For every software development organization, implementing the necessary controls to protect its data and systems from potential threats is a must, and while there is no one-size-fits-all solution, there are some proven tactics to improve the security of software development organizations.
Let us look at a detailed overview of the security checklist of important tactics or measures to improve software security and establish a secure software development organization.
1. Comprehensive Security Policies
The primary goal is to create comprehensive security policies, which means a set of rules and guidelines that all employees should follow to ensure the security of the organization’s data and systems. These policies should cover topics such as password policies, acceptable use policies, physical security policies, and incident response plans that must be familiar to all the people working in the organization and also define clear steps for reporting security incidents.
2. Regular Security Training
Another important tactic to improve the software security of a development entity is to conduct regular cyber security training for the employees to get them familiar with various security threats and also various measures to address them when required.
This training should be tailored to the specific needs of the organization and updated regularly to reflect any changes in the security landscape.
3. Threat Management
Threat or Vulnerability management is an important security aspect that involves proactively scanning for potential vulnerabilities in the organization’s systems and applications. When a vulnerability is discovered, it should be addressed as quickly as possible to evade the threat.
Also, businesses should have a process in place for responding to vulnerabilities that must include steps such as notifying the responsible personnel, determining the severity of the vulnerability, developing a plan for addressing the vulnerability, and monitoring the progress of the remediation efforts.
4. Vulnerability Scanning
In addition to vulnerability management, vulnerability scans can help organizations detect potential vulnerabilities before they can be exploited by cybercriminals. Organizations should perform vulnerability scans at least once a month to ensure that any new vulnerabilities are detected and addressed as soon as possible, and the results of the scans should be properly reviewed by patching vulnerable systems, implementing additional security controls, or disabling vulnerable services.
5. Automated Security Testing
Organizations must also implement automated security testing as part of their security strategy. Automated security testing can help organizations identify potential security issues in their applications and systems quickly and efficiently.
When implementing automated security testing, organizations should ensure that the tests are comprehensive and cover all areas of the application or system to avoid any delay in discovering and addressing threats and vulnerabilities.
6. Code Security
Enhancing security through secure coding practices is also an important part of improving the security of a software development organization; hence, organizations should ensure that all developers are familiar with these practices and adhere to them when developing applications and systems. This process involves writing secure code from scratch and implementing security controls throughout the development process.
To secure the code from hackers, implementing private key encryption tools in the software the development process is recommended for developers, like using a code signing certificate obtained from a reputed CA like Sectigo Code Signing Certificate for digital signing software and apps, and also reviewing the code to identify any potential security issues using methods like static analysis and dynamic analysis methods.
7. Conducting Security Audits
Conducting regular security audits in any software development organization can include patching vulnerable systems, implementing additional security controls, or disabling vulnerable services helps to maintain a clear log of all sources of vulnerabilities and threats, like internal or external sources, etc. Security audits also aid in building a strong security strategy for the organization to safeguard against threats and vulnerabilities.
8. Secure Development Lifecycle (SDL)
Finally, software publishing or development companies should consider implementing a Secure Development Lifecycle (SDL). SDL is a set of processes and procedures that organizations should follow to ensure the security of their applications and systems, and it must include steps such as threat modeling, secure coding practices, code review, and security testing.
By following the SDL, organizations can ensure that their applications and systems are end-to-end secure throughout the software development process.
Conclusion
To summarize, for any software development or publishing organization, security is a very a crucial component to be safeguarded and protected from cyber threats and vulnerabilities, and implementing these security tactics or best practices enhances the security of software, applications, networks, and the IT infrastructure of the software organization.