Security by Design: How We Build Safer Mobile and Web Apps

In today’s digital landscape, security isn’t just a checkbox, it’s a core business concern. For organizations looking to build mobile or web applications, partnering with an agency that understands and implements robust security from day one is not just a smart move, it’s essential.

At Flywheel, we specialize in building applications using FlutterFlow for mobile and WeWeb for web. While we leverage no-code/low-code platforms for speed and efficiency, we go beyond the default to ensure enterprise-grade security. Here’s how.

Security Starts at the Architectural Level

We don’t treat security as an afterthought or an extra step at the end of development, it’s foundational.

From the beginning of every project, we architect systems with security at the forefront. This includes making early decisions on how data is structured, where and how access is granted, and how rules are enforced.

Example: designing the database schema in a way that allows both secure access and high usability often requires trade-offs, and we plan for that from day one.

Strict, Granular Access Rules at the Database Level

Whether we’re using Supabase or Firebase, we implement fine-grained access control:

• Supabase → Row-Level Security (RLS) ensures users can only read or write data they are explicitly authorized to access.
• Firebase → Security Rules allow only the right users to perform specific actions. In some cases, Firebase requires additional architectural planning or Cloud Functions for more complex access logic.

These rules are never generic templates, we write and test them thoroughly for every project, locking down access to the minimum required per user role or context.

Edge & Cloud Functions for Sensitive Operations

For more sensitive operations, like interacting with protected user data or performing business-critical logic, we utilize:

• Edge Functions in Supabase
• Cloud Functions in Firebase

By moving high-risk operations server-side, only predefined, secured pathways can interact with sensitive data. That means no exposure to the client and no unintended access.

App Check: Only Trusted Clients Allowed

We implement App Check across all our apps, ensuring that only verified instances, distributed via official app stores, can access backend resources.

This prevents tampered or malicious app versions from accessing data, ensuring every interaction is secure.

Force Update Mechanism: Patch Fast, Patch Right

Security patches are only useful if users adopt them. That’s why all our apps include a force update mechanism.

In the event of a critical security issue, users must update before continuing, closing potential attack windows immediately. For this to work, it must be built in from the first release, which is exactly what we do.

API Key Protection: Keep Secrets Secret

We take API key security seriously:

• Keys are never exposed in client-side code.
• Requests are proxied through secure cloud functions when needed.
• Secrets are tightly controlled in managed environments.

Low-Code, High Standards

Yes, we are a low-code agency, but that doesn’t mean we sacrifice control, especially on security.

When needed, we extend platform limits with:

• Custom logic
• Secure extensions
• Backend functions

This balance lets us deliver both speed and security, without compromise.

A Culture of Security

At the end of the day, tools can only go so far. Security is a mindset, and our team lives it.

• We always build with security in mind.
• We research emerging threats and best practices.
• We audit and iterate on every project.

Our standards are high because in a world of evolving threats, a secure app isn’t an option, it’s a necessity.

Looking for a Partner Who Prioritizes Security?

If you’re a business leader looking to build a secure, scalable app without the overhead of traditional development, we’re here to help.

With Flywheel, you get the speed of no-code, the strength of custom code, and the confidence that your data, and your users, are protected from day one.