Effect of poor software development practices on computer software security

Abstract

We are in what is known as the digital age. Almost every aspect of life is in one way or another affected by computers. There has been seen an increase in the availability of computer hardwareand software. Computer hardware has become rampant withdevices such as mobile phones, tablets and laptopsmaking it possible forpeopleto easilycarryand movewiththecomputingdevicewhich has in essence contributed to computer usage. We use computer software otherwise known as computer systems for communication, for online shopping and purchasing, for businesstransactions, for remote medical services, for government services and for education purposes among many other uses. It is right to say that computers have revolutionized the way we live. Computer systems are obtained through a process known as programming. Computer programmers also known as developers work either as individuals, as members of a team or in employment by a software development company. But as computer usage increases so has a type of criminals known as cybercriminals perpetrating what are knownas cybercrimes. Cybercrimes are intended to disrupt computer usage and cause damage to individuals, organizations and even governments. Software creators need to be keenso thattheycandevelop softwarethat is secure and which makes it hard to manipulate by criminals. This research considers some of the practices ignored or in some cases taken lightly by software developers which in return lead to less secure software. The research also recommends what software developers need to do in order to secure software.