indexing for highly confidential projects
- Use environment variables instead of hardcoded secrets
- Regularly audit what files the AI tools have access to
- Consider on-premise Windsurf for maximum security requirements
Does Cursor train AI models on my code?
With Privacy Mode enabled, Cursor doesn't use your code for training. However, code is still sent to AI providers (OpenAI, Anthropic) for processing. Review each provider's data policies, as they may have their own training opt-out mechanisms.
Is Windsurf's zero-retention claim verified?
Codeium has SOC 2 Type II certification, which includes auditing of their data handling practices. Their zero-retention policy is part of their security commitments. Enterprise customers can request additional documentation and verification.
Which editor is better for enterprise compliance?
Windsurf's self-hosted option makes it better suited for strict compliance requirements where code can't leave the network. Cursor's multi-provider approach complicates compliance documentation because you're trusting multiple parties.
Can I use either tool for classified or regulated work?
For classified work, neither cloud-based option is appropriate. Windsurf's on-premise enterprise deployment could potentially meet some regulatory requirements with proper security controls. Always verify with your compliance team before using any AI coding tools with sensitive data.
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