When launching a digital startup it is important to ensure that your software is secure. Simply investing in a quality security tool isn’t enough to ensure long term protection. Effective software security requires regular focussed development and with a multi-tool strategy. Protect your business from the beginning by following some of these simple steps in startup software protection.
1.Integrate Security Into Your SDLC
Before creating any code, consider how to integrate security at every phase of your SDLC. Utilising automated testing and monitoring will allow you to identify vulnerabilities from the very beginning. By building security into your code and business culture, you will develop sustainably secure software for your business at the earliest development phase.
2.Educate and Train Users
Developing a well-structured security training program for your employees will provide a high level of protection for your data and assets. Regular training around awareness and secure coding will help your employees identify and protect against certain software security issues. Creating a secure software development policy will provide a structure for your employees to follow, facilitating this training. A structured framework will support your team’s effort to work towards secure software best practices.
3.Monitor User Activity
Monitoring user activity helps ensure user best practices are being followed by employees as well as allowing for detection of suspicious activity.
4.Create a Robust IR Plan
Having a robust Incident Response plan can help you detect attacks and limit the effects. Planning for a data breach is one of the most important steps in preventing one. By preparing for a breach you can effectively address it if it arises and learn how to prevent future breaches.
5.Automate Routine Tasks
Automating day to day security tasks allows security staff to focus their time on strategic security protocols. Automating tasks, such as firewall changes and configurations will support you in securing your startup software.
6.Enforce Least Privilege
Providing users and systems with the least access necessary for their functions can reduce the attach surface through minimising access to susceptible areas. Enforcing least privilege consistently is important to ensure you avoid any potential issues due to function changes. Segmenting your network is an application of this principle that limits the movement of any attacks. Limiting the traffic too and from the areas storing the most critical data provides a higher security control.
7.Document Security Processes
Having documented software security policies for your startup will allow all relevant employees to be aware of and understand all security activities. For this policy to be as efficient as possible all employees should be familiarised with the security process.
New businesses can often be seen as easy targets for hackers and software breaches. Ensuring your startup software is secure from the beginning is essential when protecting your assets however, continued protection is just as important. By following these 7 steps you can cover all the fundamentals of securing your startup and reduce the risk of being successfully targeted.
At Toolagen we are experts in bespoke software solutions for claims management and investigation. If you want to know how we can support your business through bespoke software solutions, contact us here. We want to use our breadth of knowledge and experience to turn you