The best businesses are multi-layered and multifunctional. They won’t just have a glorious process for getting something done but an endless list of simultaneous and backup procedures to employ.
Regarding cybersecurity, cybercriminals can launch their attacks on multiple fronts, and firms must be ready for them. Plans must be multi-faceted and have enough depth to account for every eventuality.
Of course, wide-ranging strategies don’t materialize out of the blue. A good deal of preparation is needed if a firm is to cover all bases required.
How can you diversify your firm’s approach to software security? You may find some useful guidance after the jump.
Cast a Wide Strategic Net
Many different types of software testing can be utilized today. Some may be more relevant to your company than others, but each strategy will have its uses.
There are pen testing, software composition analysis, and architectural risk analysis procedures to consider. These methods should be integrated into your software development lifecycle from the start, not just when your programs are complete or when there’s sensitive data to protect.
The sooner you get ahead of cyber threats, the better.
Early integration can also reduce software security costs. You’ll fix vulnerabilities early instead of playing a costly game of catch-up after a disastrous data breach. The only way to prosper is by firing on all cylinders and casting the widest strategic net possible.
If you want to learn more about these strategies, ForAllSecure’s guide details everything you need to know about the various application security testing methods firms utilize today.
They can talk you through fuzz hacking, provide insights on fuzzing vs static analysis, and help you become more informed about vulnerability software testing and more. You can also download their PDF, and all of their literature is presented concisely.
Implement Constant Training
Changes to software security need to be company-wide. A few talented workers aren’t enough to keep things in good shape.
You should provide training materials to your workers that keep them informed on the latest software security best practices. Source content from reputable training providers.
Some of the best US Ivy League colleges provide cybersecurity courses to the masses, as will other course specialists. Engage with a range of learning materials when upskilling your workforce.
Try to help your employees get more out of the training too. Instead of subjecting them to passive, multiple-choice tests, incorporate team-building elements and debrief discussions as well.
That way, they’ll genuinely upskill themselves and learn something new rather than half-heartedly engage in a box-ticking exercise.
It’s also worth noting that many workplaces have recently required more cybersecurity specialists, with demand growing faster than supply. Covering these skills gaps isn’t always easy.
While you can’t cover these skill gaps by training your workers in software security best principles, it may help alleviate at least some of these pressures until you can fill vacant roles.
Record Your Company-Specific Procedures
Every firm has a different approach to software security. Your policies will be tailored to your company’s individual needs, which means not everything your workers need to know can be found in a training course.
Therefore, you’ll need to spend significant time and resources curating your own literature on the subject. Information on your company’s approach to software security should be featured in staff handbooks and be part of the induction process for new employees.
You should also save these files on your company’s secure and shared cloud server so that all workers can browse these materials whenever they need to from any device, anywhere.
Software security procedures should have role-specific considerations taken into account too. After all, the responsibilities of your firm’s network administrators may vary significantly compared to a chief information security officer.
There are nuances for every position, so providing as much detail as possible is crucial.
Introduce Automation
Of course, even the most dedicated workers have their limits. Even if you have all the software security specialists you need on the payroll and all other staff members are informed, employees are still human beings that need to rest and recharge.
Automation can uphold the momentum of your software security efforts. It can keep key processes running overnight and ensure your software specialists can attend to matters other than maintenance procedures.
Not only can automation help with testing applications, but it can also monitor user activities, record crucial metrics, and issue real-time alerts of any threat to your software security.
It’s important to understand that automation can’t do everything, either. You’ll still need dedicated employees to program it accordingly and interpret the data it provides.
It’s a supportive tool and not a replacement for dedicated specialists who know the value of high-quality software security.
Conclusion
There’s no single approach to software security that’s enough on its own. Instead, a compendium of strategies is required to give your infrastructure more well-rounded digital safeguarding practices.
People and tech each have crucial parts to play in these measures, and there needs to be a sense of constant learning and activity to see things through indefinitely.
