Programming is a complex task that includes five steps: problem identification, solution design, coding, testing, and reporting. All of these steps are essential for analyzing security. Nowadays, attacks on IT systems and company infrastructures are a daily occurrence. Experts believe that attacks will continue to increase due to the increased use of technology. The use of new technologies, the internet, computers, etc. also brings some security issues. Programmers are required to create not only functional applications, but also secure ones.
Most consumers are aware of the need for secure apps, so developers should make security a priority.
Hacking attacks cause major problems for victims (theft of personal data, installation of malicious software , etc.). So what is the solution? Programmers need to think like malicious hackers. If this is done, cyberattacks could be greatly reduced.
Most organizations now recognize the importance of an effective security policy. They also try to find staff who are adequately trained in cybersecurity .To be more productive, programmers should start behaving and thinking like hackers. However, their goal should be security (ethical hacking).
Why should programmers adopt the mindset of hackers? What characteristics should they adopt?
- Great resilience
Hackers are extremely persistent. They try very hard to achieve what they want. Also, most of them are self-taught. They are very determined and do everything they can to overcome any obstacle that appears in front of them. Cybercriminals do not need “formal” education, degrees and theoretical knowledge. Most of the time they are self-taught and do not rely on the advice of others.
Developers should adopt these traits of perseverance, determination, and self-learned knowledge to create secure programs. Many times, because they are trained and qualified professionals, they do not consider simple solutions. This is bad. Also, many developers rely on other members of their team and do not take initiatives. Therefore, they do not experiment and do not evolve.
- Learning from experience
According to research, the most effective way to learn something is to do it in practice (experience). People acquire 5% of their knowledge from lectures, 10% from reading books, and 75% from experience.
Cybercriminals always learn from experience and are confident in themselves. Programmers should follow their example and be willing to experiment and make efforts. The knowledge they have acquired through their studies is not enough.
- Willingness to push beyond limits
Of course, “breaking the boundaries” doesn’t mean crossing ethical boundaries. It’s about taking initiative, experimenting, and overcoming obstacles.
The difference between hackers and programmers is that hackers look for new vulnerabilities to exploit, while programmers have to find them to fix them. Programmers should always be learning and discovering new ways to combat malicious situations.
- Work as fun
When people view a job as an obligation, they may not give their best effort. A programmer who has to get work done within a certain time frame is under pressure and may not be very innovative. Pressure can make someone productive, but less effective. Programmers should always enjoy what they do and have fun in order to be as effective as possible.
Cybercriminals do their work without any deadlines or pressures in mind. Their only goal is success. They are oriented goal- , not deadline-oriented. If programmers saw things the same way, they would likely perform better.
Cybercriminals as role models for imitation;
Cybercriminals are certainly not considered role models. However, they have some positive characteristics that programmers could adopt to be more effective and useful in creating secure applications.
