Implementation of Secure Coding Standards and Practices in Financial Software Development

Posted: Mar 19, 2005

• Theodore Roberts
• Victoria Campbell
• Victoria Flores

Abstract

The financial software industry faces persistent challenges in implementing secure coding standards despite widespread recognition of their importance. This research introduces a novel framework called the Adaptive Security Implementation Protocol (ASIP), which integrates behavioral economics principles with traditional secure development methodologies. Unlike conventional approaches that focus primarily on technical compliance, ASIP addresses the human and organizational factors that often undermine security implementation efforts. Our methodology employed a mixed-methods approach across three financial institutions, combining quantitative analysis of code vulnerability metrics with qualitative assessment of developer behaviors and organizational dynamics. The research revealed that cognitive biases, including optimism bias and present bias, significantly impact developers' adherence to secure coding practices. Furthermore, we identified that traditional training methods fail to address these psychological barriers effectively. The ASIP framework demonstrated a 47