Data breaches, financial losses, and public scandals - they’re all over the news. And behind each story is a question few people think to ask: Why do these breaches keep happening?
For companies focused on innovation, secure coding is often the first line of defence against malicious actors.
Secure coding is important because it protects sensitive data, prevents security vulnerabilities such as SQL injection and XSS, and ensures compliance with regulations like GDPR, HIPAA, and PCI DSS. Secure coding involves writing code with security in mind to minimise vulnerabilities and protect against cyber threats. Yet, it’s too often sidelined in the rush to roll out new features.
In this article, we’ll explore why secure coding should be a non-negotiable part of your development strategy. You’ll learn about the common coding vulnerabilities attackers exploit, and discover simple, actionable steps to protect your code and your business.
The cost of prioritising features over security
With competition growing, businesses face constant pressure to innovate. New features create excitement and drive revenue, but every added feature is also a new entry point for attackers. That’s where secure coding comes in—an invisible but essential foundation.
The truth is, many organisations still see security as an optional add-on rather than a core part of the development process. But as Jack Misiura, Application Security Manager at The Missing Link, put it, “Secure coding isn’t a feature; it’s a necessity.” Organisations should prioritise secure coding throughout the development process to prevent vulnerabilities and ensure long-term resilience. Without it, you’re building on shaky ground.
The real-world impact of this can be devastating. Recent high-profile breaches have impacted major companies such as Twitter, Ticketmaster, Optus, and Medibank. Failing to prioritise secure coding can result in a security breach, even for organisations with advanced resources, due to preventable vulnerabilities, such as SQL injections and cross-site scripting (XSS) attacks. By embracing secure coding, you can avoid becoming the next headline.
The democratisation of hacking and the growing risk you face
Here’s the frightening reality: hacking is no longer just for organised criminal groups. Today, even teenagers with access to online tutorials can carry out sophisticated attacks.
This “democratisation of hacking” has lowered the barrier for cybercriminals, making businesses of every size potential targets. A quick Google search on “how to hack a server” brings up endless tutorials and tools, turning novices into potential threats.
So, why hasn’t secure coding caught up? Despite excellent resources like the OWASP (Open Web Application Security Project) framework, secure coding practices still lag because many developers haven’t been trained to adopt these methods. Software developers have a responsibility to follow secure coding practices to prevent vulnerabilities and avoid coding errors that could be exploited.
This imbalance, an abundance of hacking resources and a shortage of secure coding training, leaves your organisation vulnerable.
Understanding common coding vulnerabilities you're up against
During our recent webinar, we showcased a simulated application to highlight some of the most common security vulnerabilities developers encounter, including code vulnerabilities such as XSS and SQL injection:
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Cross-site scripting (XSS): XSS is a common vulnerability in web applications where attackers inject malicious executable code, such as scripts, into web pages to gain unauthorised data access.
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SQL injection: By tampering with SQL queries, attackers can break into databases and steal sensitive information. In our demo, this was how attackers fraudulently authorised massive payouts.
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Broken object-level authorisation (BOLA): Weak authorisation controls allow attackers to access restricted areas, escalate privileges, or leak sensitive data.
In our demo, a single XSS vulnerability gave attackers initial access. Attackers often inject executable code, such as scripts, to exploit code vulnerabilities. By chaining vulnerabilities like SQL injection, they escalated their privileges, leading to full system compromise. Hackers don’t need just one open door, they create a path by stringing together multiple minor vulnerabilities. This shows why even small flaws in your code need attention.
The hidden dangers of discount codes
Discount codes might seem harmless, but they’re a common entry point for attackers. Here’s how it works: hackers create a convincing fake website offering an exclusive deal, asking users to enter their details for a “valid” discount code.
Once users enter their information, attackers have everything they need to launch phishing attacks, steal identities, compromise user credentials even commit financial fraud.
In our demo, we showed how a discount code field could become a gateway for an attack. A cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability allowed hackers to inject malicious code, transforming an innocent-looking input box into a powerful tool for data theft.
For developers, securing every input field is essential. Remember to validate all user input and implement output encoding as a key step in preventing injection attacks, especially in places like discount or promotional fields. As a user, only trust discount codes from verified sources. A harmless-looking discount might cost more than you think.
