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Software Technology

Understanding Software Vulnerabilities and How to Prevent Them

Despite the evolution of IT, numerous companies still face security threats. No system or software is 100% secure, regardless of how efficient it is. While hackers are almost always on the lookout for these loopholes, software vulnerabilities are not the end of your software.

The truth is, software vulnerabilities are inevitable because they stem from the same causes—misconfigurations, errors, and unresolved vulnerabilities. So, if you are experiencing glitches in your software or desiring to keep your software in optimal conditions at all times, this blog post is for you. We will discuss common IT vulnerabilities and possible ways to prevent them with professional software development services.

Understanding Software Vulnerabilities and How to Prevent Them

What Are Software Vulnerabilities?

Software vulnerabilities are flaws in your code that are often caused by a weakness present in the software. These vulnerabilities may also be due to errors in user management processes.

A 2020 report shows that the average cost of a data breach was $3.86 million. Therefore, when left unresolved for long periods, a software vulnerability can impact the security and credibility of your IT infrastructure, endangering your organization’s sensitive data.

Common Software Vulnerabilities

1. Missing data encryption

When data is not effectively encrypted before storage, the vulnerability to cyber invasion is high.

Solution: Consider getting an encryption solution that meets your needs specifically to avoid human mistakes. You could also consider working with trusted software development teams to educate your personnel.

2. OS command injection

The shell or OS command injection occurs when your software’s operating system is attacked when you’re running an application. It is a method used to prey on an organization so that the hacker gets deeper access. Again, incomplete or incorrect input data validation is a major culprit.

Solution: Don’t allow OS commands from application-layer code. Register strong validation protocols in your organization.

3. Missing authorization

Missing authorization is due to insufficient authentication or limitations in the authorization. Additionally, this vulnerability is an easy way for attackers to enter.

Solution: Tighten and fully implement authorization protocols. Consider opting for identity management, multi-factor management, and privileged management tools, amongst others.

4. Cross-site scripting and forgery (CSRF/XSS/XSRF)

When this occurs, the attacker tricks the web browser into executing unwanted commands. Hence impacting the software and possibly your business adversely.

Solution: You can adopt a randomly generated token for general use. However, use double submission of cookies and matching random tokens before access is allowed.

5. URL redirection

URL redirection is one of the most annoying kinds of glitches. It leads you directly to the predator as your browser takes you to an external site.

Solution: Use a web browser or application firewall. Also, adopt automated scanning to keep your software up-to-date.

6. Path traversal

Directory traversal is common. It allows the hacker to access files on the server and read them, especially when running. These files could include code and data, credentials for back-end systems, and OS files. Solution:

  • Avoid the passage of user-supplied input into your filesystem APIs.
  • In addition to this, add multiple layers of defense or firewalls.
  • Consider opting for additional protective steps from trusted providers.
Check out: Espeo Software listed among Top 10 Poland Software Development Companies

General Ways To Prevent Software Vulnerabilities

First off, you must identify security requirements. These requirements must include business objectives, policies, risk management blueprint, and applicable laws and regulations. A company like us can help you develop your product with the precise requirement while ensuring your security. We help with:

Review Software Design
Once the initial software development process is complete, the team presents a fresh, qualified set of eyes to review it. The software must pass all security requirements and address the identified risk information.

Verify Third-Party Software
When third-party components are unavoidable, we use only those with code signing certificates to ensure authenticity and trustworthiness.

Regularly Identify and Confirm Vulnerabilities
Limit an attacker’s window of opportunity by proactively looking out for vulnerabilities in your system. The service includes regular reviews, analysis, and software testing to see if any new risks will arise. In addition, however, it will help establish an efficient response scheme to guarantee that weaknesses can be logged and reported as soon as possible.

Prioritize Fixes Based on Risks
Companies need to address the mitigation of vulnerabilities promptly. This development service provider scrutinizes each weakness and determines the complexity in resolving it, as well as its impact on your network. In addition, you can utilize issue tracking software to log every incident and flaw.

Understanding Software Vulnerabilities and How to Prevent Them

Choosing A Trusted Software Development Vendor

Good software development is crucial to the success of an organization’s system. That’s why hiring a trusted software development vendor that offers quality services, and solutions is a must. If you’re still wondering if outsourcing software development is the best path, these are some of the characteristics of Espeo Software:

Security
Established software development companies like Espeo software are experts, especially with system security. We are well-aware of existing dangers in the industry and how to prevent them effectively. Choosing the right development partner means you’ll have access to top talents with years of experience that will turn your security and business requirements into a viable and reliable solution.

