Applying software security best practices can greatly help in maintaining the overall cybersecurity state.
Software Security Best Practices
1. Regular patching
Regular software patches are an effective method to mitigate the risk of security vulnerabilities. Patches are released in response to newly discovered vulnerabilities by vendors.
2. Secure Configuration
Change default settings, disable unnecessary services, and ensure all installed software is up to date.
3. Application whitelisting
Whitelisting allows only specified software to run on a computer. In addition, it can be useful in combination with other security measures; such as firewalls and antivirus software (to avoid potential conflicts).
4. User Training
As the saying goes, “the best defense is a good offense”; training users in recognizing phishing attacks and social engineering can greatly reduce the risk of malware infection. The “social” aspect of social engineering is one of the most effective methods of infiltration.
5. Patch management tools
Software patch management tools can help in automating the software patching process, saving time and effort.
6. Data encryption
Data encryption can help to protect data in case of theft, loss, or physical destruction of the computer.
7. Secure backups
A backup should be in a physically secure environment, away from the computer that it is backing up. Since backups are created on an ongoing basis, they must have a safe storage.
8. Audit logging
Audit logging can help to detect and respond to suspicious behavior such as attempted login, successful login, malicious code execution, and more.
9. Secure network architecture
Secure network architectures should be to protect data from unauthorized access and malware infections.
10. Cloud security
Cloud computing services have become more popular in the last few years, and have been used for a wide range of applications, from storing data to software development. However, it is important to recognize that the security of cloud computing services is a shared responsibility between end-users and service providers.
What to Avoid in Software Security
1. Avoid installing pirated software
Pirated software can contain viruses, spyware, and other malware. It is also a violation of the software license agreement, which can lead to legal issues.
2. Avoid installing pirated Windows or Office versions
It is illegal to install pirated versions of Microsoft Windows or Microsoft Office on a computer. In addition, it is not recommended to use copies of Microsoft Office that are older than the current version. Older versions may contain security vulnerabilities that have been fixed in newer versions.
Closing Thoughts: Software Security Best Practices
While this article has highlighted some of the most common security vulnerabilities and their best practices, it is important to note that the list is not comprehensive. Also, there is a wide range of security vulnerabilities that can occur, and it is best to seek out trusted resources to learn more.
In addition, either if you are an organization looking to secure your software applications or a software developer looking to increase the security of your software, help is available.
