Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/identifying-security-vulnerabilities-c-programming
In the world of software development, especially with languages like C and C++, security is not just an afterthought; it’s a fundamental necessity. For developers looking to bolster their understanding and practical skills in identifying and mitigating security vulnerabilities, Coursera’s ‘Identifying Security Vulnerabilities in C/C++ Programming’ course is an exceptional resource. Building upon foundational knowledge from its prerequisite courses, this specialization delves deep into the critical aspects of writing secure C++ code.
The course employs a focused approach, prompting learners to consider “what to watch out for” and “where to look” when evaluating and remediating vulnerable C++ library code. This methodology equips you with the critical thinking skills needed to proactively identify weaknesses before they can be exploited. The techniques taught are designed to not only make your programs perform accurately but also to make them resilient against malicious attempts to disrupt their intended functionality.
The syllabus is comprehensive and covers a wide array of crucial security topics:
* Users, Privileges, and Environment Variables: This module provides a solid understanding of user and privilege management within Linux/UNIX-like systems. You’ll learn how programs interact with system privileges and how environment variables, particularly the PATH variable, influence program execution, especially when multiple versions of a program exist.
* Validation and Verification, Buffer and Numeric Overflows, and Input Injections: Here, the course tackles the vital area of input validation and verification. It meticulously explains how to avoid buffer and numeric overflows, detailing the consequences of calling functions with parameters that exceed their allocated memory. Furthermore, you’ll gain insight into detecting various input injection attacks like cross-site scripting (XSS) and SQL injection, and understanding the severe repercussions of neglecting input sanitization.
* Files, Subprocesses, and Race Conditions: This section explores the intricate relationship between files and subprocesses, empowering you to create subprocesses and shell scripts. A significant focus is placed on identifying and preventing race conditions – a common source of vulnerabilities. You’ll also practice securing environments for untrusted subprocesses.
* Randomness, Cryptography, and Other Topics: The final module broadens the scope to include randomness and cryptography. You’ll differentiate between pseudo-randomness and true randomness, learn to apply randomness in coding, and understand the importance of using trusted cryptography libraries rather than attempting custom implementations. Best practices for handling sensitive information, passwords, and crypto keys are covered, alongside robust error handling strategies and defenses against string attacks. Practical exercises include password hashing and attempting to guess passwords, reinforcing the concepts of secure data handling.
Overall, ‘Identifying Security Vulnerabilities in C/C++ Programming’ is a highly recommended course for any C/C++ developer serious about building secure software. It offers practical, actionable knowledge that directly translates to more robust and secure applications. If you’re looking to elevate your secure coding expertise, this course is a must-take.
Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/identifying-security-vulnerabilities-c-programming