Software Engineering basics - Security in Software Engineering

Security in Software Engineering

Security in software engineering ensures that applications, systems, and data are protected against unauthorized access, misuse, and cyberattacks. As software increasingly powers critical aspects of business and daily life, building secure systems is no longer optional—it’s a fundamental requirement. Security focuses on preserving confidentiality, integrity, and availability (often called the CIA triad).

One key principle is authentication, which verifies that a user or system is who they claim to be. Common methods include passwords, biometrics, and multi-factor authentication (MFA). Once authenticated, authorization determines what resources or actions the user is allowed to access, ensuring strict control over sensitive operations.

Another critical principle is encryption, which protects data in transit and at rest by converting it into unreadable formats for unauthorized users. For example, HTTPS uses SSL/TLS encryption to secure web traffic between clients and servers. Proper encryption practices prevent data leaks even if systems are breached.

Secure coding is also essential, where developers follow best practices to avoid vulnerabilities like SQL injection, cross-site scripting (XSS), and buffer overflows. Writing secure code means validating user input, managing errors safely, and keeping dependencies updated to reduce risks.

In addition, practices like regular security testing, code reviews, and patch management ensure that vulnerabilities are detected and fixed before attackers can exploit them. By embedding security into every stage of the software development life cycle (SDLC), organizations can build resilient systems that protect both users and businesses from evolving threats.