If source code is leaked or stolen, it can do significant damage to your organization. It is not just about money losses; it may also reduce customer trust and harm your reputation. That is why, if it has not already been, source code security should be one of your top objectives.

With the advent of data protection rules and escalating fines, businesses worldwide are focusing more on cybersecurity, particularly the security and privacy of sensitive consumer data such as Personally Identifiable Information (PII). However, an effective data security policy should include intellectual property (IP) and trade secret protection.

Why do you need source code protection?

In recent years, efforts to breach devices, apps, and software have increased since the benefits can be quite substantial. Source code is vital in the development of apps, hence it is considered confidential information. Nonetheless, it is sometimes overlooked while discussing security.

Secrets in your source code may include API or encryption keys, OAuth tokens, passwords, and other information. It is also usual to see PII alongside source code. Without protection, these are exposed to all repository contributors, who can clone, copy, and distribute them.

Dealing with most security vulnerabilities related to source code can feel like a race against the clock; yet, corporations cannot rely on old controls and approaches, as these frequently do not offer much security.

How can I safeguard source code?

A tiered approach is the most effective way to safeguard your source code. This is vital to prevent its loss, which can cause reputational damage and a loss of competitive edge for your organization, but it can also result in regulatory fines. Furthermore, unsecure source code may endanger other sensitive data.

Let's look at what you can do to safeguard your source code efficiently.

Establish a source code protection policy.

Create a source code protection policy by developing a set of rules, requirements, and procedures for managing and protecting code. This policy will help to protect software and devices from risks like reverse engineering and code tampering. It should also address source code development methods and persons involved in code development.

Include safe access and use of source code repositories like Git and Apache Subversion, encryption protocols, application hardening, shielding processes, and in-app protection mechanisms.

Your source code protection strategy should also include safe coding practice documentation and training, as well as the implementation of secure development processes throughout the software development lifecycle (SDLC).

Avoid the use of unsafe source code.

Use source code security analysis techniques, such as Static Application Security Testing (SAST), to identify security flaws and other concerns during development.

Static code analyzers examine source code and its dependencies (frameworks and libraries) for specific vulnerabilities as well as compliance with coding standards. These solutions mitigate security risks in programmes by detecting vulnerabilities early in the SDLC and delivering real-time feedback to development teams on concerns.

However, SAST tools cannot detect vulnerabilities that exist outside of the code, such as those discovered in third-party interfaces.

Access control

Define who has access to the source code, codebase, and repositories. There's no incentive for anyone other than hands-on staff to work with your source code, but even if they do, enable two-factor authentication. This manner, you can guarantee that no strange characters make their way into your source code. Access control rules use authentication and permission to guarantee that users are who they say they are and have proper access to company data.

Implement encryption and monitoring

Make sure you can encrypt sensitive data in transit and at rest. It's also critical to constantly check your data and be warned if any questionable activity occurs. This allows you to be prepared to act quickly, whether it is to track, minimize, or reverse the damage. You can also avoid it before it causes actual harm.

Implement network security tools.

Implementing network security solutions such as firewalls, Virtual Private Networks (VPN), anti-virus, and anti-malware software is considered basic protection. These solutions protect your source code from external hacker vulnerabilities while also ensuring secure data sharing between employees and suppliers.

Do not forget about endpoint security.

Endpoint security software protects your endpoints, or access points for end-user devices like desktops and laptops, against unsafe activities and hostile assaults. Data Loss Prevention (DLP) solutions can effectively keep your source code from leaving the endpoint and halt source code exfiltration.

Pay attention to patents and copyright.

Ensure that all of your software-related concepts and inventions are covered by copyright law and the relevant patents. The main distinction between the two is that patents protect the idea, whereas copyright protects the written code. like software-related ideas gain popularity, you should treat this proprietary information like you would any other intellectual property.