Tools for Software Security
1. Static Application Security Testing (SAST)
- Responsibility: Developers and code reviewers.
- Description: SAST tools look into the source code of various applications for vulnerabilities as they are being developed. Some of the SAST tools are such as Fortify, Checkmarx and Veracode.
2. Dynamic Application Security Testing (DAST)
- Responsibility: Security teams and testers.
- Description: This is done by using DAST tools that target active programs by mimicking realistic exploits. Some of the widely used DAST tools are Burp Suite, OWASP ZAP, and Nessus.
3. Web Application Firewalls (WAF)
- Responsibility: Security administrators.
- Description: WAFs are made for blocking common internet based attacks such as XSS and SQL injection that target web applications. Some of the popular WAFs are ModSecurity and Imperva.
4. Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS) and Intrusion Prevention Systems (IPS)
- Responsibility: Security teams and administrators.
- Description: IDS and IPS devices monitor traffic on the internal network, looking for indications of suspicious or malicious behavior, which they may then alert for, or even prevent. The two most commonly used open-source IDS/IPS’s are snort and suricata.
5. Security Information and Event Management (SIEM)
- Responsibility: Incident response team and security analysts.
- Description: By monitoring security data generated by different sources, organisations can detect and respond to threats thanks to SIEM platforms. Some of the SIEM tools are Splunk, LogRhythm, and IBM QRadar.
6. Vulnerability Scanners
- Responsibility: Security teams and administrators.
- Description: Tools such as qualys and rapid7 nexpose scan networks and devices for known vulnerabilities so that organizations can prioritize and focus on security issues.
7. Authentication and Authorization Tools
- Responsibility: Identity and access management teams.
- Description: For example, multi-factor authentication are important authentication tools that are used to control access to software systems.
8. Secure Coding Practices
- Responsibility: Developers.
- Description: Developers have the duty to write secure codes and adhere to the best practices in software development. It encompasses a number of items, such as preventing most frequently committed programming mistakes capable to incorporate weaknesses.
9. Security Training and Awareness
- Responsibility: All employees.
- Description: Security training and awareness programs are vital to educate all employees about potential threats and best practices to mitigate them. It is everyone’s responsibility to be vigilant and report security concerns.
10. Patch Management
- Responsibility: IT and security teams.
- Description: Addressing known vulnerabilities requires keeping software and its security patches updated regularly.
What is Software Security – Definition and Best Practice?
Software security is simply a collection of methods used to protect computer programs and the sensitive information handled by them against malicious attacks. It covers a wide range of functions to safeguard software and its correlated data on privacy, accuracy, and accessibility respectively.
Important Topics for Software Security and its Best Practices
- What is Software Security?
- What are the threats to Software?
- Importance of Software Security
- Issues Related to Software Security
- Types of IT Security
- Tools for Software Security
- Software Security vs. Cyber Security
- Best Practices for Software Security
- Conclusion