Checklist: Secure and Reliable Software Development ✅

1. Secure Coding Practices

✔️ Validate all inputs (prevent SQL injection, XSS).

✔️ Use parameterized queries or ORM frameworks.

✔️ Store sensitive data securely (hashed passwords, encrypted secrets).

✔️ Implement proper authentication (OAuth, MFA).

✔️ Use static analysis tools (SonarQube, Coverity) to scan for vulnerabilities.

✔️ Keep dependencies and libraries up to date.

🔴 Pitfall: Hardcoding secrets (API keys, passwords) in source code.

2. Avoiding Common Software Vulnerabilities

✔️ Prevent SQL Injection → Use prepared statements.

✔️ Mitigate Buffer Overflow → Implement boundary checks.

✔️ Stop Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) → Escape user input, apply CSP.

✔️ Secure APIs with authentication and rate limiting.

✔️ Use HTTPS and secure cookie flags (HttpOnly, Secure).

🔴 Pitfall: Assuming default security settings in frameworks are enough.

3. Security & Reliability Testing

✔️ Run Fuzz Testing to find unexpected input failures.

✔️ Perform Penetration Testing before each major release.

✔️ Conduct Chaos Engineering tests to simulate system failures.

✔️ Automate security scans in CI/CD pipelines.

✔️ Monitor logs for suspicious activities (SIEM, anomaly detection).

🔴 Pitfall: Only testing security before release instead of continuously.

Final Reminders

✅ Security is a continuous process, not a one-time fix.

✅ Always follow the principle of least privilege.

✅ Regularly update and patch all software dependencies.

✅ Foster a security-first culture within development teams.

By following this checklist, you can significantly reduce the risk of security breaches and system failures. 🔐🚀