Security-First Development: Beyond the Checklist
Maya Patel
Security Engineer
Proactive Security is Better Than Reactive Patching
Most security advice tells you what to check. Few explain how to build security into your DNA.
1. Threat Modeling Before Code
Before writing code, ask: "What could go wrong?" Use the STRIDE framework: Spoofing, Tampering, Repudiation, Information Disclosure, Denial of Service, Elevation of Privilege.
2. Secure Defaults
Every decision should default to secure. Authentication should be opt-out (everything protected by default), not opt-in. Always use parameterized queries.
3. The Security Code Review Checklist
Every PR gets reviewed against authentication, authorization, input validation, and secrets management criteria.
4. Dependency Security
Your code is 10% of your app. Dependencies are 90%. Use automated scanning, have an update strategy, and always commit lock files.
5. Secrets Management
Never commit secrets. Use .env.local for development (gitignored), AWS Secrets Manager or HashiCorp Vault for production, and rotate on schedule.
6. Incident Response Prep
Log security-relevant events, set up alerting for unusual patterns, and document runbooks for credential revocation and communication.
The Mindset Shift
Security isn't a phase. It's a way of thinking. Build paranoia into your process, and security becomes automatic.