Information at the core of every business transaction and process is being targeted. From presidents executing executive orders on cybersecurity to data breaches that could cost companies millions of dollars, the software that handles today’s crucial information is the prime target of cyberattacks.
Software engineers are able to incorporate security as a fundamental part of their development however they must be educated and equipped. In the course of a recent Twitter Space discussion, New Relic’s Harry Kimpel and Frank Dornberger discussed ways to create an attitude of security that goes beyond the vulnerability of applications to think about integrity of the application and reliability of the system.
It is essential to emphasize that security is a component of the SDLC, from requirements through release and testing. It’s helpful to use a framework like the NIST Secure Software Design Framework to provide the structure and consistency to team efforts and ensure they follow the best practices.
As they are likely to be patched frequently, using popular and well-maintained frameworks and libraries can decrease the risk of attack of your software. It is also important to ensure that all third-party software components are inspected to ensure security and compliance with the policies of your organization. To gain a better understanding of the risks that come with open source components, it’s prudent to keep an inventory, or software bill of materials that covers all your components.
In the end, the most effective security is built into the team’s daily routine and the culture. Promoting a healthy, cooperative work environment, encouraging team happiness, and improving the communication between teams can all help to create more secure, better sustainable software security.