During 2023 and 2024, persuading businesses to shift to cloud computing proved to be a daunting task. The transition from on-premises hardware and software to cloud services was a significant one, and several companies were hesitant to make the leap.
As the pandemic unfurled, cloud migration emerged as a critical priority for the years 2023 and 2024. Among the leading cloud computing service providers namely, Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud, organizations were more inclined to choose any one of these three to meet their cloud computing needs.
Currently, cloud computing is thriving, and it is projected that the worldwide expenditure on cloud services in 2023 will surpass $84 billion. Nevertheless, IT experts are cautioning about potential security threats in the upcoming years. The usage of application programming interfaces (APIs), inadequacy of skilled IT workforce and the design of some existing software which operate on the principle of “trust, but verify” are some of the reasons which can be held responsible for these threats.
The increasing adoption of cloud computing necessitates that the software engineering industry hastens the integration of advanced security measures. Considering the daily advancements in cyber threats, relying solely on security tools from 3 to 10 years ago is inadequate. In order to ensure the safety of businesses in 2023, it is crucial that the necessary security trends are integrated into the software development process right from the initial stages.
Crucial Security Advancements
Explore the IT Department
The number of malicious entities greatly exceeds the limited count of IT security specialists in the industry. Several executives in the corporate world do not comprehend the intricacies related to the security difficulties which IT experts grapple every day. It is crucial that the top leadership of an organization develops a cognizance of these grave security issues and work together more closely with IT professionals to tackle them.
It is important to acknowledge that there are numerous similarities between software engineering and information security. This misinterpretation has caused an unwarranted dependence on external contractors. To create a strong software application, a cybersecurity approach must be employed. Instead of setting up a separate cybersecurity division, it might be more efficient to outsource the software development process.
As universities strive to meet the growing demand for IT services and cybersecurity in today’s digital realm, there is a surge of new courses being introduced in these fields. Nevertheless, the gap between the supply and demand of skilled cybersecurity professionals is projected to exist. The scarcity of IT experts with a minimum of a decade of experience is a pressing problem in particular.
APIs
For individuals unaccustomed to the software and online development arena, incorporating APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) may seem intricate and intimidating. Nonetheless, APIs are an indispensable component of this industry, serving as the bridge connecting all of its various elements. Regrettably, APIs can be hard to obtain because of their elusive nature.
It is normal for programmers to utilize APIs generated by other teams. Nonetheless, by doing so, developers and their software applications are susceptible to potential security threats; the Cambridge Analytica scandal which involved Facebook’s application programming interfaces (APIs) is a prominent example, even though no data breach occurred.
Facebook’s Cambridge Analytica did not inform users about the collection and utilization of their individual information, nor did they comply with the service’s Terms of Service. Additionally, they could effortlessly obtain and resell data from 87 million Facebook users, thanks to the utilization of Facebook’s Graph AI.
Maintaining the security of APIs is a significant matter, as there exist several potential threats that could jeopardise their safety. These threats comprise inadequate security protocols, unauthorized data leakage, inadequate monitoring, insufficient record keeping, accessibility issues, and authentication concerns. To mitigate the risk of malicious entities intercepting or manipulating data, it is vital to incorporate encryption and utilise OAuth in any API handling user data.
Software Specification Sheet
While developing software, it is rare to create entirely new and independent programs. To produce intricate software applications within a reasonable timeframe, many teams rely on the principle of code reuse. Although code reuse can increase efficiency and output, it can also disseminate problems if the source code had low quality, unreliability, or potential for danger.
Firmware, Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) and other software components can be consolidated into a unified unit. Unforeseen consequences may arise if the security of financial transactions or personal data is not properly secured.
It is worth mentioning that the US government might soon mandate a Software Bill of Materials (SBOMs) for all software products employed by federal organizations. SBOMs supply a detailed inventory of all the constituents that constitute a specific software application, including Application Programming Interfaces (APIs), software, and firmware.
Upon scrutinizing the System Bill of Materials (SBOM), government officials can assess whether the software program is appropriate for government usage. It is plausible that the private sector will follow suit at some point.
Limiting Access and Developing a Reliable Infrastructure
Zero trust is a security notion utilized by IT specialists to guarantee the safeguarding of confidential data. A zero-trust framework requires all system users and data controllers to be treated as prospective security risks, and they are only provided access to resources upon explicit authorization.
In a Zero Trust setup, users must verify their identity every time they make a change or obtain access. This configuration eradicates the security vulnerabilities of conventional perimeter defences. It is important for businesses to recognize that the sole means of attaining admission to a safeguarded network is not through external assaults and that internal threats, caused by employees, are a regular occurrence.
A preliminary measure to enforce zero-trust policies is to discern the unique authorisation levels for each user group. Distinct levels of admission are needed for disparate phases of software development. The regulations will be established by the corporate hierarchy of the company, but all personnel should only be able to access information necessary for their job responsibilities. What’s more, it is critical for businesses to possess a method for ending the privileges of former employees.
Businesses should endeavour to integrate improved security measures and exercise caution when evaluating possible risks. While the maxim of ‘trust but verify’ is already widespread, the most dependable protection against malicious entities can be accomplished by employing multifactor authentication with every new session.
Concentrate on Bettering One Thing
When designing software that deals with money or safeguards user information, appropriate cybersecurity measures must be employed. It is crucial that developers and product managers liaise with IT specialists while incorporating new attributes, and effective communication channels should be established with the IT department, especially when working with a third party.
To prevent problems, businesses should guarantee that their security team conducts meticulous examinations of all APIs and resolves any vulnerabilities detected promptly. APIs are frequently incorporated into software to improve user experience and integrate with their daily routine. It is crucial to periodically review these programs to prevent the company from encountering a scenario similar to that of Facebook.
To stay competitive in the government and state contracting industry, businesses should contemplate assimilating SBOMs into their solutions. The principle of ‘trust but verify’ must be supplanted with a zero-trust security infrastructure, as this is becoming the norm for the sector. There must be well-defined minimum prerequisites established between developers and endpoint users. This is a trend that has been adopted by numerous fields and is anticipated to expand in prominence.
