Challenges in developing secure solutions
Protection against cyber threats is a priority that cannot be neglected in a constantly evolving digital environment.
In an increasingly digitalized world, where products, services and everyday processes rely heavily on software, the importance of secure software development cannot be underestimated. The repercussions of a security breach can be devastating, tarnishing a company’s reputation and leading to substantial losses. There are, therefore, several challenges that arise in the security of software development, making it even more crucial to adopt a proactive and holistic approach to ensuring the security of these systems. Protection against cybersecurity-related threats is a priority that cannot be neglected in a constantly evolving digital environment. In this context, software security emerges as an essential safeguard, which ensures not only the continuous functioning of critical systems, but also the trust of users and the integrity of commercial activities.
IGNORE SECURITY RISKS One of the most prevalent challenges in software development is the tendency to ignore security risks. Failure to address these risks can leave an organization vulnerable to malicious attacks, which could result in theft or manipulation of sensitive data. Security risks often result from vulnerabilities, which are weaknesses or gaps in a security program that can be exploited by threats. As virtually all businesses depend on information, any compromise of information systems can result in serious consequences, including reputational damage and financial losses. Furthermore, security threats are not limited to external attackers. Surprisingly, a significant percentage of attacks originate internally, with utility companies being particularly susceptible. Educating teams about security protocols and their role in maintaining security is crucial to protecting products and services. A recent study reported by InfoWorld. Com, showed that many programmers understand the importance of security but have difficulty allocating enough time due to competing priorities.
SAFETY AS THE LAST ACTION Security should not be a final action in the software development process. It is not something that can be added later or purchased as a product. Instead, security is an ongoing, evolving process that must be integrated from the beginning and continually improved – “Shift Left Security”. Waiting until later phases of development to address security issues can significantly increase the cost and effort required to fix them. Implementing a robust testing strategy, including security testing, early in the development cycle can save resources, time and money, allowing you to identify and correct security issues closer to the “creation” of the problem. Security must be considered “by design”, which means that solutions need to be built with security as a mandatory element.
APPLICATION SECURITY Application Security (AppSec) is a critical aspect of software security in general. This component covers processes to improve the security and resilience of software solutions. Its focus is to promote security in the development of code, libraries, back-end systems, web servers and applications. Recent attention to AppSec has led to the development of projects and best practice guides. The Open Web Application Security Project (OWASP) is a notable organization dedicated to web application security. The OWASP Top 10 is a well-recognized list of the top ten security threats, updated on a recurring basis. Additionally, the OWASP Application Security Verification Standard (ASVS) establishes a best practice for web application security testing, which specifies the comprehensiveness and level of testing based on information sensitivity and exposure.
THE RIGHT APPROACH TO APPLICATION SECURITY Companies must promote a holistic approach to Application Security and this approach must be built on three main pillars: Processes, Practices and Culture.
PROCESSES The focus is on supporting artifacts, solutions, and policies related to secure software deployment. This includes automatic security controls, centralized vulnerability management solutions, and policies that structure the delivery approach.
PRACTICES Concern with providing teams with documented best practices for developing secure software through guidelines, training and monthly demonstration sessions.
CULTURE Promote awareness about security of solutions in project teams, encouraging a culture of knowledge sharing and continuous learning. The approach must be comprehensive and ensure that security is integrated into all aspects of the software development cycle, from design and coding to testing and implementation. This “Shift Left Security” philosophy emphasizes the importance of addressing security issues early in the development process.
SECURITY IS AN ONGOING PROCESS In a world where software is the basis of almost everything, ensuring its security is essential. The three main challenges in software development security – ignoring risks, not treating it as a priority and not giving due importance to Application Security – highlight the need for proactive measures. By addressing security at every stage of the development process, integrating security from the beginning, and promoting a culture of security awareness, companies can better protect their customers, assets, and reputation in an increasingly interconnected digital landscape. We must never forget that security is not a product, but a process, and should be everyone’s concern from the beginning.