Secure Software Design and Development
Secure Software Development incorporates security into every phase of the Software Development Lifecycle. It advocates injecting security from the inception, in the planning phase, before any line of code is written.
(Cabral, 2022)
Inserting security into the SDLC from the inception, requires software teams to do the following (Hyperproof Team, 2024)
Test early and often
Execute static and dynamic security testing throughout the development process
Document software security requirements alongside the functional requirements
Conduct risk analysis during design to identify potential environmental threats.
Traditionally, developers view security as an impediment to innovation, that increases time to deliver the product to market. However, as developers move through the SDLC, it becomes more expensive to fix a bug which could have been fixed in the Design phase. While some developers might be resistant to change, others lack the awareness of the importance of security testing and the consequences for missing vulnerabilities. Additionally, some view security as a separate phase and are overwhelmed because they lack specialized security knowledge
To foster a security minded culture, organizations need to provide security training , and integrate security best practices into the development process (Berdyshev, 2024). When organizations chose to develop software, they should follow a Framework such as the NIST Secure Software Development Framework, (NIST Special Publication 800-218) which stipulates a set of guidelines and best practices for secure software development, and explicitly focuses on security issues in software development.
Adopting secure development practices result in applications with better quality, significantly reduce costs with early attention to flaws, and encourage a positive attitude towards security-related laws and regulations (Positive Technologies, 2020).
Software designers and developers are professionally bound to employ secure design principles when developing software for organizations. They should implement encryption strategies to protect sensitive data and observe industry coding standards and best practices. They must ensure that the developed software products meet the highest professional standards and are properly reviewed and tested before being released.
Below is my final CSOL 560 report which focuses on risks and metrics in software systems.
References:
Berdyshev, A. (2024, January 29). Software Development Security Standards: A Complete Guide. Retrieved from Hivex: https://hivex.tech/blog/software-development-security-standards-a-complete-guide/
Cabral, L. (2022, August 2). Secure Software Development Lifecycle. Retrieved from Conviso: https://blog.convisoappsec.com/en/secure-software-development-lifecycle-s-sdlc-what-is-it/
Hyperproof Team. (2024, March 29). Secure Software Development: Best Practices, Frameworks, and Resources. Retrieved from https://hyperproof.io/resource/secure-software-development-best-practices/
Positive Technologies. (2020, February 25). How to approach secure software development. Retrieved from https://www.ptsecurity.com/ww-en/analytics/knowledge-base/how-to-approach-secure-software-development/
Reflection
Secure Software Design and Development provide the foundation for building secure applications and systems. It is about infusing a security mindset from the inception, and intricately entwining a powerful shield around the developed code, to protect from cyber threats. Designing and developing code with a security mindset, ensures security best practices such as using static and dynamic analysis tools for early detection of vulnerabilities, adhering to code standards and conventions, and using secure functions in code to reduce the risk of vulnerabilities.
Technology is evolving at an accelerated pace, and developers are feeling pressured to get code releases quicker to market. However, developers need to find that medium between balancing speed, quality and reliability. For many years, I have led test teams through the Software testing of the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) and have seen the erosion of the review process for test plans, requirements, and code. Taking shortcuts to get releases quicker to market, result in additional work afterwards. Software development teams need to return to industry and security best practices, and this must be supported by senior management.
Design, development and test teams must employ a mindset which examines security at every phase in the SDLC. They must exhibit transparency in their coding practices and be accountable for any issues their developed code might have caused.
Changing hearts and minds is an uphill challenge. However, it is my duty to ensure that software teams employ security best practices, adhere to the ISO 27001 controls as well as protect the organization’s reputation.