Secure Code Training for Developers

What is Secure Code Development?

Secure code development is the practice of writing code that is designed to protect software applications from vulnerabilities and potential threats. This approach integrates security principles directly into the development process, ensuring that applications are resilient from the ground up. Unlike traditional practices where security is only tested after the software is built, secure coding involves proactively embedding protections to avoid potential exploits.

The Critical Need for Secure Code Development

Insecure code creates significant risks for any organization. If vulnerabilities go undetected, hackers can exploit them, leading to breaches that compromise company reputation, financial stability, and customer trust. Alternatively, if the cybersecurity team identifies these vulnerabilities post-development, the code must be returned to developers for rework, consuming additional time and resources. Whether through costly breaches or delays caused by reworking insecure code, the consequences ultimately affect the organization’s time, money, and reputation. Secure code development is essential to safeguard resources, protect brand integrity, and enable a streamlined, secure software release.

But wait… secure code development isn’t typically covered in university programs. Developer teams often face intense pressure to meet delivery deadlines and prioritize software functionality, so secure coding practices frequently take a backseat. So, what can organizations do to ensure security isn’t overlooked?

The Solution: Secure Code Training

The answer might seem straightforward: to expect secure coding from developers, organizations must first provide training and allow developers time to master secure code development. You can’t simply tell developers to code securely and assume they’ll know how to do it.

But the next question is: how do we effectively train developers in secure coding? There are, of course, various options, from traditional classroom sessions to online courses. However, for a secure code training program to be truly effective, it should meet a few key criteria:

Behavioral Impact: An effective training program should change the developer’s behavior. It must go beyond simply instructing developers on what to do; it should guide them through the process to ensure they fully understand secure coding principles.
Comprehensive and Up-to-Date Content: The program should cover modern security topics, alongside contemporary programming languages and frameworks, ensuring developers learn to protect against current threats.
Easy Administration and Reporting: Administration and tracking of progress should be straightforward. Without user-friendly reporting features, monitoring developers’ progress becomes challenging.

Choosing the right secure code training platform is critical, as the wrong choice could lead to ineffective training and yield little to no improvement in secure coding practices.

Introducing Kontra: Transforming Secure Code Training

Kontra is an advanced secure code training platform designed to equip developers with critical skills for writing secure, resilient code. Offering hands-on, interactive content, Kontra engages developers with real-world scenarios. This approach helps developers to better understand potential threats and develop code that prevents vulnerabilities. Here’s how Kontra’s features stand out:

Hands-On Training for Real Understanding

Kontra believes that developers gain a deeper understanding and commitment to fixing vulnerabilities when they comprehend how these vulnerabilities function in real-world contexts. With this in mind, Kontra’s hands-on training immerses developers in realistic coding environments, enabling them to:

Understand how specific vulnerabilities are discovered in the wild.
Learn how those vulnerabilities are exploited.
Practice secure coding techniques to prevent these vulnerabilities from occurring.

This comprehensive approach not only benefits developers but also provides valuable insights for cybersecurity engineers, enhancing collaboration between teams.

Extensive Course Library

Kontra’s course library addresses crucial categories like the OWASP Top 10 for Web, API, and Mobile, as well as Kubernetes and other key frameworks. Modules cover a wide range of vulnerabilities, samples are:

OWASP Top 10: SQL Injection, DOM XSS, Log4j, Session Fixation, User Enumeration, Command Injection
Mobile:Keychain Persistence, SSL/TLS Pinning.
Kubernetes: Secrets Management Failure, Misconfigured Cluster Components

This comprehensive training ensures developers are equipped to meet regulatory frameworks such as PCI-DSS and GDPR.

Broad Language and Framework Support

Kontra’s training supports a variety of programming languages and frameworks, enabling developers to strengthen security across different technology stacks:

Backend & API: Python (Django), Node.js, Java, C#, PHP, Go,Scala, Kotlin,Python (Flask)
API: Ruby API, Node.js API, Go API, Java API, C# API, PHP API
Front-End: Angular, React, JavaScript, Vue, TypeScript
Mobile: Swift, Objective-C
Cloud & DevOps: Kubernetes, Docker CLI, Docker Compose, Terraform

With such diverse content, developers are well-prepared to work securely across various technology paths.

Flexible Training Access Options

Kontra offers flexible ways to access training content:

Online Training Platform: Developers can log into Kontra’s online training platform to immediately access the content and begin learning.
Integration with Your LMS: Kontra supports SCORM-compliant Learning Management Systems (LMS), allowing organizations to seamlessly manage their secure code development training within their existing systems. This includes popular LMS platforms such as SAP SuccessFactors, Enocta, Adobe Captivate, Oracle PeopleSoft, Moodle, and many more.

Empower Your Team with Secure Code Practices

In today’s digital landscape, secure code development is more than just a best practice—it’s a necessity. With Kontra’s comprehensive secure code training, your developers are equipped to proactively prevent vulnerabilities and ensure the security of your applications. Empower your team with the knowledge and skills they need to build secure, reliable software that strengthens your organization’s defenses and enhances your reputation.

For more information contact us here.