Secure Code Reviews are an essential component of cybersecurity, designed to systematically analyze application source code to identify vulnerabilities and security flaws that could be exploited by attackers. Unlike traditional penetration testing, which focuses on testing the functionality and behavior of an application, secure code reviews go directly into the application’s internal structure, examining the actual code for weaknesses. This allows security teams to proactively address security risks early in the development process.

Purpose of Secure Code Reviews:
The primary goal of a secure code review is to detect and remediate vulnerabilities within the source code that could be exploited by malicious actors. Common issues include insecure coding practices, improper error handling, authentication and authorization flaws, and data exposure risks. By conducting a thorough review, organizations can enhance the overall security posture of their applications, prevent breaches, and ensure compliance with industry security standards.

Key Objectives of Secure Code Reviews : 

1. Identify Security Vulnerabilities: Secure code reviews help identify critical Security vulnerabilities.

2. Adhere to Secure Coding Standards: Secure code reviews ensure that developers are following best practices and security guidelines.

3. Preventing Vulnerabilities Early in Development : Secure code reviews are particularly effective when conducted during the development phase or integrated into the DevSecOps pipeline. By identifying issues early, organizations can prevent security vulnerabilities from being deployed into production. This reduces the overall cost of fixing vulnerabilities, as issues found later (or after a
breach) can be much more costly and disruptive to fix.

4. Assessing the Code for Business Logic Flaws : While automated tools can help identify common vulnerabilities, secure code reviews also focus on business logic flaws that are specific to the application’s functionality. These flaws often stem from incorrect assumptions or logic within the application, which attackers can exploit to bypass security controls.

5. Compliance with Security Standards and Regulations : Secure code reviews help ensure compliance with security frameworks and regulations like: 

• OWASP Top Ten
• PCI DSS
  
• GDPR / HIPAA
  

Secure Code Review Methodology:

1. Static Analysis
2. Focusing on Key Security Areas
3. Business Logic Vulnerability Review
4. Reporting and Remediation