Fix it - don't nix it [C security

Abstract

The article discusses the security in C programming language. Critics claim that the decades-old C programming language is inherently insecure. The author disagrees. Programmers just have to use security tools to fix software vulnerabilities.Research in recent years has identified the root cause of many of the vulnerabilities typically found in C/C++ code. Coding standards such as the CERT C Secure Coding Standard help programmers avoid the associated pitfalls. However, without automated tools to check for non-compliance, it is, arguably, more or less impossible for a programmer to deliver fault-free code. Software analysis tools for static code analysis are available to enforce compliance with the guidelines recommended by these established coding standards. They can perform in-depth, systemwide analysis of the code, and can utilise formal methods to ensure that system security is not compromised. Software tools enforce compliance with the guidelines recommended by established coding standards.