4/17/25

Secure Software Developer Job Overview

 

Introduction

The cybersecurity career I am most interested in is the career of a secure software developer. I am interested in this career because it involves programming, designing application interfaces, and developing software, and that is something I am interested in specializing in. In cybersecurity, social science plays a huge role in research and understanding the human aspect of technology, so the role of a secure software developer definitely relies on social science and its principles. 

 

About the Career

The overall job of a secure software developer is taking on the responsibility of developing, creating, modifying, and maintaining computer programs and software to protect against cyber threats. A few specific tasks in this career include developing secure code and debugging, modifying/creating existing computer applications, designing and developing software systems, and analyzing system capabilities and requirements. The work environment of a secure software developer is both in office settings and remote work at home. 

 

Relation to Social Sciences

As a secure software developer, it is important to understand human behavior regarding technology so you can know the best approach in cybersecurity and how to prevent future cyberattacks on a computer system. The use of the social science principles allows for this to be done easier than without them. Social science principles like parsimony and determinism are very important in this career. Parsimony allows for the design of security systems to be simple but still effective. Parsimony in security systems makes it easier for errors in the systems to be found and resolved to provide up-to-standard security. Determinism can help secure software developers understand why individuals commit certain cybercrimes and could use that information when developing new software. 

 

Key Concepts

Concepts such as human factors, psychological principles, and proficient cyber hygiene are important in this field of cybersecurity. First, it is important for secure software developers to understand human factors because human factors apply knowledge of human capabilities to systems, and identifying these human factors can be helpful with modifications for more efficient performance in certain systems and minimization of human error. When human error is minimized, there are fewer obstacles in the way. Psychological principles such as the theories of cyber offending are an effective way of learning about why humans do certain things; this can be helpful in solving cybercrime cases. For example, the psychodynamic theory, which suggests decisions are influenced by early experiences in life, is one potential reason why someone might commit a cybercrime. Lastly, proficient cyber hygiene, which is likely the most important concept as a secure software developer, is important because this is where the whole process of cybersecurity starts. If one has top-notch cyber hygiene, they are less likely to face the other complications later down the line. Cyber hygiene is applied in the tasks of a secure software developer when they mitigate programming vulnerabilities, conduct risk analyses of applications, conduct trial runs of programs, upgrade software interfaces, etc. 

Affects on Marginalized Groups and Society

Secure software developers design systems based on the needs of the society regarding technology and privacy. Also, having a diverse team helps marginalized groups because each individual can relate to and understand those who are in need in one way or another. For example, if a large amount of cyber victimization in a certain demographic of a particular cybercrime is perceived, the secure software developer will analyze that data and find a solution to reduce the amount of cyber victimization. Secure software developers overall contribute to society by protecting organizations, critical infrastructure, and individuals from cyber threats and vulnerabilities. The design of their software prioritizes security and trustworthy security systems. 

 

Conclusion

To conclude, the role of a secure software developer is important because it aims to protect society against cyber threats with its robust software solutions. The usage of the social sciences plays a key role in this career because of its assistance in understanding the human aspect of cybersecurity. Key concepts like psychological theories and cyber hygiene are also major in the work of a secure software developer because they can help predict and therefore prevent future cyberattacks. The work of a secure software developer benefits different kinds of groups and society as a whole because of the protection and security they provide for all. 

 

Works Cited

NICE Workforce Framework for Cybersecurity (NICE Framework). National Initiative for Cybersecurity Careers and Studies, January 17, 2025. https://niccs.cisa.gov/workforce-development/nice-framework/work-role/secure-software-development

Tobin, James M. Security Software Developer Career Overview. CyberDegrees, October 18, 2023. https://www.cyberdegrees.org/jobs/security-software-developer/ 

What does a security software developer do? CareerExplorer by Sokanu. https://www.careerexplorer.com/careers/security-software-developer/#:~:text=They%20play%20an%20important%20role,of%20evolving%20threats%20and%20vulnerabilities.