Top Certifications for Secure Software Development and Coding
As security concerns become more central to software development, having certifications in secure coding and secure software development is invaluable. These certifications demonstrate expertise in building, assessing, and managing secure applications, and they are increasingly sought after by employers looking to bolster their security posture. Here’s a look at some of the top certifications relevant to secure software development and coding.
1. Certified Secure Software Lifecycle Professional (CSSLP)
Offered by (ISC)², the CSSLP certification is designed specifically for professionals involved in every phase of the software development lifecycle. It covers essential areas such as secure software concepts, requirements, design, testing, and deployment, making it ideal for developers, software engineers, and architects. CSSLP is highly regarded for its comprehensive approach to secure software development principles.
Prerequisites: Minimum of four years of work experience in software development or security.
Key Topics Covered: Secure coding practices, risk management, supply chain security, secure design, and testing.
Ideal For: Software developers, engineers, architects, and anyone involved in the SDLC.
2. GIAC Certified Web Application Defender (GWEB)
The GIAC Certified Web Application Defender (GWEB) certification is designed for professionals who want to demonstrate their expertise in web application security. This certification focuses on the skills and knowledge necessary to defend web applications against various threats and vulnerabilities.
GWEB covers essential topics such as secure coding practices, threat modeling, risk assessment, and the implementation of security controls throughout the software development lifecycle. Candidates learn to identify common web application attacks, such as SQL injection, cross-site scripting (XSS), and cross-site request forgery (CSRF), and gain practical experience in applying security measures to mitigate these risks.
Achieving the GWEB certification validates a professional’s ability to effectively secure web applications, making it a valuable credential for security practitioners, developers, and IT professionals looking to enhance their capabilities in application security. This certification not only enhances career prospects but also contributes to the overall security posture of organizations by promoting best practices in web application defense.
- Key Topics Covered: Access Control, Authentication, CORS, CSRF, I\O flaws etc.
- Ideal For: Software developers and programmers focusing on secure web application development.
- Prerequisites: Recommended, but not required, to have experience in any server side web based programming language.
3. EC-Council C | ASE Application Security Engineer for .NET
The Certified Application Security Engineer (C|ASE) for .NET certification by EC-Council is designed to equip professionals with advanced skills to build secure applications using the .NET framework. The program focuses on integrating secure coding practices, addressing common vulnerabilities, and applying industry-recognized standards to ensure software security.
- Key Topics Covered: Secure Coding Principles, Threat modelling and Risk Mitigation, Vulnerability management, Secure framework and Library Usage.
- Ideal For: .NET Developers, Software Engineers and Application Security Teams.
- Prerequisites: .NET developers with a minimum of 2 years of experience.
4. EC-Council C | ASE Application Security Engineer for Java
The Certified Application Security Engineer (C|ASE) for Java certification by EC-Council focuses on empowering Java developers and software professionals with the skills to design, build, and maintain secure applications. The program emphasizes secure coding practices, vulnerability management, and integrating security into the software development lifecycle (SDLC) using Java technologies.
- Key Topics Covered: Understanding Application Security, Threats and attacks, Secure Requirements Gathering, Secure Application Design and Architecture etc.
- Ideal For: Java Developers, Software Engineers and Application Security Teams.
- Prerequisites: Java developers with a minimum of 2 years of experience.
5. EC-Council E| CDE Certified DevSecOps Engineer
The EC-Council Certified DevSecOps Engineer (E|CDE) certification provides professionals with the skills and knowledge required to integrate security into DevOps practices effectively. This program is designed to bridge the gap between development, operations, and security teams, ensuring that security is a core component throughout the software development lifecycle.
- Key Topics Covered: DevSecOps Principles and Practices, Automation and Security Tools, Secure SDLC, Cloud and Application Security, Threat modelling and Risk Assessment.
- Ideal For: DevOps Engineers, Developers and IT security professionals and Application Security professionals.
6. Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
Offered by (ISC)², the CISSP certification is one of the most recognized certifications in cybersecurity. While CISSP is a broad certification, it includes a significant focus on software development security as one of its eight domains. This certification provides foundational knowledge that benefits anyone working with secure software systems, including secure coding, cryptography, and secure design principles.
- Key Topics Covered: Software development security, cryptography, risk management.
- Ideal For: Experienced security professionals, software developers aiming for a comprehensive security understanding.
- Prerequisites: Minimum of five years of paid work experience in two or more of the eight CISSP domains.
Choosing the Right Certification
Selecting the best certification depends on your career goals and current level of experience:
- Developers: CSSLP, GWEB and EC-Council C|ASE certifications provide specific secure coding skills tailored to development.
- Security Professionals: CISSP and E|CDE are ideal for those wanting broader security knowledge with applications in software development.
Each certification offers unique advantages, helping you deepen your expertise and enhance your credentials in secure software development. With these certifications, you’ll be well-equipped to design, build, and maintain applications with security as a priority, contributing to a safer digital landscape.
