Hire Security Engineers
for your project

Ongoing trends in IT indicate that cyber security has become essential to every industry. Hence the rise in cyber security spending. In fact, a recent report from Gartner predicted a continuous increase in expenditure for this. A 2.4% increase was expected for 2020.

A chunk of this money is going towards cyber security experts. This increased demand is the reason why security software developers are in such high demand.

It is no wonder that hiring a qualified security software developer may not be so easy. Are you finding it challenging to locate and recruit experts that fit your company’s needs? Well, you are not alone. Many hiring managers attest that finding experienced and affordable security software developers can be exhausting.

More and more businesses are looking to hire a software engineer for cyber security. Delaying the hire could leave your company exposed to malicious actors. But how much should you be spending on security? How do you ensure you are hiring experts that will improve your security position?

Research indicates that the amount of money spent does not translate into better protection. This article outlines everything you need to know to hire the right security developers.

Explore the responsibilities of software security developers and why you need to hire them. The article also discusses hiring processes. Particularly where to find developers, how to evaluate candidate skills, and how much you can expect to spend.

With data breaches reportedly exposing over 36 billion records in 2020 alone, secure development processes become vital for businesses. It has become increasingly important for enterprises to keep their data safe. Failure to do so not only makes them liable for non-compliance fines, but the business also risks losing its good reputation and revenue.

Here’s a look at some top reasons why secure development is a must:

Secure systems are foundational to businesses

Users cannot trust an organization that does not have a secure system in place as unauthorized parties can access their data easily. This is something not even a strong password or a two-factor authentication can prevent.

It is, therefore, a basic requirement for businesses to establish fortified systems. Taking security seriously during the development cycle will help minimize vulnerabilities in the final product.

Secure software safeguards user data

As technology advances, connected devices and personalization has increased the personal data applications collect. This includes sensitive information such as locations, healthcare records, and banking details. It is therefore crucial to guard against cyber security threats. The best way is to be proactive using secure development.

The McAfee survey indicates that the average technology user holds about $35,000 worth of assets in digital devices. Both users and organizations responsible for large amounts of data have a lot to lose.

In 2019, the Capital One data breach compromised banking information for over 100 million accounts. It was one of the largest data thefts from a bank. And the breach cost the institution up to $150 million. Fintech companies and banks alike are now set on improving security in their digital products.

The need to balance security and usability

Technology leaders understand the difficulty of creating secure and user-friendly digital products. Secure development allows for achieving the right balance in security, usability, and the performance of the solution.

Cyber security programmers can focus on making the code secure while the rest of the team works on increasing usability. A security software developer will decide what level of protection is essential to the application. That way, protection is not sacrificed for usability or vice versa.

Simplifying integration of crypto components

Programmers often leverage third-party tools to smooth out and speed up the development cycle. Cryptosystem components and SDKs are typical parts of the developer toolkit. However, it requires an experienced developer to select, integrate and scale the right tools.

Tools such as encryption SDKs and encryption algorithms are used to make the end-product secure. A dedicated security engineer will install and maintain such tools to improve your software’s security. They simplify the task for the rest of the developer team.

A security software developer is a specialist who helps  implement security assets into your software product. More advanced engineers are involved in security software development, but usually as consultants.

Experience in security analysis, defenses, and countermeasures make up a security software developer’s skill set. They optimize software security at each phase of the development lifecycle.

The rise in cybercrime has increased the demand for specialists in the field. This list includes application security engineers, information security analysts, and penetration testers, amongst others. These professionals are well versed in APIs and security-friendly programming languages.

The security expert’s role on your development team is to put in place a formidable security system. It is common practice to have every developer familiar with security best practices. However, without designated individuals combing through the code, many vulnerabilities may be overlooked. If developers are racing to meet the deadlines, safety could be sacrificed for functionality.

IT security engineers ensure that software has adequate protection against vulnerabilities. The responsibilities of software security engineers include the following:

The shortage of cyber security professionals isn’t the only thing that’s holding back some companies. In some cases, hiring managers have no idea what to look for in a security software developer. This includes skills critical to the project and the level of experience candidates must have. This brief overview will help you understand what type of security engineer to hire.

Software security roles

Handling security in software development requires a variety of skills. Professionals in different roles have diverse responsibilities; each specialist needs a specific skill set. Basic competency includes programming in languages like Java and Python.

Professions in cybersecurity engineering come with varied job descriptions. You need to understand what software security developer qualifications are aligned with each job title. Do this before you  start approaching potential hires with your offer.

The following list explains the tasks associated with different roles. It details the skills and experience each specialist must have. This should help you or your hiring manager to determine the type of specialist you need.

Application security engineer

Application security engineers’ job often involves working closely with development teams and project managers to ensure the security of the solutions. They must be familiar with various programming languages such as Python, JavaScript, C#, and Ruby, etc.

The programmers conduct dynamic tests on the entire team’s code to check for vulnerabilities. Carrying out these application security reviews involves dynamic software testing. Developers who have previously developed security tools or worked open-source projects would be a good fit.

