6 security tips for software development
The security for software development must take into consideration many factors such as Client’s necessity, target, and the demand for agile delivery are just some details on the routine of a development team. The care for security, for instance, is essential in modern application.
Even in the case of simple mobile apps, we cannot ignore the need to work with secure development methods. The importance given to information security increases the reliability of the final software. In a universe where information sharing over the internet and between devices is part of everyday life for smartphone, tablet and computer users, digital security will be fundamental for the creation of new IT solutions.
In today’s text, we will talk a bit more about best practices for those looking to develop safer apps and how to ensure your team creating reliable tools. Keep up:
Security in software development – Improving digital solutions
Digital security is increasingly important for those working with system design. From the early stages of development to the implementation and distribution of a tool, security practices play an important role in ensuring that the end user can have access to a reliable tool.
1-Use secure methods to transfer and store data
The security policy is the foundation of any routine that seeks more reliability for your digital services. Part of it involves the use of practices such as PCI-DSS, which increase the reliability of information exchanges. The confidentiality of a communication operation, for example, is done using modern encryption methods.
The increase of data integrity and authenticity is done through data pack verification routines. Thus, whether storing, processing or exchanging files and information, both the sender and the recipient will be sure that the connection used is 100% secure. Thus, the capture and theft of sensitive data is prevented.
2-Have a secure development environment
A company that deals with the development of IT tools should not only work towards more digital security. Having physical environments free of vulnerabilities is also necessary. Access to sectors related to the creation of a system must be controlled. In addition, servers must be isolated to prevent their use by unauthorized personnel.
3-Use secure development methods
Every programmer has a preferred development method. Regardless of whether a team chooses to work with an agile or more traditional method, it must be adapted in search of safer practices. Thus, whenever checking a code, the software engineer must track down possible flaws and loopholes that could compromise the user’s digital security.
The same attention should be paid to the size of buffers and software arrays, which should not compromise the user experience. In addition, error codes during compilation should be tracked and resolved quickly.
4-Always revise your code for breaches
Preventive activities focused on resisting attempts of information theft. These may include constantly code review, which can be done with automated software or by the company’s digital security team.
During the software design definition stage, the team of programmers must implement the use of threat models. They will guide developers during code testing and reviews. In addition, when performing security testing, more traditional attacks must be performed to ensure the program is reliable.
5-Use KPIs to assess your team
KPIs are metrics used to evaluate the performance of an industry or team during a project. Through them, employees can learn more about their progress in learning new work techniques. For the manager, the KPI represents a simple way to more accurately measure the knowledge and performance of your team.
When it comes to digital security, KPIs can be used to assign safety standards in the project. Thus, the teams can work in search of new security methods in software development that protect you from the most common threats in the digital world, such as viruses and SQL injections.
6-Adopt a SDL
SDL (Security Development Lifecycle) is a development process adopted by Microsoft that involves the use of several products and activities to create a secure system. Through the integration of measures and the verification of an organization’s processes, the method seeks to help companies create more secure applications.
SDL is divided in seven steps:
- Training: involves training all team members in such a way that everyone is aware of modern security and privacy principles and trends.
- Requirements: consists of checking the requirements necessary to ensure that the security and privacy of the user is total. In addition, a security bug tracking system is established to ensure rapid problem resolution.
- Design: used to analyze the attack surface of the application and produce a model with the main threats of the software.
- Implementation: creation of a code with defensive programming techniques with coding standards that reduce system vulnerability.
- Verification: developed for testing, code verification and documentation inspection. It can be done through automated tools or by outsourced professionals.
- Release: involves creating an action plan that will prepare the support team to solve problems. The team responsible for handling more serious incidents involving information security must also be prepared to minimize damage quickly.
- Response: at this stage, any bugs or failures found after distribution of the software are tracked and addressed.
- Reliability and stability.
Creating reliable tools
The quality of a program can be measured in several ways. Stability, reliability, low number of failures and constant updates are some of the characteristics that define a good program. And the security of an application can define its success in increasingly competitive markets.
In the information era, attacks on computers, tablets and cell phones are increasingly frequent. In this scenario, the developer is forced to offer more secure applications to its users. And when we talk about Brazil, one of the most vulnerable countries in the world, the implementation of security processes and good development practices become even more important. Thus, by creating reliable tools our most important asset in the digital world, information, will be protected.
The management of teams in search of security processes in the development of safer software has been part of the routine of several companies. Is this the case with yours? Share it with us!