A proof of concept (PoC) is where risk hides. Code is raw, dependencies are fresh, and security gaps are easy to miss. A PoC security review is the process of finding and fixing those gaps before they can be exploited. This is not a compliance checkbox. It is a structured, high‑signal assessment of your earliest code and architecture.
Start with threat modeling. Map out the attack surface. Identify weak authentication flows, insecure API calls, unchecked input, and any hard‑coded secrets. Review every dependency for known vulnerabilities using automated scanners, but also verify configuration and usage manually.
Test authorization paths. Ensure role and permission logic is enforced at every entry point. Examine data storage practices—no sensitive data should be stored unencrypted, even in temporary PoC databases. Inspect logging output for accidental exposure of credentials or personal information.