Secure Coding Fundamentals

Secure coding is the practice of writing software that guards against security threats from the very beginning. By focusing on security during development, you help prevent vulnerabilities that attackers could exploit later. This chapter introduces you to the core concepts of secure coding, highlights common risks, and explains how secure coding fits into the DevSecOps workflow.

Common Vulnerabilities

Understanding the most frequent security risks is the first step toward writing safer code:

• SQL injection: attackers insert malicious SQL statements into input fields, allowing them to access or alter your database;
• Cross-site scripting (XSS): attackers inject malicious scripts into web pages, which can then run in the browsers of other users;
• Buffer overflows: attackers send more data than a program expects, potentially allowing them to execute harmful code;
• Insecure data storage: sensitive information is stored without proper protection, making it easier to steal.

Secure Coding in the DevSecOps Workflow

In DevSecOps, security is integrated into every phase of software development and operations. Secure coding is a key part of this approach:

• Developers write code with security in mind from the start;
• Automated tools scan for vulnerabilities as code is built and tested;
• Security reviews and testing are part of the continuous integration and deployment process.

By making secure coding a habit, you help ensure that your applications are robust, resilient, and ready to withstand attacks.