What are the most common misconceptions about low-level security and cryptography in programming?

In regards to this topic, while security by obscurity may offer some short-term advantages in making systems less predictable, it should not be the primary or sole security strategy. It is no substitute for robust cryptographic techniques and authentication methods, which are designed to provide long-term security. Proper encryption and authentication are essential to ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of data and systems. Some negatives about this obscurity are the following: - Limited Effectiveness. - False Sense of Security. - No Resilience.

In reference to this topic, rolling your own crypto should be avoided in favor of using well-established and peer-reviewed cryptographic libraries and tools. While it may provide educational benefits and customization in rare cases, the risks of introducing vulnerabilities, errors, or inefficiencies far outweigh the potential advantages. Standard cryptographic practices and guidelines should be followed to ensure the security and integrity of systems and data. Some Cons to this topic are the following: - High Risk. - Lack of Peer Review. - Inefficiency. - Non-Standard.

The use of weak or outdated cryptographic algorithms or protocols is generally discouraged. While there may be situations where legacy compatibility or resource constraints necessitate their use, these cases are the exception rather than the rule. Strong and modern cryptographic methods are recommended to ensure the highest level of security and resilience against current and future threats. Regularly updating cryptographic implementations is crucial to stay in line with industry best practices and security requirements. Some Cons that I can mention aspects are the following: - Vulnerability. - Data Exposure. - Non-Compliance. - Limited Future-proofing.

The problem is that ignoring the potential for side-channel attacks is a risky approach to low-level security and cryptography. While it might seem simpler or more cost-effective in the short term, it exposes systems to significant security risks and can result in non-compliance with industry standards. To protect against side-channel attacks, it's advisable to implement appropriate countermeasures such as randomization, masking, blinding, or noise to safeguard the confidentiality and integrity of data and cryptographic keys. Some Cons to mention about this are the following: - Security Risks. - Cryptographic Weakness. - Compliance and Legal Consequences. - Lack of Future-proofing

This topic is very interesting, while passwords and keys have their advantages in terms of simplicity and user familiarity, relying on them as the sole or primary means of security is risky. Their inherent vulnerabilities and susceptibility to various attacks make them a weak link in the security chain. Programmers should complement passwords and keys with additional or alternative methods like MFA, biometrics, tokens, or certificates to bolster the security and reliability of their systems. Some negatives to mention are the following: - Weakness. - No Defense Against Phishing. - Single Point of Failure. - Limited Security

These additional considerations reflect the evolving and complex nature of low-level security and cryptography in the digital age. They emphasize the need for a holistic and proactive approach to security that goes beyond technology and involves people, processes, and culture. - Secure Coding Practices - Secure Cryptographic Storage - Security Trade-offs - Zero Trust Architecture

Before choosing a security mitigation, it is important to consider what you are defending against. Compiling a risk register, or a least thinking about the likely threats, their probability, and the impact will enable a programmer to make appropriate security choices when designing software.