Efficiency
With our professional software development experience, we ensure an increase in the efficiency of your organization. Hence, uncovering your business needs, ensuring communication with the development team, effective and secure code, and even training your staff to use and maintain your new solution. Each step is guaranteed to be executed and delivered with care and quality.

Cost-effective
Outsourcing your software development project is a more financially sound and efficient option. You won’t have to hire, onboard, and train a team of developers to create a solution. Instead, entrusting this responsibility to a professional team saves you valuable time and resources, which you can use to focus on generating revenue and expanding your business.

Expertise
As a trusted software development firm, we are established to be an expert in our field. Hence, we can offer valuable advice that would benefit your organization and give you a leg up in the industry. We can recommend important features, securely collect and store data, the best platform to build on, and more. Transparency throughout the partnership is also vital to establish trust and confidence.

Support
As your software provider, we support you, your organization, and your new product, from new-user training to database maintenance and security assessment.

Addressing software vulnerabilities before they show up is the smart move for your company. However, addressing them early and with the help of experts guarantees successful mitigation against security weaknesses. 

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Newsroom Software Technology

Espeo Software Wins Clutch Award for Poland’s Finest Developers

Transparent communication, efficiency, and craftsmanship — those words have been integrated into our work since 2008. At Espeo Software, we love designing and developing game-changing products for our clients around the world.

Espeo Software Wins Clutch Award for Poland’s Finest Developers

Based in Poznan, Poland and Helsinki, Finland, we are considered one of the best when it comes to creating cutting-edge digital solutions, especially in Finland where most of our clients come from. Our exceptional industry knowledge combined with our strong technical roots allow us to help our clients thrive and succeed. What sets us apart is our remarkable attention to detail and client-centric approach. Because of our dedication to making a difference, we’ve been chosen for the prestigious Clutch 2021 Awards. Located in Washington, DC., Clutch is an independent B2B review and market research platform that helps enterprises and businesses connect with the right service providers.

Espeo Software was hailed as a top performer on Clutch!

Our team was recognized as one of Poland’s best developers for incredible projects and collaborations. Clutch only recognizes the best, and that’s why we are incredibly gracious for this award. To express our sentiment, here are a few words from our Software Consulting Director:

“High position in the ranking announced by Clutch clearly indicates that our clients value cooperation with Espeo and the high quality of the services we provide”

— Dominik Zyskowski, Software Consulting Director at Espeo Software
Clutch Espeo Top Developers

Aside from Clutch’s award, we’ve also been featured as one of the top companies on Visual Objects, a portfolio site that showcases the craft of international creative agencies.

We are genuinely proud to be listed as one of the best web development companies in Poland!

As we move forward, we seize this opportunity to thank our clients for their precious trust and support. It is an honor to have our clients’ reviews featured on our Clutch profile — they serve as great inspiration for us to keep working harder.

Want to be better? Chat with us and let’s collaborate! We’re excited to learn more about how we can help you.

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Software Technology

New software technology trends to watch in 2021

Technology has always evolved at a rapid pace. However, the changes caused by the outbreak of COVID-19 last year impacted this process even more. We decided to take a closer look at the up and coming software technology trends that will dominate 2021. We will also answer the question of how the pandemic affected the tech industry. What has changed? What to keep an eye on? Continue reading to find out.

From this article you will learn:

  • How the pandemic affected the pace of tech development
  • What technologies to keep an eye on in 2021
New software technology trends to watch in 2021

Tech development amid COVID-19

The pandemic has without a doubt changed how people work and interact with each other and with organizations. As a result, digitization is needed to help us function in today’s environment. This is why tech trends play an enormous role in helping us adapt to the new normal. And since our lives were thrown in a digital space at a large scale, it is safe to say that COVID-19 increased the speed of innovation and tech development.

A recent survey conducted by McKinsey found that the responses to pandemic have accelerated the adoption of digital technologies by several years. Many of those changes are said to stay for the long haul. Taking that under consideration, what tech trends should we expect to rise in 2021?

Artificial intelligence and machine learning

Artificial Intelligence is undoubtedly one of the biggest tech trends at the moment. It will become an even more valuable tool during 2021 as it will help us interpret and understand the world around us. Especially with the volume of data that we are currently collecting.

The AI market will grow to a $190 billion industry by 2025 with global spending on cognitive and AI systems reaching over $57 billion in 2021.

Rise of the “as-a-service” business models

The cloud and as-a-service business models continue to be an important topic for small businesses all the way to global enterprises. Currently, they play a significant role in the recovery from the pandemic. According to Forrester Research, the global public cloud infrastructure market will grow by 35 percent to $120 billion in 2021.

