The rapidly evolving digital landscape promises increased productivity and unprecedented advances, but it also creates alarming opportunities for bad actors. The surge in cyber threats has led to substantial losses for businesses and institutions, fueling demand for secure software design and professionals well-versed in cybersecurity.
As investments in digital transformation technologies and services are projected to increase, cybersecurity needs are anticipated to expand. Recent appeals from the FBI and CISA for enhanced security features in products, coupled with the release of the Product Security Bad Practices catalog, highlight the significance of this issue.
To mitigate threats and protect sensitive information, cyber and computer science professionals must prioritize secure coding practices from the outset of software development and remain informed about industry best practices. The Online Master of Science in Computer Science (MSCS) from Stevens Institute of Technology provides a pathway to the expertise needed to design secure software and manage the latest cybersecurity measures.
Breaking Down the Key Principles of Secure Software Design
The fundamentals of secure software design encompass three key principles that emphasize security throughout the product design and development processes, aiming to minimize security vulnerabilities before the product’s release.
- Take ownership of customer security outcomes: Software manufacturers should prioritize customer security by developing safe products and enhancing security features. Software should automatically incorporate security features, such as requiring strong passwords and multi-factor authentication (MFA), to protect users from potential threats.
- Embrace radical transparency and accountability: Software manufacturers should be transparent about their security practices to benefit customers, suppliers, and the software industry. By doing so, they can contribute to establishing industry standards, adapting to emerging security threats, and assisting other organizations in developing their own standards, ultimately strengthening the overall security landscape.
- Build organizational structure and leadership to achieve these goals: To implement secure software design requires professionals who demonstrate subject matter expertise, as well as leaders who prioritize security during design, implementation, and maintenance stages. This approach may include promoting proactive strategies, such as threat modeling to anticipate potential risks early in the design process, and adherence to industry security standards and best practices, such as OWASP Top 10.
Common Vulnerabilities in Software Design
Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVEs) are documented vulnerabilities that compromise software and hardware security. Developers must identify and address these issues during the design and development stages to prevent security issues. Some of the CVEs most frequently exploited by malicious cyber actors include unauthenticated remote code execution, ransomware launches, exploitation of vendor systems, and information theft. Major security breaches, like those experienced by the companies listed below, underscore the severe impact of inadequate software design on organizations and their customers
If you aim to prepare for the next wave of cybersecurity breaches and learn how to develop more secure software, pursuing a master’s degree in computer science can offer a pathway to achieving your goals. Stevens Institute of Technology, a National Center for Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity Defense (CAE-CD) since 2003, offers entry-level and advanced computer science enthusiasts the opportunity to advance their software design skill sets and learn the latest cybersecurity practices.Â
How Stevens Prepares Learners for the Future of Software Design
Stevens Institute of Technology, one of the world’s leading research universities, hosts several renowned research facilities, including the Center for the Advancement of Secure Systems and Information Assurance (CASSIA). CASSIA, a cybersecurity research hub, offers invaluable opportunities for faculty and students to conduct research that advances secure software design.
Researchers at CASSIA develop innovative solutions to some of the world’s most pressing challenges. They use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to test security system vulnerabilities, examine how machine learning can enhance equitable privacy outcomes, create AI systems that detect fake news and deception online, among other initiatives. CASSIA-affiliated faculty, who include DARPA-funded researchers, lead innovative projects shaping the future of software design.
Master’s degree students in computer science at Stevens may have the opportunity to participate in the center’s initiatives, gaining experience at the forefront of secure software design. They will also benefit from a state-of-the-art curriculum featuring courses such as Algorithms, Applied Machine Learning, and Agile Methods for Software Development. Students who choose the software development focus area take classes that include Object-Oriented Analysis and Design, Enterprise Software Architecture and Design, and Agile Methods for Software Development.
The Importance of Ongoing Learning in Software and Systems Design
Threats to cybersecurity are constantly evolving due to technological advances and the growing sophistication of cyber threats. Consequently, computer scientists — particularly software developers and designers — require ongoing education, certification, and community engagement to remain current with the latest principles.
Stevens prepares students to excel in this dynamic field by offering a progressive curriculum aligned to the latest industry innovations. Students gain access to groundbreaking research and learn from distinguished faculty, enabling them to hone in-demand skills. Flexible program options allow students to continue working (and apply their learning in real time) while earning their MSCS through the part-time, online degree modality. The Stevens Online MSCS program provides a path for students of all backgrounds to gain the skills needed to achieve their goals.
Design Your Software Career Path: Consider How a Computer Science Master’s Degree Can Help
Specializing in secure software design can pave the way to a successful career in today’s increasingly digitized professional landscape. As cyber threats grow more sophisticated, the demand for secure systems and professionals skilled in this area continues to rise. Many hiring managers view application security expertise as essential for their teams in the years ahead.
Stevens offers a unique learning environment for online students, with an institutional emphasis on security in software design and the opportunity to focus on software development within the MSCS curriculum. Connect with an enrollment advisor to learn more about admissions and the Stevens Online MSCS degree program. If you’re ready to begin, start your application.Â