Writing Secure Code with GitHub Copilot: Scan, Fix, and Verify with StackHawk

Copilot, integrated into VS Code, serves as an AI assistant for coding, but often lacks comprehensive code review, particularly in terms of security. StackHawk addresses this gap by incorporating runtime security testing into Copilot through its agent skills. These skills, organized in a structured markdown format, teach Copilot to conduct security scans, interpret findings, rectify vulnerabilities, and verify fixes using HawkScan. By following a five-step loop—Configure, Scan, Parse, Fix, Verify—Copilot can autonomously secure code, ensuring that completed features are both functional and secure. The integration requires setting up StackHawk's API and CLIs, and installing agent skills via the Copilot plugin, which are then shared across team projects for consistent security practices. The scanning and fixing processes are automated, but manual review and triage options are available through the StackHawk platform, allowing teams to manage security findings efficiently. This setup transforms security scanning from a postponed task into an integral part of the development workflow, enhancing the overall security posture of applications.