Security Basics Every Programmer should know from the Start

Tags: security, privacy, devops
Published: 2019-08-06 06:03:00

Data breaches have always been a serious topic in the IT industry. The reason is, advanced technologies are on one side providing developers new ways of implementing security in the system. On the other side, attackers are using hacks for the exploitation of the system. They are also using new technologies that can help them break the security shields. Well, this is a race. Technology to secure and breach a particular system is getting innovated with the passage of time.

A large number of security breaches, data breaches, cyberattacks, identity theft, and similar malevolent activities are happening every now and then. Developers conduct software testing, <a href="http://www.firstreference.com/riskassessment/IT_AcquireImplementCH.pdf">risk assessment tests</a>, and other security checks after the completion of software development. Where developers are lacking then? or security measures taken by developers are inefficient? 

The problem is that the programmers do not code with the security frame of mind. They just identify the problem and start solving it without keeping in mind the associated security risks with the piece of code they are writing. This needs to be taken care of properly. For every threat type, different security strategies and technologies need to be implemented while writing the code.

<h3>Information Security</h3>

Developers must be aware of the information security requirements and needs in the industry. The online system should be integrated with trusted cloud services and <a href="https://shuftipro.com/api/docs/#introduction">verification APIs</a>. Third-party tools and services should be verified first. The network used in the organization should be encrypted end-to-end with strong cryptographic hash functions in order to secure the network packets from being hacked. Firewalls should be implemented at the gateways of the network to avoid alterations and data modification in the flowing packets. Also, to avoid information leak, it is necessary to encrypt the channels properly.

<img src="https://thepracticaldev.s3.amazonaws.com/i/pamd4zpx6zkkmzmg5aks.jpg"/>

Make sure, that the system being developed by the developer is fulfilling the requirements of <a href="https://shuftipro.com/blogs/gdpr-checklist-practices-eu-wants-adopt-business-norms/">GDPR compliance</a> and CIA triad. To avoid serious security breaches, an organization should assure that the software implementation is done based on information security principles for the sake of mitigating the risks of data breaches.

<h3>End-user Privacy and data protection</h3>

It is the responsibility of the developer to keep their users away from online fraud and risks. Respecting user’s data is the first thing. The software is developed for the sake of serving the customers, therefore, it is equally important to protect the information and personal data of the user from being stolen. The data of the user should be used, processed and managed according to the requirement of GDPR. Also, the user should be informed regarding how his data is been protected. 

<h3>Security of IoT devices</h3>

In case, the developer is programming an IoT device, he should take into consideration all the data protection and security aspects that can harm the device and the user directly or indirectly. IoT devices are hacked by the attackers and all the information stored in that device is been stolen and then used for malicious activities.

<img src="https://thepracticaldev.s3.amazonaws.com/i/3vxfeyfm1psyd10c48z4.jpg"/>

<h3>No after Patching</h3>

The common mistake done by the programmers is, that they do not think of security risks while coding and leave it as an end task. Patching security shields is not the right solution to protect software from cyberattacks. Security should be implemented along while coding, by exploiting what the loopholes are in the system and fix them immediately. This practice is helpful in mitigating threats of serious security breaches.