The importance of integrating security into software development

Technology, and with that the digital threats, is advancing rapidly, making it essential to prioritize security in software development. Security efforts must be an important focus from the very first line of code and continue to play a major role in maintenance work after systems are implemented.

How to protect your company from security risks in software development

To avoid security risks, there are several measures your company can take.

1. Define role-based access

A fundamental security measure is to ensure that the right people have the right access. What permissions does your team have? It’s crucial to implement role-based access so that only those who need it can make changes in the company’s live environment – whether it’s an internal or external team. For smaller organizations where a few people often have broad access, it’s especially important to create clear role structures and limit access.

2. Technical controls

Regularly performing technical controls such as static code analysis and vulnerability scanning tools can significantly improve security. These types of technical measures help developers identify security risks directly in the code and prevent common issues, such as SQL injections. Integrating these tools into the development process increases the chance of detecting and addressing security risks early.

3. Version control and testing environments

Version control, which provides a complete history of the code, makes it easier to trace, identify, and correct faulty changes if problems arise. This way, you can easily revert to a previous version if an issue occurs.

A separate testing environment is preferable, as work can first be reviewed through quality assurance and security checks before changes reach the production environment.

4. Secure processes and control when using external developers

If your company collaborates with an external vendor, it is especially important to have processes in place. Handing over production access to an external party without proper checks is always a risk and opens up vulnerabilities. Therefore, you must ensure that the vendor follows clear security standards and that there are agreements and routines in place to protect your systems and data.

Take control of your security

Integrating security into software development is not just a technical measure; it’s a long-term investment in your company’s success and credibility. By proactively working with role-based access, technical controls, and version management, you can create a safe and stable environment for both your customers and your development team.