What is software security and why is it important?

Software security is a critical aspect of modern software development, as it protects not only the application itself but also the data it processes and the infrastructure that supports it. A comprehensive software security strategy involves identifying and addressing vulnerabilities, encrypting sensitive data, implementing secure coding practices, and regularly testing for security flaws. By adopting a security-first approach and incorporating security measures early in the development process, developers can prevent costly refactoring or potentially catastrophic security breaches later on. This requires a culture of security awareness, training, and continuous monitoring to stay ahead of evolving threats.