Developers always seek to secure their development environments, especially when using publicly available software like Python Requests. While this comprehensive guide shows you how to use this software, you still need to know how to secure it.
Software and app development is expected to show a CAGR of 6.53% between 2024 and 2029. However, as this field grows in demand, so do its associated risks. That’s why a secure developer’s environment should be a part of the process from the start.
What are Development Environments?
Development environments are also sometimes referred to as development ecosystems. They refer to developers’ workspace when writing, testing, and debugging codes. These codes create software, programs, web pages, or applications.
Typically, such ecosystems will have the positions of compiler, text editor, and debugger. However, hardware, tools, and code libraries will also be available. Everything the development team needs to write and test code successfully will be present in this environment.
Why Are They Vulnerable?
You might wonder why you should protect the development environment. After all, the “code” you’re writing is still incomplete and shouldn’t be useful to hackers. That’s where you’d be wrong, as this stage is often the easiest for hackers to infiltrate.
They can introduce secret codes to yours that act as sleeper agents, only activating once you’ve finished the project. They can also secretly build a “back door” to steal sensitive information. Various other risks are also present within this ecosystem. They can use this project as a gateway to attacking the rest of the pipeline or embedding other malicious code.
Seven Tips for Creating Secure Ecosystems
Experts predict that by the end of 2024, the app development software market will reach a revenue of $182.70 billion. With the market worth billions and the increased attention on app security, it’s critical to implement safety measures as soon as possible.
It’s not enough to add it at the end of the development; it must be present from the beginning of the process. We examine seven tips you can use to create secure ecosystems.
1. Segregate Different Functions
Separate your environments for business, production, and development. You want to keep these ecosystems apart, so the others are still safe if one becomes compromised. Using different virtual environments for each function allows you to be more flexible. This segmentation also helps organize your workspace better, allowing you a more streamlined pipeline.
2. Review Any Python Codes
While Python Requests is one of the most popular and powerful web tools, it’s open to the public. Developers can communicate through HTTP requests and pull packages of code from the database. However, don’t blindly trust these codes. Always do a security review to ensure its authenticity.
3. Implement Verification
Consider what would happen if a hacker managed to get developer access to your project. Would they instantly be able to access all aspects of the project and code? If so, implement a failsafe to help protect sensitive information. This failsafe includes steps like two-factor authentication or password-protected files.
4. Use the Latest Updated Software
Use the latest code and software to prevent hackers from using gaps in outdated security on the system to access your environment. Patches, updates, and upgrades all help eliminate security vulnerabilities discovered after extensive testing. It also ensures you don’t experience delays because the software isn’t working optimally.
5. Sanitize Inputs and Prepared Statements
SQL Injection is one of the most common attacks on your code. Hackers influence the database queries by inserting codes or commands that let them affect your code. You can prevent this by sanitizing your input, that is, creating rules to define input. By accepting prepared statements, you can minimize the risks further.
6. Don’t Add Sensitive Information in the Code
Once you put something on the internet, it’s there forever, even after you “delete” it. You can rarely scrub information entirely from the internet. As such, it’s simply better practice not to place that information online in the first place.
Some developers streamline their tests by hardcoding API keys, passwords, or authentication URLs. However, if you forget about it or upload it online, it becomes available to anyone with the know-how to access it.
7. Use Proxy Servers
Proxies are an additional layer of security to help protect your workspace from cyber criminals. It hides your IP address and can improve network performance by caching content you frequently access.
Further, you can use proxy servers to control access to your network. It ensures that only personnel with the right authorization can access the development environment. It’ll automatically block unknown IPs and prevent access to malicious online content.
Make Security a Part of Your Development Process
Developers must protect their code and sensitive data from external threats when coding. Even when using powerful tools like Python Requests, security is paramount in a developmental ecosystem. Proxies are always a good defense against external penetration, but that’s not all you should use. Implement our other expert tips to make security a key part of your development process.