TL;DR
Bubble.io apps need explicit privacy rules configuration. By default, data may be accessible to anyone. Configure privacy rules for every data type to control who can view, find, and modify records. Don't rely on hiding data in the UI for security. Always test your privacy rules by viewing your app as different user types.
Understanding Bubble Security
Bubble provides no-code development with built-in security features, but they require configuration:
- Privacy rules: Control data access at the database level
- User authentication: Built-in user management
- SSL encryption: HTTPS for all apps
- SOC 2 compliance: Enterprise-grade infrastructure
Privacy Rules: The Most Critical Setting
Privacy rules are Bubble's equivalent of row-level security:
What Privacy Rules Control
- View: Can users see this data in searches and displays?
- Find: Can users search for and access this data?
- Modify: Can users create, update, or delete this data?
Critical: Without privacy rules, your data may be accessible to anyone who knows how to make API calls. Always configure privacy rules for every data type containing sensitive information.
Common Privacy Rule Patterns
- User-owned data: Only the creator can view and modify
- Admin-only: Only users with admin role can access
- Authenticated: Any logged-in user can view
- Public: Everyone can view, only creator can modify
API Security
If you expose Bubble's Data API:
API Key Protection
- Generate unique API keys for each integration
- Store API keys securely, never in client-side code
- Rotate keys if compromised
- Disable API access if not needed
Workflow API Endpoints
- Require authentication for sensitive workflows
- Validate input parameters
- Consider rate limiting for public endpoints
Authentication Security
Password Requirements
- Require minimum password length
- Consider enabling password complexity rules
- Use Bubble's built-in password hashing
Session Management
- Configure appropriate session timeouts
- Enable logout functionality
- Consider multi-device session handling
Testing tip: Use Bubble's "Run as" feature to test your app as different users. Verify that users can only see and modify data they should have access to.
Common Security Mistakes
1. No Privacy Rules
Leaving privacy rules unconfigured exposes all data. Even if your UI doesn't show the data, it can be accessed via API.
2. UI-Only Security
Hiding elements in the UI doesn't prevent access. Users can still access data through browser dev tools or direct API calls.
3. Insecure Workflows
Workflows triggered from the page run with the current user's permissions, but backend workflows may have elevated access.
4. Exposed Sensitive Fields
Don't store sensitive data in fields that are visible in searches. Use privacy rules to restrict field access.
Security Checklist
- Privacy rules configured for all data types
- User authentication required for sensitive pages
- API access disabled or properly secured
- Sensitive workflows require authentication
- Password requirements configured
- Testing completed as different user types
- Admin functions protected by role checks
Is Bubble.io secure for business applications?
Bubble can be secure when properly configured. The platform provides privacy rules, SSL encryption, and SOC 2 compliance. However, many Bubble apps have security issues due to misconfigured privacy rules. You must explicitly configure data access controls.
What are Bubble privacy rules?
Privacy rules control who can view, find, and modify data in your Bubble database. By default, data may be accessible. You must create rules to restrict access based on user authentication and ownership.
Can users see my Bubble app's data structure?
Yes, parts of your data structure can be visible in browser developer tools. Don't rely on obscurity for security. Always configure privacy rules properly, even if you think users won't know how to access the data.
Should I enable the Data API?
Only if you need it. If your app works entirely through Bubble's interface, disable the Data API to reduce attack surface. If you need API access, secure it properly with authentication and privacy rules.