Engineering Secure Software: Information Security Strategies for Modern Development Teams

Abstract

In an era where software systems form the backbone of digital transformation, securing applications from the ground up has become a strategic imperative. This study explores the engineering of secure software through the integration of comprehensive information security strategies by modern development teams. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, the research involved quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews with 120 professionals across industries practicing Agile, DevOps, and hybrid development methodologies. Key strategies such as secure coding, threat modeling, DevSecOps pipeline integration, and automated testing (SAST, DAST, and SCA) were assessed for their implementation frequency, effectiveness, and integration complexity. Statistical analysis revealed strong positive correlations between the adoption of security practices and software robustness, alongside significant inverse relationships with security incident rates and time-to-market pressures. Regression modeling confirmed the Security Practice Index, team collaboration, and training frequency as significant predictors of software quality. Additionally, DevOps-based teams and larger organizations reported significantly lower incident rates, as evidenced by ANOVA results and comparative visualizations. The study concludes that engineering secure software requires not just technical tools but a cultural shift that aligns developers, security analysts, and operations teams around shared security goals. By embedding security into every phase of the SDLC, modern teams can mitigate risks, improve resilience, and sustain agile delivery in an increasingly hostile cyber landscape.