Securing Python Code

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How Should Application Developers Secure Python During SDLC?

Changing the SDLC to Produce Secure Applications

The secure software development lifecycle (SSDLC) framework should be studied for students pursuing software development degrees. SSDLC framework applied to agile development, including Python, PHP, Java, and C++. Every application developed without integrated security controls will become breached minutes after the application goes live. Students should invest time in online learning, attend Python and development languages conferences, and watch YouTube videos to learn how to leverage the SSDLC framework.

*CIAT. Edu in San Diego, California, offers a certificate program for people seeking a career in software development and cybersecurity.

The Need for Security in SLDC Python Development

Today, we are using Python to develop applications, one of the most popular programming software development tools. 

Created and released in 1991, Python can be used for general-purpose programming, which is why its popularity continues to soar. There are many Python-powered devices you could be used daily without even realizing it with potential vulnerabilities. What keeps Python on a different playing field than most other programming languages is the fact that it is, in fact, an idea that came from one person rather than a large company filled with many different heads.

The Python language is maintained by a non-profit organization, the Python Software Foundation. Along with the foundation, there is a large community of Python users and enthusiasts who aid in developing, expanding, improving, and popularizing this language. This active community is always there to offer support or aid to those looking to join the community, which is a significant reason why this language has become so ubiquitous.

Software Development Process

Python is an open-source scripting language for automating various information technology (IT) tasks. Python is one of the most popular languages among programmers because of its simplicity, readability, and ease of learning. Python is also an excellent choice for beginners who want to code. In addition to being a powerful tool for automation, Python can also be used to create games, animations, music, and much more. Many development teams standardize on Python for SecOps and DevOps automated security testing tools.

Python is a high-performance general-purpose scripting language. It has a large community and libraries for almost any task imaginable. Industry consortiums also publish the availability of Python security libraries, security tools, and best practices.

Security Considerations When Developing with Python

Once the secure SDLC process has been considered in depth, the introduction is relatively straightforward. SSDLC is just a natural extension for SDLC and arose from an increase in security risk issues within the contemporary software industry based on the emerging security landscape. Simply put, SSDLC provides an integrated secure coding practices framework for developing software applications that helps improve security, incorporating security features in every stage of development. 

Security vulnerabilities and threats can spell disaster for people and businesses in an increasingly cluttered electronic environment. When a company ignores safety, it may result in significant financial loss. Malicious code libraries, corrupted standard library files, and binaries all impact the client’s application source code. Security concerns remain top-of-mind for organizations developing a software architecture based on an incident response plan once vulnerabilities are discovered in Python during the security testing step. Malicious actors are also well-trained and experienced in Python application security.

Many experienced developments will leverage OWASP and NIST-800-218 frameworks when developing their Python applications.

 The OWASP Python security, along with NIST-800-218, is a standard best practice guide used by experienced developers.

NIST Special Publication (SP) 800-218 – Secure Software Development Framework

The Secure Application Frameworks for Defending Against Cyber Attacks (SAFECODE) is a set of foundational, well-documented, and secure application frameworks for building applications that defend against cyber attacks. Most SDLCs do not provide detailed guidance on developing specific applications, so this framework must be incorporated into and integrated with each SDLC.

Following the SSDF guidelines should help developers reduce the risk of introducing security flaws into their code, reduce the potential damage caused by an exploit of a vulnerability, and address the underlying causes of the exposure to prevent future occurrences. Because the SSCF provides a common language for discussing secure coding techniques, programmers and acquisition managers can use it to communicate effectively during the development process and throughout the product’s life cycle.

The Role of DevOps for Secured Application Development

What is DevOps? It’s a new approach to developing and delivering products. It’s about integrating people, processes, technology, and organizational change to create an environment where innovation happens continuously throughout the product lifecycle. It’s also about creating a culture where everyone plays a role in building and maintaining infrastructure.

By shifting networking left in the continuous integration continuous delivery (CI/CD) pipeline, NetOps helps increase efficiency in the software development lifecycle (SDLC) and minimizes late-stage deployment problems.

What are the Benefits of SSDLC?

Secure SDLC provides the perfect example for the shift left-based drive and alludes to security checks in SDLC. SSDLC’s security efforts are based on the advancement of the organization itself.

Elements of the Security Development Life Cycle Process?

Implementation of SDLC security affects everything in a development project. SDLC security is a philosophy everyone must take into account, and it is based upon a common approach, but the security issues are very different at each SDLC phase.