We release security updates for the following versions of the Bioinformatics Project Tracker:

The Bioinformatics Project Tracker follows a client-side security model with the following characteristics:

• Local Storage Only: All project data is stored locally in the user's browser using localStorage
• No Server Communication: The application does not transmit data to external servers
• Client-Side Processing: All data processing occurs within the user's browser
• No User Authentication: Single-user application without authentication requirements

• Browser Isolation: Data is isolated to the specific browser and domain
• HTTPS Recommended: Use HTTPS when hosting to protect against network-based attacks
• No Data Transmission: Sensitive research data never leaves the user's device
• Local Encryption: Browser storage is encrypted by the browser's security mechanisms

• Browser Updates: Keep your browser updated for latest security patches
• JavaScript Security: Requires JavaScript to be enabled (inherent security consideration)
• Cross-Site Scripting (XSS): Modern browsers provide built-in XSS protection
• Local Storage Limits: Data persistence depends on browser storage policies

• Client-Side Only: Uploaded files are processed entirely in the browser
• No File Execution: Files are stored as metadata only (name, size, type)
• Memory Limitations: Large files may impact browser performance
• File Type Validation: Basic file type checking based on extensions

• PDF Generation: Uses jsPDF library for client-side PDF creation
• Word Document Export: Uses docx library for client-side document generation
• Data Integrity: Exported data reflects current browser state
• File Download Security: Follows browser's download security policies

If you discover a security vulnerability in the Bioinformatics Project Tracker, please report it responsibly:

1. Email: Send details to the project maintainer (replace with actual email)
2. GitHub Issues: For non-sensitive issues, use the GitHub issue tracker
3. Private Disclosure: For sensitive vulnerabilities, use private communication

• Description: Clear description of the vulnerability
• Steps to Reproduce: Detailed steps to reproduce the issue
• Impact Assessment: Potential impact and affected components
• Browser Information: Browser type, version, and operating system
• Screenshots: Visual evidence if applicable

• Acknowledgment: Within 48 hours of report
• Initial Assessment: Within 5 business days
• Resolution Target: Security patches within 30 days for critical issues
• Public Disclosure: After fix is available and tested

• Keep Updated: Use the latest version of supported browsers
• Security Extensions: Consider using reputable security extensions
• Private Browsing: Use private/incognito mode for sensitive research data
• Regular Cleanup: Clear browser data periodically

• Regular Backups: Export project data regularly for backup purposes
• Sensitive Data: Consider the sensitivity of research data before input
• Shared Computers: Always clear browser data on shared or public computers
• Local Access: Ensure your computer is secure from unauthorized local access

• HTTPS Only: Access the application only via HTTPS connections
• Secure Networks: Avoid using on unsecured public WiFi networks
• VPN Usage: Consider VPN for additional network security
• Firewall Protection: Maintain active firewall protection

• Dependency Management: Regular updates of npm dependencies
• Security Audits: Automated security scanning of dependencies
• Code Review: Security considerations in code review process
• Static Analysis: Use of security-focused linting and analysis tools

• Secure Build Process: CI/CD pipeline security measures
• Integrity Verification: Build artifact integrity verification
• Access Control: Limited access to build and deployment systems
• Audit Logging: Comprehensive logging of build and deployment activities

We monitor security advisories for all dependencies:

• React: Core framework security updates
• Tailwind CSS: CSS framework security considerations
• Recharts: Chart library security monitoring
• DND Kit: Drag-and-drop library security reviews
• jsPDF: PDF generation library security updates
• docx: Word document library security monitoring

• Automated Scanning: Regular automated dependency vulnerability scanning
• Update Policy: Prompt updates for security-related dependency updates
• Risk Assessment: Evaluation of security impact for each dependency
• Alternative Evaluation: Assessment of alternative libraries when security issues arise

• Content Security Policy (CSP): Implementation recommendations for hosting
• Secure Headers: HTTP security header recommendations
• OWASP Guidelines: Following OWASP web application security guidelines
• Browser Security: Compliance with modern browser security standards

• GDPR Considerations: Local-only storage helps with data protection compliance
• Data Minimization: Only collect necessary project information
• User Control: Complete user control over their data
• Data Portability: Easy data export capabilities

• Critical: Immediate data exposure or system compromise
• High: Potential for data exposure or significant impact
• Medium: Limited impact or theoretical vulnerabilities
• Low: Minor security improvements or informational issues

1. Detection: Identification of security issue
2. Assessment: Impact and severity evaluation
3. Containment: Immediate steps to limit exposure
4. Investigation: Root cause analysis
5. Resolution: Development and testing of fix
6. Communication: User notification and guidance
7. Follow-up: Monitoring and prevention improvements

For security-related inquiries:

• Primary Contact: Eren Ada, PhD
• Email: [Replace with actual email]
• Response Time: 48 hours for acknowledgment
• Escalation: GitHub issues for public, non-sensitive reports

We appreciate responsible disclosure and will acknowledge security researchers who help improve the security of the Bioinformatics Project Tracker:

• Recognition: Security researchers will be credited in release notes
• Responsible Disclosure: We commit to working with researchers on disclosure timelines
• No Bug Bounty: This is an open-source project without formal bug bounty program
• Community Appreciation: Public thanks for meaningful security contributions

Last Updated: June 2, 2025
Next Review: December 2, 2025

This security policy will be reviewed and updated regularly to address evolving security considerations and best practices.