What is software security and how can teams build safer software?

Software security in one line

Software security is the practice of creating and maintaining software so it resists misuse, tampering, and outages. It focuses on preventing attackers or mistakes from turning a useful program into a liability.

Why it matters

Because software runs everything—from hospitals to payment systems—and vulnerabilities have real-world consequences. Weak software can cause data breaches, ransomware, service outages, regulatory fines, and reputational damage. Teams that treat security as a feature rather than an afterthought greatly reduce that risk.

How software security fits into cybersecurity

Software security protects the code and services themselves; cybersecurity covers networks, endpoints, and overall defenses. Both are necessary: a strong perimeter won’t help if an app has a serious logic or input‑validation flaw. Make secure design part of your security program, not an optional add‑on.

Common risks to watch for

• Phishing that steals credentials and lets attackers impersonate users.
• Code injection (e.g., SQL injection) from poor input validation.
• Supply‑chain compromises that introduce malicious dependencies.
• Unpatched bugs that attackers exploit long after release.
• Denial‑of‑service attacks that render services unusable.

Concrete steps to build safer software

Start with security at design, then test and maintain continuously.

• Design threat models before writing code.
• Enforce secure coding standards and code reviews.
• Use SAST, DAST, and software composition analysis during CI/CD.
• Grant least privilege to users and services.
• Patch and update dependencies promptly; automate where possible.
• Train developers on secure practices and social‑engineering risks.

Tools and strategies teams use

A layered approach shrinks your attack surface. Typical toolsets include SAST for pre‑commit scanning, DAST for running apps, SCA for dependency checks, and automated patching and monitoring to catch anomalies quickly. Combining these with strong processes is far more effective than any single tool.

Software security vs application security

Software security is the broad program; application security zooms in on individual apps and their user interactions. Treat application security as a key part of the wider software‑security strategy.

Further reading and tools

Find practical checks and monitoring options at Palisade to improve your software security posture. Visit Palisade for tools and guides.

Quick Takeaways

• Treat security as part of design, not a final checkbox.
• Use automated scanning (SAST/DAST/SCA) in CI/CD.
• Keep dependencies and systems patched to reduce exposure.
• Apply least privilege and document access controls.
• Train teams and review practices regularly.

FAQs

What is the first thing a team should do to secure software?

Start with a threat model and secure design review. Identify assets, likely threats, and how attackers would exploit them before coding begins. That upfront work clarifies priorities and reduces costly rework later.

How often should software be scanned for vulnerabilities?

Scan continuously as part of CI/CD and run scheduled full scans regularly. Automated scans on each commit catch regressions, while deeper periodic scans and pen tests find complex or logic flaws.

Are open‑source dependencies risky?

They can be if not managed—use SCA tools to monitor known vulnerabilities. Track dependency versions, apply updates, and remove unused libraries to limit supply‑chain exposure.

Does training developers really help?

Yes—education reduces common mistakes like improper input validation and credential handling. Regular, practical training makes secure patterns routine and improves review outcomes.

What’s the difference between patching and proactive security?

Patching fixes discovered problems; proactive security prevents many problems from appearing. Both are required: proactive design reduces the number of patches, and timely patching reduces the window attackers have to exploit bugs.