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Notice: This article written by guest author: Imed Bouchrika

As more programs are created by developers, you need to be able to code with confidence while keeping security in mind. This is especially important as more programs are created and released into the market, where vulnerabilities can be easily exploited. Developers who lack confidence and security skills may inadvertently leave their applications open to cyber threats, putting users and data at risk.

Fortunately, there are affordable coding degrees that focus on secure development. These programs can teach you how to integrate security best practices into the coding process from the ground up.

In this blog post, we will delve into affordable pathways to a coding degree and how they can help you build security development skills.

Affordable Pathways to a Coding Degree

Learning how to code does not have to be expensive. You can choose among the many options for the cheapest cyber security degree online for an affordable way to get your degree. There are many accredited institutions that can provide flexible and cost-effective courses to give you the confidence you need to code while understanding how to make sure your program is secure.

Aside from the cheapest cyber security degree online options, you can also consider the following economical pathways to a coding career:

  • Coding bootcamps: These are intensive, short-term training programs that will train you on more practical skills to help you land an entry-level position.

  • Certificate programs:If you are looking for a more specialized way to learn how to code with confidence, opt for a certificate program in specific areas like cybersecurity or web development.

  • Community colleges: You can get an associate degree, transferable credits, and even a full software development degree at a community college. Since degrees at community colleges cost less than online cybersecurity degrees or degrees at other institutions, you can save a significant amount by studying at community colleges.

Financial Aid Tips

Here are some ways you can reduce the cost of your software development degree:

Apply for Federal Financial Aid (FAFSA): Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to see if you qualify for federal grants, loans, or work-study programs. Many students receive aid that significantly reduces tuition costs.

Look for Scholarships and Grants: Research coding-specific scholarships, such as those for women in tech, minorities, or cybersecurity students. Unlike loans, scholarships and grants don’t need to be repaid.

Utilize Employer Tuition Reimbursement: Some companies offer tuition reimbursement programs for employees pursuing relevant degrees or certifications. If you are already employed, be sure to check with your company if they provide financial support for education.

How to Choose Development Degrees

There are plenty of methods through which you can reach your goal of finding the cheapest cyber security degree online while making the most out of your learning experience.

Use these criteria when selecting a software development degree program:

  • It must be offered by accredited institutions or reputable training providers
  • The curriculum covers a broad range of programming languages and development practices
  • The program involves projects, lab work and case studies
  • The courses are taught by instructors with industry experience

It tackles the following cybersecurity courses:

Building Secure Development Skills

To have secure development skills as a coder, you need to learn how to spot any weak points in your code. With over 353 million total victims of cybersecurity attacks in 2023, the best move for you and your company will be to limit any chance of being attacked.

Whether you take the most expensive or cheapest cyber security degree online, a key outcome of your degree should be your ability to address all potential security risks in software development.

Some of the most common security risks you should be aware of are:

SQL Injection

A security vulnerability where attackers manipulate SQL queries by injecting malicious code through input fields or URL parameters. This allows unauthorized access to the database, enabling attackers to retrieve, alter, or delete sensitive data. For example, an attacker could insert code into a login form to bypass authentication or access restricted records, compromising the entire system’s security.

Cross-Site Scripting (XSS)

An XSS occurs when malicious scripts are injected into a web application and executed in users' browsers. This allows attackers to steal sensitive information like session cookies, impersonate users, or perform unauthorized actions on behalf of the user. XSS often happens when user input is not properly validated or sanitized before being displayed on a webpage.

Insecure Authentication

This refers to weak or improperly implemented login mechanisms that allow attackers to gain unauthorized access. Examples include weak passwords, lack of multi-factor authentication (MFA), and vulnerable password recovery systems. If authentication systems are not secure, attackers can exploit these weaknesses to impersonate users, steal data, or take control of accounts.

Broken Access Control

Broken Access Control happens when a system fails to enforce proper permissions, allowing users to access data or perform actions beyond their authorization level. This can lead to sensitive information being exposed or unauthorized actions being performed. For instance, an attacker could escalate privileges to an admin level or access restricted resources that should be hidden from their user role.

Insecure Data Storage

Insecure Data Storage refers to failing to adequately protect sensitive data, such as passwords, personal information, or financial records. This can happen when data is stored without encryption or security controls, leaving it vulnerable to theft or unauthorized access. If attackers gain access to insecurely stored data, they can exploit it for malicious purposes, such as identity theft or fraud.

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Photo by Christina Morillo

Best Practices in Secure Coding

Cyber attacks are expensive, and the cost is only growing. According to IBM, the average cost of a cyber attack will reach $4.88 million before the end of 2024—10% more than the year before.

If you want to reduce the chances of your software experiencing external attacks, you should follow these best practices:

  • Input Validation: Always validate and sanitize user inputs to prevent attacks like SQL injection and cross-site scripting (XSS).

  • Use Parameterized Queries: Implement parameterized queries to prevent SQL injection by ensuring user inputs don’t alter database queries.

  • Encrypt Sensitive Data: Use strong encryption for sensitive data both at rest and in transit to protect it from unauthorized access.

  • Apply the Principle of Least Privilege: Restrict user permissions to the bare minimum needed to perform tasks, reducing the risk of privilege escalation.

  • Regular Security Testing: Conduct frequent security assessments, including code reviews and vulnerability scans, to identify and address potential weaknesses.

You can also develop a strategy pattern to streamline communications between you and your team. Once everyone is on the same page, the chances of miscommunication will be minimized.

When you focus on addressing security risks in your software, you can limit the chances of a breach or failure in your software. As a result, you can build trust and reliability among those involved. Users can trust your company, while those who finance your build will be more confident in your ability to deliver.

Learn to Code With Confidence

In conclusion, you can get an affordable coding degree that emphasizes secure development and offers significant benefits for your future work. You just need to apply for financial aid or use more affordable options that are accessible to you.

If you’re ready to start your coding journey, there are plenty of accessible education options that can set you up for success. Whether through online programs, bootcamps, or community colleges, you can gain both technical skills and a deep understanding of security principles. As the tech industry increasingly prioritizes security, having a strong foundation in both coding and cybersecurity makes you a more valuable and confident developer, prepared to face real-world challenges. Now is the perfect time to explore these opportunities and take the first step toward a secure and successful coding career.