Thanks to our friends at Help-Net Security for this submission. . The use of open source code in modern software has become nearly ubiquitous. It makes perfect sense: facing ever-increasing pressures to accelerate the rate at which new applications are delivered, developers value the ready-made aspect of open source components which they can plug in where needed, rather than building a feature from the ground up. Indeed, this practice has become so common that today the average application is composed mostly of open source libraries , with these components making up more than 80% of the average codebase. But the widespread use of open source code has certain consequences. As with custom or home-grown code, open source libraries can contain vulnerabilities, and those vulnerabilities may be exploited by cybercriminals targeting these components as attack vectors to gain access to networks, intercept sensitive data, and influence or impede an application’s functionality. Open source code is distinct from custom code, however, in that its vulnerabilities – and many exploits for them – are published online, making it a particularly attractive target for malicious actors. . Utilizing open source software is prevalent within the programming community; however, it may introduce risks for abuse by malicious hackers.. Open Source Libraries, Software Security Practices, Exploitation Risks, Secure Development Guidelines. . Brittany Day
Solving the weak password challenge requires more than having consumers create strong passwords. Many businesses also need to get a clue about what counts as safe, weak, encrypted, or secure.. Does one of the world's largest grocery chains have a clue when it comes to online password security? That's one obvious question after London-based Web developer Dan Blows tweeted his discovery that grocery and merchandising retailer Tesco--based on its revenue, the fourth-largest retailer in the world--"stores their website passwords unsalted, and emails them unencrypted." The link for this article located at Information Week is no longer available. . In the digital age, strong password security is vital for developers to safeguard client data. Here are essential methods to enhance password safety and protection. Password Security, Secure Application Development, Encryption Strategies. . LinuxSecurity.com Team
It's easy to understand that software security starts with writing secure code. Keep the flaws out from the beginning and you've bought yourself several pounds of prevention. Baking security in up front is logical and makes good technical and business sense; however, getting your developers on board with security training is not necessarily going to be an easy task. At first glance, it might seem that selling software security to developers would require the same approach as getting buy-in from executive management and the average user. It's not quite that simple. . Developers are smart and independent thinkers that need better reasons to develop with software security in mind other than the worn out "because it's the right thing to do" spiel. Whether you're a Chief Information Security Officer, development manager, or compliance director, the following are 13 ways you can get your developers on board with software security and ongoing security training for the long haul. The link for this article located at www.securitypronews.com is no longer available. . Coders must find convincing motivations to make software security a focal point in their development habits, thereby strengthening overall security.. Developer Engagement, Security Training, Secure Coding, Software Practices. . LinuxSecurity.com Team
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