CompTIA CASP+ Practice Test

What should secure coding standards include for a software development team with a history of writing inefficient code?

1. Only coding best practices

2. Detailed standards for secure coding practices

3. General coding guidelines

4. Performance optimization techniques

The correct answer is: Detailed standards for secure coding practices

The inclusion of detailed standards for secure coding practices is essential for a software development team, especially one with a history of writing inefficient code. Secure coding standards provide a comprehensive framework that addresses common vulnerabilities, threats, and security practices in the software development lifecycle. These standards help ensure that the software is not only secure but also takes into account performance considerations and efficient coding techniques. By implementing robust secure coding standards, developers are guided on how to write code that minimizes security risks, such as buffer overflows, injection attacks, and other common vulnerabilities. These standards also encourage the adoption of secure libraries, proper error handling, and safe data management, which collectively contribute to the development of high-quality, secure software. While other options may cover aspects of coding practices or performance, they lack the specificity needed for security, which can be much more complex and nuanced. For example, merely including general coding guidelines may not adequately address security risks, and focusing solely on performance optimization might lead to neglecting important security considerations. Therefore, detailed standards for secure coding practices are crucial for building a robust and secure application, particularly for teams that need to improve both their security posture and coding efficiency.