Time to Crack the Basics of a Software Code Audit

How many times did you happen to have a tooth filled, thinking “If only I had gone for checkups regularly… I could save money and relieve the pain”? Most likely, this situation took place in your life at least once. Yes, prevention is better than cure, and this golden rule can be also applied to software development. And in the technology realm, this prevention practice is known as a software code audit.

#1. What Is a Software Code Audit?

We won't break new ground by telling you that it's hardly possible to find error-tolerant source code. And it's not the human factor only that impacts the outcome. Savvier hacking techniques and constant updates of product components can also entail the necessity of code correction.

So, to maintain software performance and keep your product hack-proof, you need to get your code thoroughly analyzed by an independent specialist from time to time. And this practice is called a software code audit.

#2. Code Audit vs. Code Review: Is There Any Difference?

When surfing the Internet, most likely you've come across the notions “code audit” and “code review” used interchangeably. Yes, these practices are employed for similar aims, but there is a slight difference between them. 

Thus, to maintain the code quality, check whether it complies with the required project patterns and architecture, hunt for bugs, and detect security vulnerabilities in your software, you may perform either a code audit or a code review. And when it’s your team that implements these processes, it means a code review takes place. But if you hire an external third party or turn to an independent in-house auditor, we're witnessing the code audit service in progress.

#3. What Services Does a Code Audit Include?

What to expect from an auditor? Well, most likely, a specialist will examine the code quality, check the security measures (in compliance with the OWASP standard), analyze the scalability potential, try to anticipate possible issues, and create an extensive report.

As a rule, software owners resort to code audit services after the product launch. Still, we recommend conducting regular audits (at least automated) even during the development process to make sure your team is hitting the right path.

#4. How to Realize Your Source Code Needs Auditing?

If your product still fulfills its functions, it does not necessarily mean you can put code analysis off. So, how to know that it's high time to perform a code audit? Here are key red flags:

• you haven't got the code audited for at least 6 months;
• your product is a legacy system;
• certain product requirements or databases got updated;
• you've detected a slight performance failure;
• something affects the software and you can't identify the cause.

#5. How Will I Benefit from a Timely Code Audit?

As mentioned above, prevention is better than cure. That's why a timely performed source code audit does bring tangible benefits to product owners. And below, you'll find the major ones.

• The earlier you detect existing and potential bugs, the easier & cheaper the fixing process will be.
• With a meticulous code audit, not only will you save time and money, but also get a clear vision of your product state, i.e., you'll see whether it's mature enough to scale up and handle updates.
• A regular code security audit is a must since it allows the development team to keep components up-to-date and reveal security breaches.
• What's more, a thorough review helps to maintain the coding style in compliance with the required standards and regulations.
• As the statistics suggest, 48% of users are unlikely to download an app again if they aren’t satisfied with its performance. Thus, a comprehensive analysis will help you keep the product afloat and enhance the user experience.

#6. What Are the Types & Methods of a Code Audit?

There are two ways of conducting a code audit: manual and automated (tool-based). Still, to achieve exceptional outcomes, you'd better combine these methods. Also, keep in mind that an automated audit should be conducted not only after the software is released, but also during the development process (to reduce errors and create a quality codebase).

Another thing you should know is that, sometimes, to assess the product's state, it's sufficient to just audit code components. Thus, we can pinpoint the code audit types, depending on the component under analysis (frontend, backend (e.g., the Ruby on Rails code audit), infrastructure, security measures, website code audit etc.).

#7. How Is a Code Audit Performed?

To answer this question, let's try to divide this process into steps.

• First, third-party developers plunge into the project to get familiar with its key processes.
• Then, an automated audit begins. During the process, the specialists check the source code for common issues and standard violations.
• Once the automated stage is complete, the code is scrutinized manually. This process encompasses bug hunting, security vulnerability detection, and maintenance risk assessment.
• When the specialists audit security, the software components are checked for updates.
• In the end, all the results are compiled into an extensive, easy-to-comprehend report (created with a code analysis report template).

After the audit analysis, the software can be fixed in compliance with the provided recommendations.

#8. What Tools to Employ for a Code Audit?

When performing an automated code audit, reliable, time-tested tools are a must. And among the most popular you may find Acunetix (for detecting SQL injection or cross-site scripting (XSS)), Beagle Security (for website security analysis), Ikare (for vulnerability management), SmartScanner (for the website & app state check), and Blacklock (for revealing the security vulnerabilities).

In addition to the above-mentioned tools, we can recommend you SonarQube — a multifunctional tool, that perfectly copes with both code audits and code reviews.

#9. How Much Does It Cost?

Now, that you are familiar with the basics of the source code audit, it's high time to talk numbers. Since the exact audit price depends on lots of factors (product type, project complexity, auditor's experience and location), it's hard to tell it right away. 

Still, what we know for sure is that a single hour of downtime due to a bug may cost your company up to $100,000. And that is another “pro” argument for regular code audits.

#10. What Are the Tips for a Quality Code Audit?

For those who carefully read articles till the end, we've shortlisted strategic reminders as a bonus. So, here they are:

• Conduct regular code reviews during the development process. In this way, you'll minimize potential risks and simplify subsequent audits.
• After getting the report, don't put all the blame on your team. Instead, let the developers learn from their mistakes and grow professionally. What's more, try to keep a positive drive in the work environment and motivate your team for future challenges.
• And last but not least — try to create a codebase of the highest possible quality from the start. Don't have enough resources to hire dedicated developers? Today, it's not such a problem, since you can always go for outsourcing.

Looking for a top-notch developer that regularly reviews a software codebase? Contact our specialists. Qulix Systems is a well-established company, ready to turn your ideas into upscale solutions.