Introduction
The dilemma is real. On one hand, using an AI code editor like Cursor feels like a superpower. It can refactor messy functions, write unit tests, and explain complex bugs in seconds. It makes you 10x faster.
On the other hand, you have a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) with your employer.
Every developer remembers the Samsung incident, where engineers accidentally leaked top-secret code by pasting it into ChatGPT. Now, you are wondering: If I index my company’s entire codebase into Cursor, am I leaking trade secrets?
The answer is not a simple “Yes” or “No.” It depends on which buttons you click.
This guide analyzes Cursor’s privacy policy, explains exactly where your data goes, and shows you how to configure it so you don’t get fired.
1. The “Codebase Indexing” Fear
The feature that makes Cursor magical is also the feature that scares security teams: Codebase Indexing.
Cursor scans all your files so it can answer questions like “Where is the auth logic in this project?”
-
The Fear: Is it uploading my entire project to a random server in San Francisco?
-
The Reality: By default, Cursor computes a “vector embedding” of your code. While the heavy lifting often happens in the cloud, Cursor claims they do not store your code permanently in their default mode—they only process it to generate the answer.
However, “processing” still means your code leaves your laptop. For a bank or defense contractor, this might already be a violation.
2. Privacy Mode: The Feature You Must Turn On
If you use Cursor at work, you must understand “Privacy Mode.”
Cursor offers a specific setting called “Private Data Controls.”
-
With Privacy Mode ON: Cursor promises that your code snippets are never stored on their servers and are never used to train their models.
-
With Privacy Mode OFF (Default): Your interactions may be saved to help “improve the product.”
Action Step: Open Cursor settings (Cmd + ,) > General > Privacy Mode. Ensure “Index Codebase” is set to local-only or strictly controlled if you are on the Enterprise plan.
3. SOC 2 and Enterprise Security
If you are trying to convince your CTO to let you use Cursor, speak their language.
Cursor (the company) has achieved SOC 2 Type II compliance.
-
Translation: A third-party auditor has verified that they have strict security controls in place regarding how they handle data.
-
Encryption: Data is encrypted “in transit” (while moving to the server) and “at rest” (if stored).
Compared to pasting code into a random web chatbot, Cursor is significantly more secure because it is designed for enterprise use.
4. The “Local” Alternative (Ollama)
What if your company has a “Zero Trust” policy? What if no data is allowed to leave the building?
Cursor allows you to use Local LLMs. Instead of sending your code to OpenAI or Claude (which runs on the cloud), you can download a model like Llama 3 or Mistral and run it on your own machine using a tool called Ollama.
-
Pros: 100% Privacy. Your code never touches the internet.
-
Cons: It requires a powerful laptop (lots of RAM), and the AI isn’t as smart as GPT-4.
This is the ultimate “Safe for Work” setup.
5. How to Pitch This to Your Boss
If you want to use Cursor without getting into trouble, don’t hide it. “Shadow IT” (using unauthorized tools) is the easiest way to get fired.
Send this email to your manager:
“Hey [Manager Name],
I’d like to use Cursor to speed up our development. It helps automate unit tests and documentation.
regarding security: I will enable ‘Privacy Mode,’ which ensures our code is not stored or trained on. Alternatively, I can connect it to our existing Azure OpenAI instance so data stays within our corporate firewall.
Can we review the SOC 2 report together?”
Conclusion: It’s a Tool, Not a Leak
Is Cursor safe? Yes, provided you configure it correctly.
The danger isn’t the tool; it’s the default settings. If you leave “Data Collection” on, you are taking a risk. If you enable Privacy Mode and understand the architecture, it is no more dangerous than using GitHub or Slack.
“Does your company allow AI tools, or is it a total ban? Let me know in the comments.”