Definition
Secure coding is the practice of writing software adhering to the highest security standards and best practices to minimize vulnerabilities and protect against security threats.
It places responsibility for code security on the developer instead of the security team. However, some developers neglect secure coding standards in the software development lifecycle.
Why is Secure Coding Important?
- Protects against cyber-attacks: Implementing secure coding standards can help prevent some cyberattacks, such as broken access control or SQL injection.
- Avert vulnerabilities: Secure coding helps prevent certain code-related software vulnerabilities that attacks may exploit to access systems.
Secure Coding Best Practices
- Password management: All passwords should have adequate length and complexity to resist common attacks.
- Security by design: Developers should prioritize security when developing code.
- Error handling and logging: Proper error handling helps detect issues with the code, and documenting error logs helps identify bugs more efficiently.
- Access control: Secure coding advocates for limited privileges and restricted access.