Secure Software Tips for Software Engineers

Information at the core of every business transaction and process is in danger. From presidents executing executive orders on cybersecurity to data breaches that can cost companies millions of dollars, the software that manages the most critical information of today is the most likely target for cyberattacks.

Software engineers have the ability to make security an integral aspect of their development, but they must be educated and equipped. In the course of a recent Twitter Space discussion, New Relic’s Harry Kimpel and Frank Dornberger discussed how to develop a security mindset that goes beyond application vulnerabilities to think about integrity of the application and reliability of the system.

It is essential to emphasize the importance of security as a component of the SDLC, from requirements through the release and testing. It’s also beneficial to use an established framework like the NIST Secure Software Design Framework (SSDF) to give structure and consistency to your team’s work and help ensure that they adhere to the best practices.

Using popular, well-maintained frameworks and libraries can help reduce the threat to your software as they are likely to be regularly patched. Additionally, making sure that every third-party component is reviewed for security issues and in accordance with your company’s guidelines can be beneficial. And to gain visibility into the potential risks associated with open source components, it is prudent to keep an inventory, or software bill of materials, which includes all of your components.

The most effective security is incorporated into the daily routines and team culture. Promoting click for source a healthy and collaborative workplace, promoting team happiness, and improving cross-team communication can all lead to better, more long-lasting software security.