Syllabus Point
- Apply security features incorporated into software including data protection, security, privacy and regulatory compliance
Software security requires implementing features that protect data, respect user privacy, and comply with legal regulations. Different industries and jurisdictions have specific compliance requirements that must be understood and implemented.
Data protection
Data protection security measures include:
- Password hashing - storing passwords securely rather than in plain text
- Encryption - protecting sensitive information in transit and at rest
- Data minimisation - only collecting the data that is necessary
- Input validation and sanitisation techniques - preventing malicious data from entering the system
- Parameterised queries and prepared statements - protecting against SQL injection
- Output encoding and error handling - preventing information disclosure through error messages
Privacy protection
Privacy protection involves:
- Privacy policy that outlines how data is collected, used and protected
- Obtaining consent from users before collecting data
- Privacy-enhancing technologies like anonymisation and pseudonymisation
- Transparent data practices that give users the ability to manage their information
- Ensuring data is used ethically and responsibly
User authentication and authorisation
Essential security features include:
- Multi-factor authentication (MFA) - requiring multiple forms of identification
- Monitoring and logging of user access and activities - tracking who accessed what and when
Regulatory compliance
Privacy Act 1988
Privacy legislation designed to ensure compliance with data protection laws. Organisations must implement mechanisms to facilitate user data rights including:
- Right to access personal data
- Right to rectify or correct personal data
- Right to delete personal data
Related Resources
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