Don't reinvent the wheel
Keeping your app secure can sometimes feel a little daunting. But more often than not you can save time by following existing guidance rather than feeling you have to forge your own path. If someone else has done the hard work for you, then you should make the most of that.
Regulations are often seen as a bit of a box-ticking exercise, too. But follow them closely and you’ll find they can also aid you in your security efforts.
Why it matters
- Pay attention to guidelines and industry expertise, and you won't have to waste time at the end of development trying to squeeze in security measures that don't really fit.
- Following existing advice from the beginning of the process helps you to improve your understanding of what works and what doesn't. It also makes it easier to create a risk model.
- The perceived complication of security can lead to it being sacrificed. De-mystifying protection measures helps to make sure this doesn’t happen.
What you can do
Design and develop with regulations in mind
The worst thing you can do is get to the end of the development process and then try to work out if your app meets existing regulations. It’s a much better idea to keep them in mind from the outset.
Learn from the experts
Sites like OWASP are popular within the cybersecurity industry for a reason. The advice you’ll get there will go a long way in guiding you on the type of security your app needs.
Be clear with your end users
Your end users might not be interested in the finer details of how you’re keeping their data safe. But a clear overview of your security measures will help you to build confidence with them.