Software Development: Are You Protecting Your Code?

As a computer coder, you must rely on a vast amount of knowledge and expertise. Most importantly, you must know how to protect the fruit of your labor, so that all of that knowledge and expertise does not go toward fattening some hacker’s wallet. Are you protecting your code? Here is what you need to know about security in the world of software development:

Eliminate unnecessary storage of information 
Storing any data that you don’t need not only takes up unnecessary memory space, but it also puts more information at stake when hackers come to steal what you have. Look over all of the category columns in your database to determine whether they are all vital to your programming. For example, do you really need to collect customer phone numbers and physical addresses if you have their email addresses? If you don’t have a specific use for the information, then eliminate it from your database.

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Check inputs 
Hackers most often attempt entry through channels that you must provide for the purpose of Internet input. SQL injection is an example of this type of entry. There is no way to avoid this relatively common security breach than to check all your imports manually.

Beef up your password security
There really is no getting around the necessity of passwords, in spite of the fact that they regularly prove to be a less-than perfect way of securing code. If you must rely on passwords, then beef up the security by taking the extra step to sign up for a service that verifies your IP address before allowing you access, use N-factor authentication to send a text message with an access code that you submit along with your password, or purchase hardware that locks up cryptographic keys.

Slow your software down
This may seem counterintuitive, but think about it: Your software need only be fast and efficient enough for humans to use it. Adding delay to your code is the perfect way to prevent bots from gaining access by way of fast, repetitive, and aggressive entry attempts. There are many ways of slowing down the entry process – adding a delay after an incorrect password entry or sending a verification email before entry is allowed, for example – so be sure to make use of these techniques when securing your code.

Protecting your code is a complex process, and one that must begin at the very beginning, before you even form your first loop. It involves the art and science of predicting every possible compromise to its integrity, and that takes time, effort, and a genuine desire for absolute security. Follow these tips to make your code as bulletproof as possible.

About the Author: Arletha Lunning works in software development and is always conscious of security. If you’re creating something for your business, consider incorporating www.allianceglobalservices.com services to your protocol to ensure usability and security.