React Native Security

React Native Security

Priority: P0 (CRITICAL)

Secure Storage

• Keychain/Keystore: Use react-native-keychain for tokens, passwords.
• Never AsyncStorage: Not encrypted. Only for non-sensitive data.
• Biometric Auth: Use react-native-biometrics for Face ID/Touch ID.

Deep Linking

• Validate URLs: Check scheme and host before navigation.
• Sanitize Params: Never trust URL params. Validate and sanitize.
• Token Extraction: Avoid passing tokens in deep link URLs. Use secure code exchange.

Network Security

• HTTPS Only: Enforce via NSAppTransportSecurity (iOS) and network_security_config.xml (Android).
• Certificate Pinning: Use react-native-ssl-pinning for high-security apps (banking, healthcare). Warning: Requires app update when certificates rotate.
• No Secrets in Code: Use .env files with react-native-config. Add to .gitignore.

Code Obfuscation

• Hermes: Bytecode harder to reverse-engineer.
• ProGuard/R8: Enable on Android.
• Note: Obfuscation is a deterrent, not protection. Move sensitive logic to backend.

Data Handling

• PII Masking: Mask email/phone in logs and analytics.
• Clipboard: Clear sensitive data after paste.
• Screenshots: Block on sensitive screens with react-native-screen-guard.

Anti-Patterns

• No Hardcoded Secrets: Use environment variables.
• No Sensitive Logs: Strip console.log in production.
• No Plain HTTP: Always use HTTPS.
• No Client-Side Auth: Validate on backend.

Reference & Examples

See references/keychain-usage.md for Keychain, Biometrics, SSL Pinning, and PII Masking.

Related Topics

common/security-standards | typescript/security