7 Things Every Startup Founder Should Know About Software Security

Let's explore vital security aspects that all startup founders should know. These insights will help you understand what you should expect from your security team. Even if you're not a technical founder, you still need a basic understanding of security. In the end, you are accountable for any leaks or security breaches. 1. Embrace OWASP as a Security Guide You might have heard about OWASP and its mission to educate about security practices. Unfortunately, hearing is not enough. . It unmasks the . You should be familiar with their popular document titled OWASP Top 10 ten most popular vulnerabilities to be discovered in web apps When hiring developers or a software development company, . By adhering to OWASP guidelines, developers can mitigate common vulnerabilities, such as injection attacks, broken authentication, and data exposure, among others. ensure they are not only familiar with OWASP but also actively follow its recommendations 2. Include OWASP Security Standards in Contracts With Software Providers Better have it on paper! . That’s a great way to ensure, at the very beginning, that your software team will prioritize security. Include in your contract with the development team a requirement to follow security standards levels listed in OWASP OWASP standards to follow: (Applications Security Verification Standards) and (Mobile Application Security Verification Standard). OWASP ASVS OWASP MASVS If all these documents feel too overwhelming for you, you can start with a more minimalistic guide made by contributors like Google and Salesforce – . Minimum Viable Secure Product 3. Make it a Requirement for Developers to Utilize Security Automation Tools While code reviews are crucial, integrating security automation tools into your development process is highly recommended. Encourage your development team to utilize automated . These tools can help identify vulnerabilities and weaknesses in your codebase. Security automation ensures continuous assessment and reduces the risk of human error. security testing tools Automated security testing tools worth exploring: . Snyk, SonarQube, Dependabot 4. Require Secrets and Password Management Ensure your development team follows secure practices, such as utilizing tools like for securely sharing secrets and password managers like for storing and sharing access credentials. GPG Suite/VeraCrypt Bitwarden/LastPass Additionally, encrypting disks, implementing , and enforcing robust password retention policies are essential security measures. It is also advisable to make the use of mandatory to protect communications and data transfer. Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) 5. Leverage Cloud Provider Security Tools When it comes to software security, cloud providers offer a range of tools that can simplify and enhance your startup's security measures. For example, popular cloud platforms like A provide tools like , , and . These tools help protect against web exploits, manage encryption keys, and securely store sensitive data and API keys. mazon Web Services (AWS) Web Application Firewall (WAF) Key Management Service (KMS) AWS Secrets Manager There is no need for you to learn how to use these tools. However, . No one should reinvent the wheel. Stick with solutions offered by AWS, Azure, Google Cloud, etc. you should expect the development team to use tools provided by cloud platforms 6, Require Regular Infrastructure Reconnaissance Scans Even after implementing security best practices, it is crucial to conduct . Tools like can aid in request manipulation and uncover vulnerabilities such as code injections, authentication weaknesses, and data exposure. regular infrastructure reconnaissance scans Burp Suite Additionally, tools like can assist in identifying open ports, software vulnerabilities, and dependencies. Conducting infrastructure reconnaissance scans, including utilizing certificate search engines like , helps identify potential weaknesses and ensures ongoing security. Shodan crt.sh 7. Comply with Applicable Laws and Regulations Adhering to security regulations and legal requirements is critical for startups. Familiarize yourself with relevant data protection laws, such as the . Failure to comply with such regulations can result in substantial fines and damage to your company's reputation. European Union's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) Furthermore, pay attention to software licenses. Ensure they are not overly restrictive, as violating licensing terms can have legal implications. Do you want to know even more about software security? Download our and get access to the best security practices, standards, and tools. free cybersecurity ebook