The developer’s guide to a secure code review

Cybersecurity has become increasingly crucial as cyber-attacks have surged by 50% from 2020 to 2021, necessitating a shift in how organizations handle security, particularly through Secure Code Review. Unlike standard code reviews that focus on software quality, secure code reviews emphasize software security by assessing aspects like authentication, authorization, and encryption. The process can be manual, requiring senior developers' expertise, or automated, which helps manage large volumes of code but may lead to false positives or negatives. Employing a combination of both methods is recommended, along with implementing a code review checklist to ensure consistency and categorizing vulnerabilities to prioritize risks. Integrating automated tools into CI/CD pipelines allows for continuous monitoring and early detection of potential issues, thereby reducing development delays and fostering a secure organizational culture. Shifting security left in the development process is vital, and tools like Tabnine, which utilize AI-driven prediction, can assist in creating cleaner, more secure code from the outset.