Initial Application Security for Startups | Tips and Strategies

Key Takeaway

‍

• Startups must address security risks early to build trust with customers, as this often influences purchasing decisions. Security-conscious practices help reassure stakeholders of your business's reliability.
• Unlike large corporations, startups require flexible, scalable security measures suited to their size and operations. Focus on securing critical tools, devices, applications, and stakeholder obligations while adhering to compliance standards.
• Utilize trusted resources like OWASP and follow vendor-specific security guides (e.g., AWS, Google Cloud). Automate security testing (e.g., SAST, SCA) to detect vulnerabilities while incorporating manual testing for unique risks.
• Understand your business risks, monitor systems proactively, and partner with reliable services like ioSENTRIX to effectively handle potential breaches or emergencies.

‍

‍

Startups involve many unknowns and potential dangers, such as computer security, information privacy, encryption. While entrepreneurs often focus on developing a marketable product, it's important to remember that security risks also warrant attention.

‍

Within large corporations, there is typically a set policy or framework that must be adhered to. Nonetheless, these extensive processes and structures may not translate effectively to smaller businesses.

‍

‍Compliance requirements can also vary depending on the size of your company. What works for a workforce of 10,000 may not be suitable for one with only 10 individuals.

‍

Below are some key considerations for startups regarding security measures:

‍

• Tools and devices you use (such as laptops, mobile phones, and code).
• Applications and services critical to your operations (like your code, cloud infrastructure, and development tools).
• Personnel (employees, partners, and contractors).
• Obligations to stakeholders, governing bodies, and your customers.

‍

With this in mind, our primary focus will be on application security, specifically addressing the first two areas mentioned: tools and devices and critical business applications and services.

10 Tips to Secure Applications for Startups

‍

Education

‍

OWASP is a trusted application security resource for over two decades. If you are developing a web app, mobile app, or API, make sure to refer to:

‍

• The OWASP Top 10 lists for guidance on common security risks.
• OWASP Top 10 for Mobile Apps.
• OWASP Top 10 for Web Apps.
• OWASP Security Testing Guide.

‍

Industry and Vendor Standards

‍

Different languages and frameworks come with their security guides. Locating and following these guides for your technology stack is essential to ensure secure development practices. Vendors also offer security practice guides like Google Cloud Security, AWS Best Practices, and GitHub Security guidelines.

‍

Don't hesitate to ask for clarification if you find them confusing - vendors are usually willing to assist. Keep a record of the security guides you use and continuously enhance your understanding based on them.

‍

Security Test Automation

‍

Various security tests can be automated, with common categories of security testing tools often filled with acronyms, e.g., SAST, DAST, IAST, etc. A newer category known as SCA (Software Composition Analysis) is emerging. It focuses on identifying vulnerabilities in open-source libraries sourced from public databases and research. 

‍

When organizations test their application and technology stack, they typically focus on these key areas:

‍

1. Using SCA along with vulnerability management tools.

2. Detecting and managing secrets to avoid hard-coded credentials.

3. Evaluating open-source libraries with Software Composition Analysis (SCA).

4. Analyzing source code using Static Application Security Testing (SAST).

5. Checking for common issues, compliance, secrets, and drift in Infrastructure as Code (IaC).

‍

Which tool to use depends on your technology stack, current tools, and industry needs.

‍

Test for Your Specific Cases

‍

Effective automated testing requires ongoing effort and maintenance. In cases where automation is not feasible, plan a strategy for manual testing to identify and prevent undesirable scenarios. Key areas to test include:

‍

• Ensure Customer X cannot access Customer Y's information
• Prevent the logging of privacy data, enforce transaction limits

‍

Through automation, known vulnerabilities such as OWASP TOP 10 issues and open-source vulnerabilities are addressed.

‍

Test for potential failures to ensure that the system is functional and secure. Remember that this testing should complement unit, integration, usability, and performance testing efforts.

‍

Keep the Passwords Safe

‍

Startups usually manage 20-30 online accounts and store their passwords in various places unless they use single sign-on services like Office365 or Google Workspace. Password managers help people and organizations remember strong passwords for better security.

‍

It is recommended that they opt for password managers instead of using spreadsheets or notes for password management.

‍

Do not include passwords in the code. There have been instances where Amazon keys were discovered in public git code repositories. Cybercriminals utilize these keys to start computing operations and engage in Bitcoin mining.

‍

‍

Use 2FA Where Possible

‍

Many applications offer 2FA for added security on admin consoles and accounts. It is a useful way to prevent phishing attacks and increase account security. While setting up 2FA may require some effort, it is worth it to safeguard your accounts.

‍

Be cautious about sharing your 2FA code, as some social engineering attacks may try to obtain it through phone calls, chats, or SMS.

‍

Monitor Logging

‍

Can you explain the functionality of your application? Which features do your customers primarily use? Have there been any issues encountered? While application logs typically focus on identifying errors to resolve bugs, it is essential also to incorporate user behavior logging to understand the characteristics of ideal users and identify problematic behavior such as login patterns, failed login attempts, and privilege escalation attempts.

‍

Monitor Endpoints or Laptops

‍

Losing your laptop or phone can result in the loss of essential data and intellectual property. This includes passwords and credentials that could give access to email or banking accounts. It is important to follow your vendors' security guidelines for laptops, operating systems, and phones. 

‍

Ensure that features like full disk encryption and endpoint protection are enabled to prevent malware and suspicious activity.

‍

Understand Business Risks

‍

Consider your business's appetite for risk related to asset value, tolerance for disruptions, financial loss limits, risks associated with key personnel, and other factors. Implement risk management procedures and maintain proper documentation to address a wide range of risks, not just those related to cybersecurity.

‍

For many startups, a critical decision early on is whether to obtain insurance coverage for cyber risks.

‍

To better identify risks, monitor your systems and business applications closely. Pay attention to how you access them and the data they contain. Consider potential reasons why someone might target your organization, such as the possibility of fraud or identity theft. Assess whether your data holds value for malicious activities, primarily if you serve customers with high net worth.

‍

Handle Risks Instantly

‍

Be prepared for potential mishaps like breaches, phishing scams, invoice fraud, or malware outbreaks. Therefore, it is advisable to identify and engage a reliable company or service like ioSENTRIX that can assist in an emergency.

‍

ioSENTRIX Application Security services are designed to meet the unique requirements of startups like you. From rigorous code reviews and dynamic application testing (DAST) to advanced threat modeling and secure DevOps integration, our services provide comprehensive protection against vulnerabilities.

‍

With Iosentrix, you can access industry-leading tools, real-time monitoring, and a team of certified security specialists who proactively identify and mitigate risks before they escalate.

‍

Stay ahead of the curve with Iosentrix—because your security is our top priority. Contact now for more details.

‍