Why Cybersecurity Is A Crucial Element In The Software Development Cycle

Cybersecurity has become one of the most crucial aspects of all modern businesses. Its market size currently stands at over USD$ 160B and is projected to grow at an annual rate of 9.63% between 2023 and 2028.

The biggest beneficiaries of this tech feature are software developers. Cybersecurity plays a vital role in the software development cycle. This article will explore how cybersecurity is integrated into the software development cycle and why it is essential for modern businesses.

1. What is cybersecurity?

Cybersecurity is the practice and application of various defense measures to protect systems, devices, programs, and networks against unauthorized access, theft, damage, or malicious activities. In software development, proper cybersecurity measures help to keep the vulnerability of applications and their supporting infrastructure low.   

Effective cybersecurity measures can help significantly lower the risk of exploitation of applications by hackers. The best way to achieve high security in software development is by working with cybersecurity experts either inhouse or outsourced. 

However, when outsourcing, check to see you’re getting all the common inclusions in cyber security service throughout the development process. Typically, cyber security can be classified into five distinct categories:

Network security

Network security protects the entire business network. This is important because a breach in network security can compromise sensitive data and disrupt the organization’s operations. For example, a successful ransomware attack can result in the encryption of critical files, rendering them inaccessible until a ransom is paid.

Internet of Things (IoT) security

Internet of Things (IoT) security ensures that the communication between interlinked IoT devices is safe. As IoT devices become increasingly common in both homes and businesses, securing them is crucial to prevent unauthorized access or manipulation of these devices, which can lead to data breaches or other security incidents.

Critical infrastructure security

Critical infrastructure security protects essential systems such as power grids and water treatment facilities. This is vital as attacks on critical infrastructure can cause widespread disruption and even pose risks to public safety. For instance, a cyberattack on a power grid could lead to a widespread blackout, impacting millions of people.

Application security

Application security focuses on software and individual machines. Ensuring the security of applications and the systems they run on is essential to prevent unauthorized access to sensitive data, as well as to maintain the integrity and functionality of these applications.

Cloud security

As more businesses move their data and applications to the cloud, ensuring the security of these platforms is important to protect sensitive information and maintain the availability of critical services.

Every organization must have a comprehensive plan covering these five categories, and hiring an experienced cybersecurity provider is the best way to maximize the effectiveness of such a strategy. 

Here are some of the other services you might want to consider:

• Enterprise firewall
• Data loss prevention
• Two-factor identification
• Managed updates
• Business-grade anti-virus

These services vary with every cybersecurity partner. Therefore, choosing the right cybersecurity partner is an essential step that can considerably affect an organization’s capability to secure its assets and maintain consistent operations.

2. The importance of cybersecurity in software development

As a software developer, cybersecurity should be a top priority. Here are some of the benefits of investing in this aspect of the development cycle:

Protecting sensitive information

Software applications store sensitive information such as credit card details and passwords. Criminals can use this data to steal users’ identities and commit crimes. 

Such data breaches can be costly for businesses in terms of legal costs, lost revenue, and damage to their reputation. On the other hand, customers may also suffer financial losses and social-related threats. 

Therefore, you must implement robust measures in your applications to prevent unauthorized access to this information. Features like multi-factor authentication, encryption, and access controls can be vital in the security of user and corporate data. 

Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments are essential for identifying and fixing flaws. Coupling this with the latest cybersecurity threats allows you to prevent attackers from exploiting any loopholes in your software applications. 

Businesses are constantly investing in software applications. So, you can expect the cybersecurity market share in this sector to continue growing in the coming years.

Meeting regulatory requirements

Every industry has regulatory requirements that organizations must meet to ensure the safety and privacy of clients’ data. As such, software developers must build applications that adhere to these regulations. This way, they’ll avoid legal repercussions against them and the companies that hire their services. 

For instance, the healthcare industry is subject to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). HIPAA mandates the security and privacy of patient data. Therefore, every software employed within the medical sector should meet the set requirements.

General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) provide similar policies. Failure to comply with these regulations can lead to severe legal consequences, including fines and lawsuits. It can also damage the reputation of the business.

Maintaining customer trust

Customer trust is crucial in any business transaction. It’s an essential ingredient for building long-term relationships and retaining customers.

However, without proper cybersecurity measures, businesses are vulnerable to cyber attacks and data breaches that can compromise their customers’ sensitive information. This can lead to a loss of trust and a damaged reputation, making it difficult for businesses to operate.

Although software applications are convenient for businesses and their customers, they’re among the main targets of cyber crimes. As such, it’s critical to prioritize cybersecurity to ensure customer trust and loyalty.

Many businesses address these concerns by implementing robust cybersecurity measures in their software development cycle. Access controls, network security protocols, and data encryption are some features helping many companies regain and maintain customer loyalty. 

Be transparent about your security measures to get the best out of customer trust. Make it clear how you plan to secure your database and network communication. Doing so reassures clients that their personal information is protected and can help build better customer experience, trust, and long-term relationships. 

Ensuring software reliability

Another important aspect of your business is software reliability. It ensures that your program functions correctly and doesn’t suffer unexpected failures. 

Software reliability is important as it enhances customer satisfaction and prevents user frustration. It also improves the productivity and safety of critical systems and minimizes legal and financial implications. 

So, how does cybersecurity ensure high software reliability?

It allows developers and cybersecurity professionals to identify vulnerabilities in software before attackers can exploit them.

Once they’ve found weaknesses in their software, these experts can implement relevant security measures at each development phase. These implementations include encryption, firewalls, and intrusion detection systems. 

Regular updates and patches for software applications strengthen security and eliminate potential loopholes. 

With all these measures, software applications are less likely to fail unexpectedly. Remember, many program failures result from preventable criminal attacks.

Saves money

Hacking and other cyber crimes can be very costly. Companies can incur direct or indirect losses due to improper security measures. Either way, the resulting financial repercussions may affect the overall business plans. 

Cybersecurity helps avoid such losses by preventing criminal activities. Implementing robust measures during the software development cycle is cost-effective compared to recovering from a cyber attack.

Conclusion

With advancing technology, businesses increasingly invest in cybersecurity to protect corporate and customer data. Every developer today incorporates this aspect in their software development cycle. 

The main benefit is that it helps protect sensitive information and reduces the risk of cyber attacks. Cybersecurity measures also ensure that companies meet regulatory requirements, maintain customer trust, and save money in the long run.