“The pandemic validated the cloud’s value proposition. The ability to use on-demand, scalable cloud models to achieve cost efficiency and business continuity is providing the impetus for organizations to rapidly accelerate their digital business transformation plans. The increased use of public cloud services has reinforced cloud adoption to be the ‘new normal’ now more than ever.”, said Sid Nag, research vice president at Gartner, in one of their reports.

Since the pandemic has started, we could clearly notice that companies relying on cloud to provide scalable as-a-service solutions for their clients are prospering. A good example of such a company is Zoom. It has quickly become the most popular solution for video conferencing. Zoom achieved this thanks to its cloud-based nature and a swift response to meet the demand.

In 2021, this is going to become increasingly relevant and important.

Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality

Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) have been exceptional technology trends for some time now. In 2021, we expect them to integrate with our day-to-day lives even further.

Primarily, VR and AR have been used for gaming. Now, they have enormous potential in training, entertainment, education, and even rehabilitation after injuries.

New software technology trends to watch in 2021

5G revolution

The process of transferring most human activities into the digital sphere has increased the demand for 5G and other advanced, high-speed networks. They will revolutionize our lives by giving us faster, smarter and more stable wireless networking. Thereby, also driving advances in other sectors.

5G services will launch worldwide with more than 50 operators offering services in about 30 countries by the end of 2021. Many telcons declared to deliver 5G services. For example, in October 2020, Verizon announced a huge expansion of its 5G network, which will reach more than 200 million people. Nevertheless, Ericsson is extensively leading the charge. It became the first company to launch live commercial 5G networks on four continents.

Initiatives like this will become more and more important during 2021. Why? The answer is simple. Businesses will continue to increase automation across their organizations.

Blockchain technology

Most people usually associate blockchain technology with cryptocurrencies. The truth is that it can be used in many ways because of its security.

Businesses from various industries are showing an interest in adopting this technology to enhance their processes. For example, blockchain is especially useful to the supply chain, real estate asset management as well as in healthcare data management.

The pandemic accelerated the digital transformation drive in many areas. As a result the global blockchain market size will increase from USD 3.0 billion in 2020 to USD 39.7 billion by 2025.

Visit our blockchain blog for more information about this technology.

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Blockchain Software Technology

Essential tips for effective blockchain project management

Here at Espeo Blockchain, we live and breathe blockchain every day. Our team is hard at work creating exciting new projects and is constantly gaining new expertise. But have you ever wondered what sets Espeo’s blockchain project management apart from other developers? Building rapport with clients and robust blockchain advisory services are just a few things. I caught up with a few of our friendly project managers to hear their essential tips for successful blockchain project management.

Constant contact with clients is an essential part of our process. Keeping a finger on the pulse at all stages of the process is one of our project managers’ key tasks.

Know your team

Knowing the development team on a personal level builds rapport and trust between developers and clients. This is essential because it’s important to see results and encourages responsibility. An open environment drives developers to come up with novel solutions.

Espeo’s head of blockchain Dominik Zyskowski’s approach to blockchain project management is to foster effective communication between developers and the client. Usually, it gets to the point where clients learn the developers’ names and stories. Clients are not used to such a personal bond with a team. Since so many projects are based abroad, knowing that the team is taking care of the project everything — and that the team is focused — really sets Espeo Blockchain apart.

Dominik is transparent about a lot of things. He would like to see blockchain voting systems improve democracy and increase democratic participation. Nevertheless, he openly admits blockchain’s limitations. His honesty is something clients admire. As an experienced project manager and blockchain advisor, Dominik has worked on several of Espeo’s successful projects.

One that he thought was especially interesting was blocsport.one, in which he provided blockchain advisory services. The sporting startup worked with Espeo to build a Hyperledger Fabric-powered commission management platform. He was instrumental in technical consulting and delivered the product well under budget.

In addition to consulting, Espeo developers also designed network architecture and built the working application.

Unlike some of the early coin offerings, projects now have to have a solid product and a seamless plan in order to succeed. Dominik remains optimistic that the market is far healthier now since many of the scams and poorly-planned ICOs never get off the ground.

Knowing your development team builds trust and keeps everyone involved engaged throughout the process. Staying engaged and opening the process to transparent critique from everyone involved ensures the end project will be viable, and ultimately profitable.

Work with a company with a personal approach

Blockchain project development is not a speedy process. A lot of research and planning goes into each project. No two projects are the same and each poses unique challenges. Working with an engaged team of experts with your best interests in mind guarantees results. Simply getting to know the experts on the team, of course, builds trust. But the team should also apply their knowledge in unique ways. Small tweaks specifically designed for a project often lead to lower costs. According to Dominik:

“We are not trying to repeat the same project over and over, but we explore what’s happening in the area and try to propose the most beneficial solutions. I often talk to clients and they always value our approach. They really see the team, they can talk with them, they see our efforts along the way.”

