Preparing a pre-release security gate in seven days or fewer

A gate is a deliberate compromise: depth traded for a decision. Preparation decides whether that compromise is useful.

Define the delta

List pull requests, modules, and feature flags in the release candidate. If the delta is “everything since January,” you need a full review, not a gate.

Nominate a single responder

Gates stall when questions bounce across four Slack channels. One technical contact with authority to confirm intended behavior keeps the clock honest.

Decide hold criteria in advance

Leadership should state which classes of findings block ship before the review starts. Changing the bar after findings appear turns a gate into politics.