Security engineer

Security engineers are responsible for designing security protocols and leading the implementation efforts. They are also required to secure systems and respond to breaches. The tasks can include installing or processing new security products and procedures.

Computer forensic skills are a must for someone in this role. Security engineers have to be able to detect, trace and remedy issues promptly. They need to analyze security systems and seek improvements continuously.

A thorough understanding of the industry best practices will be an added advantage. It will help security engineers keep up with trends and anticipate the needs of the organization.

Network security engineer

These are experts specializing in establishing, managing network security, and assessing risks for vulnerabilities. This refers to both the hardware and software aspects. The job entails setting up and maintaining firewalls, VPNs, and servers. Securing networks also involves URL filtering, information security, and virus protection.

Network security engineers tend to hold certifications like CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional) and CCNP (Cisco Certified Network Professional), among others.

Information security analyst

This role revolves around identifying threats and creating security strategies for protecting data and networks. It involves installing security tools to protect systems and information infrastructure. These can be firewalls or data encryption programs amongst other solutions. Information security analysts often work hand-in-hand with specialists in networking and IT to set up security protocols.

IT security specialist

IT security specialists analyze existing security systems and make recommendations for changes or improvements. They are also tasked with crafting and implementing cyber security measures to prevent possible breaches. This is done by configuring security software and educating employees.

Penetration Tester

This role involves identifying weaknesses in digital systems and networks. This is done by attempting to hack into networks to identify vulnerabilities in a system. Penetration tests are simulated attacks to investigate system vulnerabilities. A penetration tester provides detailed feedback on the software security vulnerabilities, particularly the ways it can be potentially hacked.

Candidates for such a post often have experience in network-related roles. Certifications in penetration testing, ethical hacking, and related fields are notable indicators of skill.

Security Consultants

Security consultants evaluate security measures, study breaches, and spearhead the implementation of solutions. Their job is to help organizations understand where their cyber security measures may need patching up.

Familiarity with regulatory requirements for data protection is a must in this role. It helps if candidates have knowledge of IT business and cyber security laws.

Security Architect

A security architect designs systems to be secure against cyber security threats. This involves reviewing current system security measures and recommending and implementing enhancements.

Candidates must be skilled programmers and capable of creating cyber security policies. They need to be experts in both hardware and software.

This senior role involves planning and managing computer and network security; hence strong communication and organizational skills are necessary.

Technical Interviews

A thorough evaluation process will also include technical interviews. Technical interviews help establish the candidate’s level of skill. Recruiters should ask questions that help establish the applicant’s knowledge and experience in relevant technologies.

Educational qualifications

Educational qualifications for security software developers generally consist of a college degree. It could be in computer science, networking, or any other relevant area. This also covers MSc in areas like information security. Some professionals hold an associate’s degree or a diploma relevant to the IT field.

Professional certifications

Companies should also take into consideration relevant certifications. Good examples are CISSP, ECSP, GSSP-JAVA, GSSP-.NET and even ethical hacking certifications. Other industry-specific compliance related qualifications like Certified HIPAA Security Expert (CHPE) and Certified Security Compliance Specialist (CSCS)

The following is a list of popular certifications:

Although the aforementioned make verifying a candidate’s qualifications easier, work experience carries more weight. Skilled qualified security engineers are a rare breed, and hiring managers cannot afford to dismiss candidates without a formal education. What matters most is one’s capabilities to accomplish real, complicated projects.

Take time to go through a candidate’s portfolio. Previous projects and references provide a more reliable view of the developer’s skills.

Soft skills

Aside from technical skills, a cyber security engineer must have strong communication skills. Business proficiency in a global language like English will be an added advantage as developers need to share technical information with their colleagues. They will also have to explain complex security issues in layman’s terms to other people without technical knowledge.

A security software engineer’s job revolves around problem-solving. Naturally, they must possess analytical skills to assess security requirements. This makes the ability to combine factors like existing technologies, cost, and function for improvements critical.

Security professionals are expected to anticipate and respond quickly to cyber attacks. Being able to work in such a high-pressure environment is a necessity. To check if a candidate is the right fit for your company, ask interview questions like the following:

It pays to consider all your hiring options before you begin your search for programmers. Each of the methods for hiring security software developers have different advantages and disadvantages. Find the one most beneficial to your company before approaching candidates.

Hiring freelancers

Hiring freelance security developers requires the hiring managers to look up possible candidates on job sites. Once likely candidates are identified, their qualifications and skills are evaluated. The company representatives are tasked with conducting interviews to determine who gets the job.

Freelance developers are not hard to find online. The tricky part is often determining their level of expertise and suitability for the job. It is best to dig deep into a security developer’s work history. Take note if they have experience in critical areas, e.g., whether they have an understanding of specific frameworks or have worked on projects similar to yours before.

Given the growing popularity of freelancing, there are several reliable job sites companies can use. Some of the best places to hire from include Upwork, Toptal, Github, and Freelancer.com. These websites typically charge a small fee to let you post vacancies. However, there are some sites that offer limited access for free.

Hiring full-time developers

Companies can hire full-time security engineers through several avenues. The vacancies can be published in media, job sites, and even developer community boards. Hiring managers are tasked with ensuring the pool of candidates is as big as possible.

