Understanding-Software-Vulnerabilities and How to Prevent Them

Understanding Software Vulnerabilities and How to Prevent Them

Despite the evolution of IT, numerous companies still face security threats. No system or software is 100% secure, regardless of how efficient it is. While hackers are almost always on the lookout for these loopholes, software vulnerabilities are not the end of your software.

The truth is, software vulnerabilities are inevitable because they stem from the same causes—misconfigurations, errors, and unresolved vulnerabilities. So, if you are experiencing glitches in your software or desiring to keep your software in optimal conditions at all times, this blog post is for you. We will discuss common IT vulnerabilities and possible ways to prevent them with professional software development services.

Understanding Software Vulnerabilities and How to Prevent Them

What Are Software Vulnerabilities?

Software vulnerabilities are flaws in your code that are often caused by a weakness present in the software. These vulnerabilities may also be due to errors in user management processes.

A 2020 report shows that the average cost of a data breach was $3.86 million. Therefore, when left unresolved for long periods, a software vulnerability can impact the security and credibility of your IT infrastructure, endangering your organization’s sensitive data.

Common Software Vulnerabilities

1. Missing data encryption

When data is not effectively encrypted before storage, the vulnerability to cyber invasion is high.

Solution: Consider getting an encryption solution that meets your needs specifically to avoid human mistakes. You could also consider working with trusted software development teams to educate your personnel.

2. OS command injection

The shell or OS command injection occurs when your software’s operating system is attacked when you’re running an application. It is a method used to prey on an organization so that the hacker gets deeper access. Again, incomplete or incorrect input data validation is a major culprit.

Solution: Don’t allow OS commands from application-layer code. Register strong validation protocols in your organization.

3. Missing authorization

Missing authorization is due to insufficient authentication or limitations in the authorization. Additionally, this vulnerability is an easy way for attackers to enter.

Solution: Tighten and fully implement authorization protocols. Consider opting for identity management, multi-factor management, and privileged management tools, amongst others.

4. Cross-site scripting and forgery (CSRF/XSS/XSRF)

When this occurs, the attacker tricks the web browser into executing unwanted commands. Hence impacting the software and possibly your business adversely.

Solution: You can adopt a randomly generated token for general use. However, use double submission of cookies and matching random tokens before access is allowed.

5. URL redirection

URL redirection is one of the most annoying kinds of glitches. It leads you directly to the predator as your browser takes you to an external site.

Solution: Use a web browser or application firewall. Also, adopt automated scanning to keep your software up-to-date.

6. Path traversal

Directory traversal is common. It allows the hacker to access files on the server and read them, especially when running. These files could include code and data, credentials for back-end systems, and OS files. Solution:

  • Avoid the passage of user-supplied input into your filesystem APIs.
  • In addition to this, add multiple layers of defense or firewalls.
  • Consider opting for additional protective steps from trusted providers.
Check out: Espeo Software listed among Top 10 Poland Software Development Companies

General Ways To Prevent Software Vulnerabilities

First off, you must identify security requirements. These requirements must include business objectives, policies, risk management blueprint, and applicable laws and regulations. A company like us can help you develop your product with the precise requirement while ensuring your security. We help with:

Review Software Design
Once the initial software development process is complete, the team presents a fresh, qualified set of eyes to review it. The software must pass all security requirements and address the identified risk information.

Verify Third-Party Software
When third-party components are unavoidable, we use only those with code signing certificates to ensure authenticity and trustworthiness.

Regularly Identify and Confirm Vulnerabilities
Limit an attacker’s window of opportunity by proactively looking out for vulnerabilities in your system. The service includes regular reviews, analysis, and software testing to see if any new risks will arise. In addition, however, it will help establish an efficient response scheme to guarantee that weaknesses can be logged and reported as soon as possible.

Prioritize Fixes Based on Risks
Companies need to address the mitigation of vulnerabilities promptly. This development service provider scrutinizes each weakness and determines the complexity in resolving it, as well as its impact on your network. In addition, you can utilize issue tracking software to log every incident and flaw.

Understanding Software Vulnerabilities and How to Prevent Them

Choosing A Trusted Software Development Vendor

Good software development is crucial to the success of an organization’s system. That’s why hiring a trusted software development vendor that offers quality services, and solutions is a must. If you’re still wondering if outsourcing software development is the best path, these are some of the characteristics of Espeo Software:

Security
Established software development companies like Espeo software are experts, especially with system security. We are well-aware of existing dangers in the industry and how to prevent them effectively. Choosing the right development partner means you’ll have access to top talents with years of experience that will turn your security and business requirements into a viable and reliable solution.

Efficiency
With our professional software development experience, we ensure an increase in the efficiency of your organization. Hence, uncovering your business needs, ensuring communication with the development team, effective and secure code, and even training your staff to use and maintain your new solution. Each step is guaranteed to be executed and delivered with care and quality.

Cost-effective
Outsourcing your software development project is a more financially sound and efficient option. You won’t have to hire, onboard, and train a team of developers to create a solution. Instead, entrusting this responsibility to a professional team saves you valuable time and resources, which you can use to focus on generating revenue and expanding your business.

Expertise
As a trusted software development firm, we are established to be an expert in our field. Hence, we can offer valuable advice that would benefit your organization and give you a leg up in the industry. We can recommend important features, securely collect and store data, the best platform to build on, and more. Transparency throughout the partnership is also vital to establish trust and confidence.

Support
As your software provider, we support you, your organization, and your new product, from new-user training to database maintenance and security assessment.

Addressing software vulnerabilities before they show up is the smart move for your company. However, addressing them early and with the help of experts guarantees successful mitigation against security weaknesses.