But don’t just take our word for it. Melissa Christian, business manager of the Guardian Soulmates project commented:

“Espeo excels at project management. Using a combination of tools and technology, they maintain an open and responsive line of dialogue. The enthusiastic and dedicated team offers full-stack development expertise for frontend and backend.”

Our project managers not only create an environment where the developers and client bond, but also come up with the best solutions to solve specific problems. This personalized approach ends up slashing time and costs from blockchain projects.

Choose an expert team that will be honest with you

Just as knowing your team and getting a personalized approach ensures success, having a team that will be honest with you will help tremendously in the long run. Honest experts know when to say that blockchain may not be right for a project no matter how enthusiastic a client may be about the technology. Communicating realistic solutions and ensuring a client understands the process is essential to good project management.

Both Dominik and project manager, Sylwia Borska agree that equality, transparency, and constant communication ensure satisfied clients and developers. Happy developers are more likely to open up and remain transparent. Sylwia manages blockchain projects and has extensive experience in standard software development as well. She works hard to keep team morale high.

“As in any project,” says Borska, “we have to navigate between being sympathetic and effective. If we lack developers with a specific skill — like there’s some new implementation we’re not familiar with, we often bring in people who can stir the team in the right direction.”

Blockchain projects differ from regular software development in a few ways. First, since blockchain technology is relatively new, some entrepreneurs lack deep technical understanding. Unlike developing an app where the client knows more or less what to expect and how the app should work, blockchain projects are rarely as straightforward. Sometimes clients underestimate the cost and complexity that goes into blockchain project management. Having an honest guide throughout the process builds trust and keeps clients in the loop.

You don’t have to know everything about blockchain

Those unfamiliar with development projects may benefit from blockchain advisory services. But with so many so-called experts and conflicting information in the space, it can get confusing. Choosing a team with successful projects shows results and demonstrates expertise.

“Even a non-tech person can provide precise information about how [a product] should work and what features it should have,” says Dominik. “It’s more complicated when you do blockchain projects. The client needs to know how blockchain will be beneficial in a project. For instance, if you’re building a tool for invoice processing, for example, he or she also needs to take into account the network architecture and governance.”

Dominik guides clients as part of our blockchain advisory services, breaking down the mechanism and how blockchain can improve a business. Sometimes they even advise that blockchain is not the best solution and propose optimal solutions. Blockchain’s pros and cons should be vital discussion in any consulting discussion.

Choose legitimate (and honest) blockchain advisory services

Responsible developers and project managers care about the products they create. Before a development project begins, there should be an extensive discussion about how the finished product will work. A blockchain advisor may help solidify big blockchain ideas or encourage different solutions.

Dominik openly admits that blockchain is not always reasonable, or justified. Due to the hype surrounding blockchain, many entrepreneurs try to use blockchain where existing technology would do a better job.

“Our role is to sometimes tell a client that it’s not the best idea to use blockchain. It may incur costs and slow down the process for you. If you you’ve only got a small network of people you trust, for example.”

Entrepreneurs hoping to run a blockchain app to reduce costs need a solid plan in place. Unpacking all the different layers of complexity will help you start your blockchain project right. Speaking to someone who knows the intricacies of blockchain development and its business use can be invaluable before a project starts.

Hire a team with proven blockchain project management success

A proven portfolio of successful blockchain projects demonstrates expertise in the field. Due diligence in researching past accomplishments of a team is also important when you’re choosing developers. Search for what previous clients are saying and company portfolios. Teams of experts employ industry best practices to save clients money and help launch unique products.

“It really shows that our products were unique,” says Dominik proudly. “We do a lot of research before to get familiar with different small hacks that allow you not to overpay. There are ways to optimize that cost for a client. If some rookie company would develop this kind of system, they wouldn’t consider these types of best practices.”

Attention to fine details to optimize the blockchain projects sets Espeo Blockchain apart from other blockchain advisory services. A full consulting phase before development equips our clients with a firm grasp of technical architecture, and different project protocols. Using our own knowledge, we’re able to work with clients for the best blockchain development solution.

Blockchain project development offers rewards for entrepreneurs who do it right. Follow these essential tips and your big blockchain idea will become a reality. A team of blockchain consulting experts who offer personally tailored solutions will get your project off to a strong start. Honesty and transparency at every step of the development process keep everyone engaged and ensures a robust finished product. Getting an expert opinion in the form of blockchain advisory services also equips entrepreneurs with the trusted technical knowledge to create a seamless blockchain product. A great team yields great results.