Once viable candidates are found, the company has to verify and evaluate each one’s qualifications. Technical interviews and programming tests also help in establishing the skills of a potential hire.

Having a security software developer as a permanent employee has many benefits for the company. However, hiring in-house security programmers may take time and requires more resources. Hiring managers have to find someone who is the right fit for the company’s objectives.

With freelancers, companies only have to consider developers with the exact skills they need. A full-time secure software developer needs to fit in with the rest of the team. It’s not only about a single project’s requirements.

Partnering with an IT company

Hiring security engineers through an IT company is simpler than using freelancers or in-house employees. For starters, it takes the burden of the recruitment processes off the business’s shoulders. Recruitment costs are also limited to what the service provider charges. You will only pay for the talent you end up hiring.

A partnership with an IT company frees  you up to attend to your core business. Your staff augmentation provider will provide qualified candidates from it’s extensive database. The search can extend offshore or to other cities depending on your needs. They will vet and verify the candidate’s experience and skills.

You will only have to make your choice from a shortlist of possible hires provided by your IT staff augmentation partner. The client has the final say on who gets the job. The search will go on until you find a suitable candidate to work with.

Traditionally, the IT staffing service provider handles administration and manages the remote team. They provide the security developers with the tools for the project at hand. The IT partner helps establish a strong relationship between the client and the developers.

Successfully hiring your next cyber security engineer can be easier than you thought. There are just five critical steps you need to take.

Step 1 – Define what specialist you need to hire

The first thing to do is elaborate on what kind of security expert you need. Before you can scout for cyber security engineers, it’s important to establish a job description. This is what will be used to determine suitable candidates and interview them later.

For you to get the right person for the job, clarity is essential. What responsibilities will the security expert have? What technical skills are required to complete tasks? Do you specifically need developers with experience from similar projects?

Highlighting your expectations enables you to narrow down the search effectively. It helps clearly define what qualities a candidate must possess. This will help you land the right candidate even faster.

Step 2 – Choose the most suitable model

Selecting a hiring model should be a well thought out decision. The results of each model bear different results. In the end, it all boils down to your business’s needs.

You can choose to hire a freelancer security software developer, an in-house employee or use IT staff augmentation. However, each recruitment model does not provide the same benefits to every company. The project’s requirements, company size, structure, and budget all determine a model’s success.

Evaluate your business goals before making your choice. Establish how much you are willing to spend on recruitment and the project as a whole. Also, consider whether or not you have key personnel like recruitment experts and project managers.

The amount of resources at your disposal often dictates the best route to take. The most cost-effective and time-saving approach will be engaging an IT company.

Step 3 – Conduct the interviews

Once you have identified qualified professionals for the job, you will need to interview them. This process is to determine who the best fit is. Interviewers should be familiar with the job description and the skills required. This makes it easier for them to determine the security experts who can add value to the existing team.

Prepare for the interview by putting together questions related to the actual project requirements. Here are sample interview questions you can have a security engineer answer to determine their expertise:

A test task will also be essential. You can leverage online technical skills test tools like DevSkiller and Qualified.io when assessing developers. However, it will be an added advantage if your task involves technology to be used in the project.

Step 4 – Finalize the agreement and sign the contract

Naturally, after you are satisfied with a candidate’s skills, you establish the employment agreement.

After interviews, you should have identified the  security software engineers to hire. The ideal candidate not only has the necessary skills, They are also able to work well with the rest of your organization.

Your employment contracts exist to set the rules of engagement. This should cover things like working arrangements, working hours, and data protection.

Another key area you must not neglect is ownership of the product and code. If you decide to work with an IT staff augmentation company, make sure your agreement clearly states who owns the work product.

Step 5 – Ensure the onboarding is smooth and easy

Getting new hires to work smoothly in the company is sometimes a tricky endeavor. Ensure your hired security software developers can work harmoniously with existing in-house employees. Setting up a face-to-face meeting can help ease tensions and establish a good precedent for future communication.

Onboarding includes familiarizing the security experts with internal procedures. This ranges from the proper communication channels, collaboration tools to use, and the product development approach. Provide documentation where possible to simplify things.

Building a strong relationship with new hires pays off in the long run. It also makes it easier to communicate throughout the project. Promote a friendly working environment through activities that help bring everyone  working on the product together. This not only boosts morale, but also helps new developers understand your business goals.

The hiring process for security experts doesn’t have to be stressful. DOIT Software provides companies access to highly qualified talent and secure development expertise.

Engaging an experienced IT company holds many benefits for you. Cut down the time it takes to hire and shrink recruitment costs all at the same time. Our recruitment specialists can help you make the most of your budget.

Simplify the hiring process by gaining access to a larger pool of talent. You will also receive help in skill evaluation, interviewing, onboarding, and other administrative tasks. Partnering with an IT company could be the best decision for your security software development.

Avoid the common traps of hiring security software developers on your own. Leverage this clear roadmap to hiring qualified and experienced experts without straining your resources. Contact DOIT Software today and begin the recruitment for a world-class cyber security team.