Why Data Security Should Be a Priority in Your Software Development Strategy?

Why Data Security Should Be
a Priority in Your Software
Development Strategy?
Published on: July 8, 2024
When you ask a normal software developer their main priority when
writing code, they will likely say 'adding new features.' Developers strive to
generate code that meets a need and offers genuine commercial value
by adding as much functionality as possible.
They want their programming to be both functional and elegant.
Unfortunately, security is not a top priority. Many developers do not
perceive this as an area of attention and assume it is someone else's
responsibility. The result? Software vulnerabilities!
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As developers say, “Just like the cracks in a castle wall leave it vulnerable
to invaders, software vulnerabilities can render our applications
susceptible to malicious attacks.” So, how do businesses ensure that their
software is powerful and secure?
In this MarsDevs article, let’s explore the importance of security in software
development and how it ensures resilience amidst cyber threats. Let’s get
started!
Data Agility And Security - The
Importance
As experts exclaim, "Data is the lifeblood of enterprises, whether they use a
digital business model or not." Securing your crucial digital assets is just as
important as preserving the tangible components of your business
ecosystem.
Data agility and security are more than just buzzwords; they are critical
components with major business implications. Let's look at why

addressing these components is vital for any organization.
Reputation is Key
Building a strong brand reputation necessitates a credible
product/service, significant labor investment, addressing customer needs
& keeping all stakeholders/investors informed about major business
events/transactions.
Meanwhile, customers, partners, and stakeholders expect sensitive
information to be managed carefully. However, an overnight data leak can
demolish even the most solid brand reputations built over the years.
Prioritizing data security ensures your organization's integrity and
consumer trust.
The High Cost of Breaches
Data breaches result in huge financial losses and long-term
consequences with damage to brand value resulting in lower revenue and
client turnout. Prioritizing data security means investing in risk reduction
and prevention. This method is far more cost-effective than cleanup.
Operational Efficiency
Cybersecurity events cause disruptions in productivity and company
operations. When systems are compromised, staff waste valuable time
battling fires rather than focusing on growth. Prioritizing security ensures
minimal disruption to business operations while promoting a proactive,
long-term risk management strategy.
The Cloud Dilemma

Cloud usage alters company processes, but it also adds new security
complexities. When moving to the cloud, it's critical to understand the
shared obligations between the organization and the cloud provider.
Directives for access controls, encryption, and continuous monitoring must
be identified and implemented. Ignoring these crucial precautions
jeopardizes data integrity.
A Secure Foundation for Data Agility
Data agility allows an organization to make simple, powerful, and quick
changes to how its data is processed and acted upon. As firms adjust to
market changes, security checkpoints should be built into agile processes
through DevSecOps or continuous monitoring.
Secure Coding - Why Is It
Necessary?
Cybersecurity is a multifaceted, unmanageable beast even in the best of
circumstances. While secure coding is only one aspect of the broader

environment, it is a complicated system element that demands
specialized attention.
Code-level vulnerabilities are generally introduced by developers who
have learned poor coding techniques, which is understandable given the
lack of emphasis on producing secure code in their KPIs. This culture isn’t
the developer error, who cannot deal with long-standing security
concerns in code. So, what do secure coding practices entail?
1. Input Validation: Thoroughly assess all user inputs to prevent
potential dangers such as SQL injection and cross-site scripting.
2. Data Encryption: Using sophisticated encryption algorithms, sensitive
information is protected during transit and at rest.
3. The Principle of Least Privilege: granting users only the minimum
level of access required to complete their tasks.
4. Regular Updates: Addressing vulnerabilities quickly with timely
updates to keep ahead of evolving security threats.
While these strategies seem obvious, their constant application
necessitates discipline and vigilance. Furthermore, static code analysis
tools & penetration testing can considerably contribute to discovering and
resolving vulnerabilities.
Security leaders can go a long way toward resolving this issue by ensuring
the development cohort understands the full scope of secure coding.
Testing and scanning pre-approved code is one function. Still, reducing
vulnerabilities necessitates hands-on training in excellent, safe coding
techniques in the used languages & frameworks.
DevSecOps To The Rescue

A DevSecOps methodology involves integrating security into the software
development process. It is based on the premise that everyone is
responsible for security & a top priority from the start of the software
development lifecycle.
The issue is that DevSecOps is distanced from becoming the norm in
many businesses. In 2017, the Project Management Institute found that 51%
of firms continued to use Waterfall for software development. That report
is now seven years old; given how gradual changes can happen within
major businesses, it's unlikely with a sudden shift to the most recent
security-based approaches.
Legacy procedures, such as waterfall development, might make it difficult
for security experts to cover all bases with a comprehensive cybersecurity
plan. Retrofitting developers and their demands in this environment is
difficult. However, this should not serve as an excuse to do nothing.
Development managers must provide extensive security training to their
developers & they comprehend the situation. They will subsequently
incorporate security into their whole technology stacks and processes.
Secure Software Development
Lifecycle - The new SDLC?

The secure software development life cycle (SSDLC) is a set of strategies
and methods that aim to incorporate security into all stages of software
development projects.SSDLC is a logical extension of the conventional
software development life cycle SDLC & its concepts should be included
across a wide range of product-related activities.
It includes gathering business requirements and sketching first designs,
app deployment, and ongoing maintenance. Considering software
security early on allows firms to identify and address vulnerabilities far
faster before potential attackers exploit them.
Ultimately, software becomes more resilient to attacks, the likelihood of
data breaches reduces & the firm’s security posture improves. Finally, a
safe SDLC is critical for developing and maintaining reliable software.
While investing in security may initially appear cumbersome, the benefits
are undeniable:
Reduced Risk of Data Breach: Protecting sensitive user data while
reducing the financial consequences of prospective breaches.

Improved Brand Reputation: Building trust with users and exhibiting
a strong commitment to their safety.
Improved Application Stability: Secure software is naturally less
prone to crashes and downtime.
Accelerated Development Cycles: Identifying and correcting
vulnerabilities early on saves time and resources in the long run.
The Need For Action
Data security is essential in software development, and safeguarding
precious data assets necessitates a proactive, multi-layered strategy.
Organizations can build a solid foundation for data security by adhering to
best practices, embracing emerging trends, and remaining watchful
against growing threats.
Security is not just a problem for specialists; it is a community duty shared
by all developers. We can design inventive, robust & trustworthy apps, if
we embrace secure coding techniques, foster a security culture inside our

organizations, and recognize the fundamental value of protected
software.
As software engineers, we must constantly improve and innovate,
ensuring that the software we build meets user needs & adheres to the
highest levels of data security. As per the famous quote, “Keep in mind
that security isn’t a destination, but a concurrent process. Let us commit to
prioritizing secure software development collaboratively.”
Need to tap into the realm of secure and powerful software development?
Reach out to MarsDevs.
FAQ
1. Why is security important in software development?
Data security is critical to ensuring data confidentiality, integrity, and
availability. It ensures that sensitive data is properly protected from
unwanted access or alteration.
2. How can integrating data security in development benefit my
organization?
Integrating data security into your software development process can
benefit your firm in several ways. It helps in early detection and mitigation
of vulnerabilities, reducing the risk of data breaches.
3. What are the risks of neglecting data security in software
development?
Neglecting data security in software development can lead to severe
consequences, including data breaches, financial losses, legal penalties,
and damage to your organization's reputation.

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