A cybersecurity strategy should be implemented as early as the development of an IT product. It is necessary to build the architecture and write the software code taking into account all risks and security requirements. We will also look at the main approaches to finding vulnerabilities in the existing source code of a product. How to make it more secure?
QA testing
Detailed testing is an integral part of a responsible development process, but it’s never too late to conduct tests – even if your product has been in operation for many years.
In the context of vulnerability detection, integration testing is of particular importance, as it is aimed at checking the interaction of different software components. Functional testing is equally important, as it is an effective means of finding vulnerabilities and errors in software operation. Such tests can be performed both manually and automatically.
Static code analysis
One of the most common approaches to finding vulnerabilities is static analysis. Its essence is to check the code before it is executed (compiled). For this purpose, specialized programs – static analyzers – are used.
Static analysis can effectively detect common errors and vulnerabilities such as memory leaks and buffer overflows. Modern static analysis tools can cover most of the code analysis process.However, static analysis allows you to identify only those elements that violate the programming rules. The results of static analysis require the coder’s attention, because many of the marked errors will be false. Static code analysis is an important addition to code review.
Dynamic code analysis
This strategy is used less often than the static method. Unlike static analysis, dynamic analysis checks the program in progress. This allows you to estimate resource usage, detect memory leaks, and other errors.
Dynamic analyzers allow you to use such methods as code instrumentation, traffic monitoring, and cyber attack emulation. In the context of security, the latter method is of particular importance, as it allows you to simulate the actions of criminals and check the resistance of the code to SQL, XSS, and CSRF attacks.
Manual verification
Some bugs and vulnerabilities remain invisible to automatic analysis and sometimes even break through the QA stage. Therefore, developers do not shy away from checking the product manually. It is a good practice to conduct a full-fledged code review on a project – checking and analyzing the code base before release. In addition, developers use methods such as dependency checking, various methods of pen testing, fuzzing (testing by sending false data), etc.
All these strategies are perfectly combined and complement each other. Ideally, they should be combined both at the development stage and after the release.
Practices to ensure code security
How can you prevent, detect, and fix vulnerabilities in your software in a timely manner? Here are the most important practices for securing IT product code:
Compliance with the best cybersecurity standards
The design, development, and use of IT products should be aligned with leading international standards:
- OWASP (Open Web Application Security Project);
- ISO 27001 (international standard for information security management);
- PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard);
- GDPR (EU General Data Protection Regulation);
- NIST Cybersecurity Framework (security recommendations of the American National Institute of Standards and Technology).
Secure approach to coding
The product architecture and programming patterns should be chosen taking into account all risks and cyber threats. Secure programming involves such practices as error and exception handling, application of the principle of least privilege, use of modern and secure libraries and frameworks, etc. It is also important to pay attention to code commenting and documentation. High-quality project support directly affects the security of the product code.
Code base analysis and testing
Full integration and functional tests, static and dynamic code analysis, manual checks, dependency and configuration analysis – all of this should be part of the development process. If necessary, the test cycle should be repeated several times and a full code review of the product should be conducted before its release. This is the key to cybersecurity of the IT product code.
Verification and monitoring
Product release is not a reason to relax, because the product life cycle is just beginning. At this stage, specialists should focus on finding security vulnerabilities in the IT product code and monitoring threats. This is equally true for both brand new products and solutions that have been in operation for years. As an example, in one of our cases, we conducted a pen test of our client’s online service using the Black Box method. Although his platform had been in operation for quite some time and was considered reliable, the test revealed a number of security vulnerabilities.