Interested in a career in Security Software Development?
Then find out what a day in the life looks like!
Have you ever wondered what a security software developer does?
You may be on the path to acquiring the programming skills needed for a security software developer role. However, picturing how you’d practically use your expertise in the job can be tricky.
Keep reading to discover how to get into the creative and exciting role of a security software developer and what responsibilities to expect once you get there!
What is a Security Software Developer?
A security software developer writes and maintains security programs to protect the computer systems and data of a software-based business or corporation.
As a security software developer, you must create and test software to align with ever-changing defence strategies. Therefore, a knowledge of both cyber security and software development is crucial for a role in security software development.
A knowledge of both cyber security and software development is crucial for a role in security software development.
Responsibilities of a Security Software Developer
A security software developer takes on multiple responsibilities both within research, development and analysis of a security program.
You can expect a variety of challenges in a security software developer role. One day you could be attacking your own software and uncovering flaws, and the next day designing a whole new security software product from the ground up!
Here are some of the possible tasks you could expect to undertake in this diverse role:
- Keep updated with cyber defence strategies to ensure your software meets current standards.
- Design, test, deploy and maintain software to mitigate security weaknesses.
- Carry out security tests using red team offensive techniques to uncover software vulnerabilities.
- Debug issues in the software as they emerge.
- Innovate and produce software under tight deadlines and within strict criteria.
Each day, a security software developer may take on multiple responsibilities both within research, development and analysis of a security program.
What skills does a Security Software Developer need?
You know what a security software developer career looks like, so how do you get there?
Since the role of a security software developer is so diverse, you will need an in-depth and broad range of skills and experience.
Useful Experience
- Prepare yourself for employment with a diverse learning program such as SANS Foundations to gain a core knowledge in computers, technology and cyber security. There are many crucial modules for a budding security software developer, such as programming skills and Linux commands. The course provides hands-on experiences with fun and practical learning resources like webinars, video tutorials and labs developed by experts in the field. Earn a certification that makes you easy to train and gives you the core knowledge that employers want to see!
Hard Skills
- Software design or development skills in a relevant programming language such as C, JavaScript or Python.
- Skills in red team offensive tactics to test software vulnerabilities.
- Skills using blue team defensive tactics to ensure security software is effective and compliant with industry standards.
Soft Skills
- Creativity - to continuously come up with new and innovative software designs and visualise potential threats.
- Good at multitasking - to produce software that strikes a balance between speed and functionality while still being effective against security threats.
- Works well under time pressure - to produce the required software under strict deadlines.
- Team player - to collaborate on the conceptualisation, development and deployment of a product.
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