5 Things You Can Do To Make Sure Your Developer Is Writing Secure Code

Proprietary and secure code can make or break a business, especially for service sellers. If you’re looking for ways to improve your project’s protection, check out these five things to implement.

1.  NDAs and Contracts – The first thing you need to know before signing an agreement with any developer or service is who owns the finished product. A reputable development company will have contracts specifying that you as the client own all of the code created, and that the other party has no claim to ownership. Additionally, an added nondisclosure agreement will ensure that not only does your code belong to you, but any developers working on your projects will not be able to share proprietary information – whether that be the code they created or information from your business they needed to complete the work. 
2. Coding Best Practices – In our digital age, there is always a new security threat trying to break through websites, applications, and more. One of the simplest ways you can ensure your code is secure, is to have your developers constantly update their skills to meet the latest and best coding standards. If your developer is writing in a coding style from two years ago, that leaves you at risk when it comes to vulnerabilities that have been found and used in attacks. 
3. Virtual Machines – Bear with me on this one. While a virtual machine technically allows for more points of access when it comes to hackers, the personal control over the system your developer uses means that this is still a great option for security. The important thing to remember with a virtual machine is that you are in control. It is your responsibility to ensure you have top security features and anti-malware programs on the machine that you are letting the developer use. On the developer’s end, this means that everything they do for your project must be done on the virtual machine. No more finding out months later that you developer’s computer had illegal software, putting your project at risk. No more worries about where your code is being stored on your developer’s machine. Despite the slightly elevated risk of hacking, virtual machines still offer a reliable and valuable source of security for your project. Don’t automatically discount this as an option – just make sure you’re prepared. 
4. Code Audits – If your team isn’t doing regular code audits, then they need to start now. Whether it be a technical project manager or a technical team lead, having someone regularly audit all of the code your developer is writing means that not only can you catch possible bugs and incompatibilities, but it also gives your manager a chance to point out areas of improvement. Constantly improving code means that there will be fewer insecurities and vulnerabilities, not to mention cleaner and easier to run code.
5. Trusted Workers – Lastly, working with an established and well-known staffing firm always adds multiple layers of protection for you. Companies that specialize in remote staffing have systems in place to ensure that their developers are always keeping client code safe and that the code belongs to you and you alone. Additionally, employees are interviewed thoroughly before you hire them, and that’s another worry off your plate.

Don’t forget to take these steps as a precaution when working with a developer to ensure their code is secure for you. As always though, your first step should be thoroughly vetting anyone you are looking to hire. If they come with recommendations and an established firm that they work with, all the better.

Interested in how much money you can save using a virtual staffing solution? 
Check out our free cost tool that compares the numbers for in-house and virtual employees!

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