Three essential pillars of secure coding
To safeguard your systems, consider these three essential strategies for integrating secure coding practices into your development lifecycle. Following secure coding standards, secure coding guidelines, and secure coding principles as part of security best practices throughout the software development life cycle is critical to minimising vulnerabilities and ensuring robust software security:
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1. Prioritise input validation
Input validation is one of the most effective defences against attacks. By controlling the data that enters your systems, you limit opportunities for hackers. Implementing secure coding guidelines helps prevent potential security flaws that could be exploited by attackers. -
Make sure to implement server-side validation rather than relying on front-end UI, as attackers can bypass front-end controls easily. This includes ensuring that third-party libraries aren’t fed direct user input without thorough validation.
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2. Employ layered security testing tools
Security tools are essential to uncover vulnerabilities. Implement multiple layers:
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Static Application Security Testing (SAST) scans your code for vulnerabilities, while Dynamic Application Security Testing (DAST) checks for weaknesses in your running application. Automated tools and code reviews are crucial for identifying security issues and ensuring compliance with secure coding standards, such as CERT secure coding standards.
Add Software Composition Analysis (SCA) to identify risks in third-party libraries, ensuring you’re covered across every entry point. However, remember that tools alone are not a silver bullet—they should work alongside manual testing and secure coding practices.
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3. Invest in developer training and engagement
Secure coding practices need to be second nature to every developer, not just security teams. Regular hands-on training can help developers understand the mindset of attackers and write more resilient code. Emphasising secure development and software security in training helps build more secure coding habits and reduces risks throughout the entire software development lifecycle.
To keep training engaging, consider gamified sessions that simulate real-world attacks so your team can see secure coding in action. Make sure developers understand not only how to code securely but also why security is so crucial. Only when they grasp the stakes will security become a habit rather than an afterthought.
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Avoiding common coding mistakes
Even with the best intentions, developers can introduce vulnerabilities by taking shortcuts under pressure. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for:
| Sanitising user input | Instead of trying to “clean up” what users enter,
always implement input validation and output encoding to ensure all user inputs are properly validated and sanitised before processing. |
| Unparameterised SQL queries | Always use parameterised queries to prevent SQL injection attacks, especially when dealing with databases. Secure coding practices should be applied regardless of the programming language used. |
| Assuming front-end validation is enough | Front-end controls are for user experience, not security. Make sure all validation happens server-side to protect against malicious actors bypassing UI restrictions. |
Remember, different programming languages have unique security considerations and features that can impact how you address these vulnerabilities.
Securing third-party code
Third-party code often becomes a gateway for attacks. You likely use libraries and frameworks to speed up development, but each one introduces a potential vulnerability. It is crucial to evaluate third-party code for security flaws and ensure it integrates securely with your software systems.
To protect your code:
| Validate inputs | Third-party code should never be given direct user inputs without validation. |
| Limit input length | Control the data size to prevent buffer overflow attacks. |
| Monitor for updates | Regularly check for security patches and updates from your third-party providers. |
| Review source code |
When possible, review the source code of third-party libraries to identify potential security flaws. |
Additionally, leverage built-in security features and other security features provided by frameworks and programming languages to enhance application security and reduce the risk of vulnerabilities in your software systems.
Unit testing for security to keep bugs out of your code
Security-focused unit testing can help prevent vulnerabilities from reappearing as your code evolves. Security unit tests, unlike traditional tests, should check for both the “happy path” (confirming the vulnerability is absent) and the “unhappy path” (confirming that attempts to exploit vulnerabilities fail).
Comprehensive security testing should also include verifying proper error handling and the use of strong encryption algorithms to ensure robust protection and compliance with secure coding standards. Effective error handling is essential in preventing vulnerabilities and maintaining software resilience. This ensures that you catch issues before they reach production.
Empowering your development team with secure coding
Secure coding may seem complex, but every improvement strengthens protection for your users, reputation, and business.
Cyber threats are constant. With secure coding, your developers become a proactive line of defence.
Want to see how attackers exploit common coding flaws and how to stop them? Watch our on-demand webinar for practical techniques, real examples, and expert insights from Jack Misiura.
Adopting secure coding practices today helps protect your organisation from tomorrow’s threats.
