Software developers have a lot to think about. Does the code work? Does the software have all the functionalities the client wants?
One thing developers need to spend more time thinking about is security. Cybercrime is becoming a huge problem. Combating it by making software safer is a much better long-term remedy than adjusting it on the go.
This article will share six of the most important cybersecurity tips for software developers:
Start developing with security in mind
It’s very difficult to start implementing security changes well into the SDLC (software development lifecycle). Security must be a top priority from the very beginning, starting with the project requirements.
Prioritizing security from the start will make it much easier to develop secure software. Filling the gaps in the middle of the cycle is often ineffective enough to cover all gaps.
Start by:
- Installing security tools (e.g., antivirus, firewall, password manager);
- using encryption (with a VPN, SSL certificate for websites, and encrypted data storage)
There are several secure SDLC frameworks developers can follow. Perhaps the most popular one is the Microsoft Security Development Lifecycle.
Use well-known pre-made libraries and frameworks
Instead of writing code from scratch, use popular libraries and frameworks that people have worked on and improved over a long time. Open source security is a well-known term in the development world. It refers to communities of developers dedicated to making software safer by working on secure open source code.
Identifying which frameworks to use is also a skill. Use online tools to look into a particular community’s activity levels. Highly active and engaging communities are better as there’s a higher chance you’ll get the answer to any questions you have about their code.
Review code for potential security flaws
Code reviews and testing are an integral part of creating secure software. For every significant code change, you should go back and check to see if the change has opened up any vulnerabilities. That’s why it’s best to adopt a defensive code writing approach, where you write only as much as necessary.
Reviews should be consistent throughout the SDLC. Having one review at the end is not enough and will make it significantly more challenging to address any found vulnerabilities.
Some security flaws can be difficult to catch. That’s where static code analysis tools can come in handy. They will scan your code with each new iteration and identify flaws and vulnerabilities you may have missed.
Protect code integrity
The code should be kept in secure repositories that only verified users can access. Require strong authentication for anyone trying to access the code. Also, deploy the principle of least privilege. Changes should only come from trusted users
Critical code should not be tampered with to ensure no accidental changes will weaken the system.
Carefully monitor all trusted users for any abnormal behavior. If someone tries to access new repositories or makes any rash changes, there’s a good chance that their account was compromised.
Remain agile and proactive
Software is never 100% safe from security vulnerabilities. Threat actors are working tirelessly every day to identify new flaws, turning into a never-ending cycle of hacking incidents and patches.
Even when the SDLC ends, you must remain proactive and agile with the software. Watch out for new trends in security and employ the latest best practices. Follow benchmarks like the OWASP Top 10 to identify the latest vulnerabilities.
Patches are a key component of secure software. As new vulnerabilities emerge and you identify better ways to improve security, you will probably release many new iterations of your software to make it as secure as possible.
Security awareness training
Last but not least, training is a crucial aspect of security awareness. Developers can’t prepare for something they know nothing about. That’s why they must engage in training to hone their skills and stay on top of the latest cybersecurity trends, threats, and best practices.
The cybersecurity landscape is constantly changing, which is why security training should be an ongoing activity for every software developer.
One important aspect of security awareness training is learning about common mistakes when writing code. Avoiding these mistakes will help developers write more secure code, resulting in safer applications.
Conclusion
Security in software development has always been a major point of focus. Yet, not all developers know how to approach security when all they’re judged on is how well their app functions. That’s why having security in mind from the start can help integrate best practices with the overall product.
Also Read: Top Reasons Why Cybersecurity is a Good Investment
