Top Threat #6 - Code Confusion: The Quest for Secure Software Development

Written by CSA’s Top Threats Working Group.

In this blog series, we cover the key security challenges from CSA's Top Threats to Cloud Computing 2024. Drawing from the insights of over 500 experts, we'll discuss the 11 top cybersecurity threats, their business impact, and how to tackle them. Whether you're a professional or a beginner, this series offers a clear guide to the evolving cloud security landscape.

Today’s post covers the #6 top threat: Insecure Software Development.

What is Secure Development in the Cloud?

Developers may unintentionally create vulnerabilities due to the complexity of software and cloud technologies. Threat actors can exploit these weaknesses, but a cloud-first approach can improve security with CI/CD pipelines, guardrails, and IAM features from cloud providers.

Educating developers on shared responsibility with cloud service providers (CSPs) is key–developers fix code issues, while CSPs handle platform vulnerabilities. Adopting a Secure Development Lifecycle (SDLC), as recommended by the Cloud Controls Matrix 4.0, ensures a focus on building secure cloud applications.

Consequences & Business Impact

Insecure software can have far-reaching effects across technical, operational, financial, and reputational aspects. Here’s how:

Technical Impact

• Data Disclosure: Sensitive information may be exposed through unauthorized access.
• Data Destruction: Compromised systems could lead to data loss.

Operational Impact

• Feature Delays: Security issues can delay updates and new features.
• System Outages: Vulnerabilities may lead to partial or full service interruptions.

Financial Impact

• Fines and Non-Compliance: Regulatory violations can result in penalties and legal costs.

Reputational Impact

• Loss of Customer Confidence: Publicized breaches erode trust and harm credibility.

Mitigation Strategies

To address the risks of insecure software development, organizations can adopt specific strategies to strengthen application security and resilience:

• Adopt a Secure Development Lifecycle (SDLC): Scan for vulnerabilities during design, development, and operations to ensure secure applications at every stage.
• Leverage Cloud Technologies: Use cloud tools like guardrails and APIs to enhance security while focusing on business-specific needs.
• Enhance Resiliency with Cloud Solutions: Cloud technologies prevent reinventing the wheel by enabling mechanisms for resilience and secure application development.
• Understand Shared Responsibility: Ensure timely remediation by clearly defining responsibilities for patching vulnerabilities between CSPs and developers.
• Utilize CSP Resources: Leverage CSP-provided frameworks and design patterns, like the “Well-Architected Framework” to implement secure services effectively.

To learn more about the top threats and explore strategies for mitigating these risks, download the full Top Threats to Cloud Computing 2024 here.