How can developers avoid errors that expose their applications?

Cyberattacks are already part of our routines, because thousands of people receive some scam attempt every day. Thus, it is important that all people know how to protect themselves from these actions.

After all, cybersecurity is essential for society, especially for developers, who deal with applications that are part of people's lives.

Also because the most effective protection against attacks is a development rich in cybersecurity measures, where developers need to play a cautious role throughout the development of their applications.

Thus, it is essential that these professionals know how to avoid mistakes that expose their applications. Want to know more? Keep reading this text and find out how essential digital security is for developers.

Why is cybersecurity important for developers?

Security in software development is an essential pillar for ensuring that systems, applications, and data remain protected from cyber threats.

This is because attacks are increasingly sophisticated and frequent, so any loophole in the construction of an application can be exploited by criminals.

Therefore, integrating security from the earliest stages of development is not just a recommendation, but a strategic necessity for any organization that depends on technology.

After all, a traditional approach to development, where safety is treated as a secondary element and is often only considered in the final phase, is no longer sustainable.

Be aware that fixing vulnerabilities after the release of software can be up to thirty times more expensive than identifying them during development. In addition, when flaws reach users, the risks increase, making systems easy targets for attacks such as:

·        SQL injection;

·        Session hijacking;

·        Exploitation of authentication failures;

·        Leakage of sensitive data.

Thus, applying Security by design principles, where security is incorporated from the design of the software, is essential to reduce costs and mitigate risks.

Good practices for safe development

It is very important that developers adopt good secure development practices, so they protect sensitive systems and data.

This is because, according to research, cyber risk management has not evolved at the same speed as digital transformation. This created a landscape of vulnerability for both organizations and users.

After all, while organizations are still struggling to strengthen their defenses, hackers are already using artificial intelligence, machine learning, and other advanced technologies to develop increasingly sophisticated attacks.

This imbalance increases the chances of data breaches, system intrusions, and digital fraud.

A PwC report highlights that while digital transformation brings numerous benefits, it also introduces new risks that many organizations are not prepared to properly manage.

The research reveals that digitally competent risk management functions are essential to help institutions make smarter decisions as they move forward with their digital initiatives.

Integrate security into the development cycle

Perhaps one of the most important practices for developers is DevSecOps, which is an approach that embeds security into all phases of software development.

These actions are responsible for ensuring that vulnerabilities are identified and remediated prior to implementation. Unlike traditional models, where safety is only dealt with at the end of the process.

DevSecOps promotes test automation, constant code reviews, and collaboration between developers, operations teams, and security experts.

This integration allows threats to be mitigated, reducing costs with subsequent corrections and improving the reliability of applications.

In addition, the adoption of these actions enables a more agile response to emerging threats, allowing for continuous security updates without compromising the speed of development.

Tools such as static and dynamic code analysis, automated penetration testing, and continuous monitoring ensure that each new feature or update is implemented securely.

With these practices, companies can launch innovative products without compromising the integrity of systems and data.

Protect data in transit and at rest

It is essential for developers to protect their application data. Encryption plays a key role in this process, ensuring that only authorized people have access to the data.

In the context of secure development, these professionals need to implement strong encryption for data at rest and in transit. This prevents interception and unauthorized access.

In addition, the use of techniques such as secure hashing for passwords and digital signature and data authentication reinforces the reliability of applications.

However, the effectiveness of encryption does not depend only on the algorithms used, but also on the correct management of keys.

After all, improper storage of cryptographic accesses can make the system vulnerable, nullifying the benefits of encryption.

For this, it is important to apply practices such as the use of security modules and the implementation of strict access policies. Only in this way will it be possible to ensure that data protection is truly effective and resistant to attacks.

Count on an extra layer of protection

For applications to be truly secure in their development process, it is necessary to implement multifactor authentication (MFA), adding an extra layer of security by requiring more than one factor.

With this, instead of relying solely on passwords, MFA combines password, token, and biometrics. Significantly reducing the risk of intrusions.

After all, even if a credential is compromised, an attacker will still need the other factors to gain access.

In addition to protecting against improper access, the implementation of MFA must be carefully planned to balance security and usability.

By adopting MFA, it is possible to strengthen defenses against brute force attacks, phishing, and leaked credentials, protecting critical information without compromising the user experience.

Create a culture of safety

It is necessary to understand that security in software development is not limited to technical tools and processes. Team training is a critical factor in avoiding human errors that could compromise the integrity of the system. 

This is because many vulnerabilities arise due to insecure practices adopted by developers, such as the reuse of insecure code or the lack of proper testing.

In this way, periodic training on cybersecurity, secure development, and new threats helps ensure that teams are prepared to deal with security challenges from the design of the software.

In addition to formal training, it is necessary to encourage a culture of safety within the organization.

This can be done through practices such as collaborative code reviews, participating in bug bounty programs, and encouraging the use of automated security analysis tools.

When security becomes a shared responsibility for the entire team, risks decrease significantly, making systems more reliable and protected against emerging threats.

With these best practices in place, organizations can ensure that secure development is not just a secondary concern, but an essential pillar in software creation.

PhishX is the perfect ally for organizations and developers

Cybersecurity is fundamental both for the development of applications and for the professionals who deal with this software in their routines.

That is why it is very important for organizations to implement digital security actions in the lives of these people. After all, these practices ensure that developers avoid errors that expose their applications

PhishX is the perfect solution for companies that want to strengthen this awareness effectively.

Through personalized campaigns, the platform allows institutions to create training tailored to the profile of employees, ensuring that messages are relevant.

This targeted approach not only improves content assimilation, but also encourages real changes in people's behavior, making them more prepared to recognize and avoid digital threats.

In addition to campaigns, PhishX maintains active communication with frequent communications, reinforcing good security practices in a continuous and accessible way.

Alerts about new threats, practical tips, and updates on the cybersecurity landscape help keep people always on the lookout and informed.

This strategy prevents awareness from becoming a one-off effort, transforming it into a dynamic and evolutionary process, essential to mitigate risks in the corporate environment.

More than training, PhishX supports the implementation of a digital security culture within companies.

Through an educational approach that is integrated into people's daily lives, the platform encourages the active participation of everyone in the protection of data and organizational systems.

By creating an environment where security is a shared responsibility, companies reduce vulnerabilities and strengthen their defenses against cyber threats.

With PhishX, awareness is no longer a challenge and becomes an essential pillar of the organization's security strategy. Contact our experts and learn more.

Developers need to find ways to avoid bugs that expose their applications.