Using security tools in software development often poses a significant challenge for programmers, who face the need to deal with systems that are often poorly designed from the perspective of their needs. As developers work on creating new functionalities, they are also responsible for identifying and fixing security issues. This responsibility can be overwhelming, especially when constantly switching between security tools and the development environment, leading to complications and loss of valuable time.
Alerts generated by these tools often lack concrete actions, forcing developers to spend time investigating issues on their own and dealing with false positives that divert their attention from their main tasks. This alert overload can lead to a reduction in vigilance towards vulnerabilities as they accumulate, resulting in a problematic situation for software security.
In an effort to address these challenges, GitHub is implementing solutions that integrate security directly into development workflows. Tools like Secret Protection, Code Security, Dependabot, and Copilot Autofix are designed not only to detect issues but also to help developers prioritize and fix vulnerabilities with the support of artificial intelligence.
For example, Secret Protection offers the ability to detect exposed secrets, such as forgotten API keys, at the time of committing. This allows developers to receive immediate alerts and make corrections while the code is fresh in their minds, preventing secrets from leaking into the production environment.
Additionally, Dependabot plays a crucial role in analyzing open-source libraries used by developers. The tool identifies vulnerabilities in these dependencies and, if solutions are available, automatically generates pull requests that allow developers to address the issues without disrupting their workflow. Recently, Dependabot has incorporated data from the Exploit Prediction Scoring System (EPSS) to help prioritize alerts based on their likelihood of exploitation.
When a developer submits a pull request, GitHub automatically activates security tools, eliminating the need for manual reviews. Similarly, the Copilot Autofix feature suggests fixes for 90% of alert types, speeding up the remediation process and allowing teams to reduce the time spent resolving vulnerabilities by 60%.
This integration of security tools into the software development workflow not only aims to make security more accessible but also seeks to transform the way developers approach security, turning what has historically been a laborious process into a more smooth and efficient experience.
via: MiMub in Spanish
