10 Keys For Devolping a Secure Application

November 4th, 2025

During software development, it is important to build security into the software itself, instead of building security on top of the new application.

In this article, we will break down 10 keys for making software secure during its development.

Input Validation

Ensure that all user input is considered untrusted and is validated before it interacts with the rest of the application.

Authentication

All users should be authenticated (their status as a valid/registered user is confirmed) before gaining access to the application and any of its resources.

Authorization

Proper authorization processes should be implemented to prevent or allow certain actions to be carried out by users based on their permissions.

Configuration Management

To reduce the risk to an application and its environment, systems need to be hardened by routinely patching and updating software, creating security base lines and standards to follow, and conducting dependency reviews.

Sensitive Data

Be aware of what types of user data your application will interact with and make sure you are transparent about any data collection taking place. Ensure that you have the consent of the user to handle their data and that you give them control over and a choice regarding what data is collected.

Session Management

Take action to securely establish and maintain the integrity of your application’s sessions and to prevent any related abuse cases.

Cryptography

Use well tested and publicly accepted algorithms to hide product data from bad actors.

Database Security (Parameter Manipulation)

Utilize parametrized queries, encrypted strings stored in their own separate configuration files, and strong passwords and MFA to secure databases.

Exception Management

Gracefully handling error conditions and exceptions is critical to creating robust software applications.

Auditing and Logging

Performing routine audits and maintaining accurate logs is important for overall security posture, system monitoring, debugging, threat detection and analysis, and regulatory and legal compliance.

Applications that are secure by design have a much more positive outlook in the world of ever evolving cybersecurity threats than those that are not.

— Ben Skinner