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. You should be familiar with their popular document titled OWASP Top 10. It unmasks the ten most popular vulnerabilities to be discovered in web apps.

When hiring developers or a software development company, ensure they are not only familiar with OWASP but also actively follow its recommendations. By adhering to OWASP guidelines, developers can mitigate common vulnerabilities, such as injection attacks, broken authentication, and data exposure, among others.

2. Include OWASP Security Standards in Contracts With Software Providers

Better have it on paper! Include in your contract with the development team a requirement to follow security standards levels listed in OWASP. That’s a great way to ensure, at the very beginning, that your software team will prioritize security.

OWASP standards to follow: OWASP ASVS (Applications Security Verification Standards) and OWASP MASVS (Mobile Application Security Verification Standard).

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 security testing tools. These tools can help identify vulnerabilities and weaknesses in your codebase. Security automation ensures continuous assessment and reduces the risk of human error.

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 GPG Suite/VeraCrypt for securely sharing secrets and password managers like Bitwarden/LastPass for storing and sharing access credentials.

Additionally, encrypting disks, implementing Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), and enforcing robust password retention policies are essential security measures. It is also advisable to make the use of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) mandatory to protect communications and data transfer.

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 Amazon Web Services (AWS) provide tools like Web Application Firewall (WAF), Key Management Service (KMS), and AWS Secrets Manager. These tools help protect against web exploits, manage encryption keys, and securely store sensitive data and API keys.

There is no need for you to learn how to use these tools. However, you should expect the development team to use tools provided by cloud platforms. No one should reinvent the wheel. Stick with solutions offered by AWS, Azure, Google Cloud, etc.

6, Require Regular Infrastructure Reconnaissance Scans

Even after implementing security best practices, it is crucial to conduct regular infrastructure reconnaissance scans. Tools like Burp Suite can aid in request manipulation and uncover vulnerabilities such as code injections, authentication weaknesses, and data exposure.

Additionally, tools like Shodan can assist in identifying open ports, software vulnerabilities, and dependencies. Conducting infrastructure reconnaissance scans, including utilizing certificate search engines like crt.sh, helps identify potential weaknesses and ensures ongoing security.

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 European Union's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Failure to comply with such regulations can result in substantial fines and damage to your company's reputation.

Furthermore, pay attention to software licenses. Ensure they are not overly restrictive, as violating licensing terms can have legal implications.

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