What does an Internet Security developer do?
An Internet Security developer writes code that protects internet-facing systems from cyber threats by embedding security controls directly into the software development lifecycle. This role prevents unauthorized access and data leaks during the build process rather than treating safety as a final checkpoint. You build defenses against known vulnerabilities while keeping applications functional for users.
- Embed security requirements into each stage of the software development lifecycle, from initial design through release. You define threat models during the planning phase and implement secure coding standards during implementation. This approach prevents vulnerabilities from entering the codebase early, which reduces the cost and effort required for later fixes. You collaborate with product teams to balance security needs with user experience and performance goals.
- Run static application security testing tools and web vulnerability scanners to identify weaknesses in your code. You use tools like OWASP ZAP to discover security flaws in web applications and interpret the results accurately. After identifying issues, you rewrite the affected code segments to eliminate the vulnerability without breaking existing functionality. You verify these fixes by re-running tests to confirm the threat no longer exists in the build.
- Manage software supply-chain risks by scanning third-party dependencies for known vulnerabilities. You use automated checks like OWASP Dependency-Check to detect outdated or compromised libraries in your project. When a risk appears, you update dependency lists and lockfiles to patch the issue or replace the component entirely. You document these mitigation actions and submit verification evidence to a centralized defect management system like Defect Dojo.
How to hire an Internet Security developer on Upwork
Step 1: Post a job
Define your security requirements clearly to attract qualified candidates who specialize in secure software development. Use the Job Post Generator powered by Uma™, Upwork's Mindful AI to draft a precise description. Describe your needs in a few sentences and Uma drafts a job post for the role. You can write a new post, update a saved draft, or reuse an existing post.
- Specify that the freelancer must embed security controls into the software development lifecycle for internet-facing applications.
- List required tools such as OWASP ZAP for vulnerability scanning and SAST tooling for static analysis.
- Request experience with dependency checks using OWASP Dependency-Check to manage supply-chain risks.
Step 2: Evaluate candidates
Look for portfolios that demonstrate concrete remediation of code vulnerabilities and management of security findings. Uma can run instant video interviews and build shortlists with side-by-side comparisons to speed up this process.
- Verify that candidates have produced verification evidence for secure development practices during previous projects.
- Check for examples of aggregated security testing outputs managed in defect tracking systems like Defect Dojo.
- Confirm experience with retire.js or similar tools to identify and mitigate risks in third-party components.
Step 3: Interview your top choices
Discuss specific workflows for handling security findings and integrating them into the development pipeline. Interviews can be scheduled and conducted within Upwork Messages with an immediate transcript and summary after each one.
- Ask how they interpret static analysis results and drive code remediation before a merge occurs.
- Inquire about their process for performing threat modeling during the design phase of web applications.
- Discuss their approach to managing dependency vulnerabilities and updating lockfiles to reduce exposure.
Step 4: Agree on scope and begin work
Set clear milestones for delivering remediated code and updated dependency lists to track progress effectively. Use Upwork Messages and the contract workroom for communication and project management, plus identity verification, payment protection, hourly tracking, and project funds for security.
- Define deliverables such as remediated code changes that address identified security issues from scans.
- Establish a workflow for importing security findings into a centralized platform for ongoing management.
- Agree on regular updates to dependency lists and mitigation actions for any newly discovered vulnerabilities.
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