Building Secure Python Applications

# Title: Building Secure Python Applications
# Description: Best practices for writing secure Python code to protect against common vulnerabilities and ensure data integrity.
# Category: Python Cursor Rules

## Secure Coding Standards

- **Avoid Hardcoding Sensitive Information**: Store API keys and credentials in environment variables or configuration files excluded from version control.

- **Use Virtual Environments**: Isolate project dependencies using virtual environments to prevent conflicts and enhance security.

- **Input Validation and Sanitization**: Validate and sanitize all user inputs to prevent injection attacks and ensure data integrity.

- **Implement Least Privilege Principle**: Assign the minimum necessary permissions to processes and users to reduce security risks.

- **Secure Dependency Management**: Regularly update dependencies and monitor for known vulnerabilities using tools like `pip-audit` or `safety`.

- **Error Handling and Logging**: Implement comprehensive error handling and logging without exposing sensitive information.

- **Avoid Dangerous Functions**: Refrain from using functions like `eval()`, `exec()`, and `os.system()` due to security risks.

- **Use Secure Libraries**: Prefer libraries with a strong security track record and avoid deprecated or unmaintained packages.

- **Secure Configuration Management**: Ensure configuration files are secure and do not contain sensitive information.

- **Regular Security Audits**: Conduct periodic security audits and code reviews to identify and mitigate potential vulnerabilities.

## Tools and Plugins

- **Flake8 Secure Coding Standard Plugin**: Integrate the `flake8-secure-coding-standard` plugin to enforce secure coding practices.

- **Pylint Secure Coding Standard Plugin**: Use the `pylint-secure-coding-standard` plugin to identify security issues in the codebase.

- **Bandit**: Incorporate Bandit into the development workflow to detect common security issues in Python code.

## Documentation

- **Comprehensive Documentation**: Maintain up-to-date documentation for all modules, functions, and classes, including security considerations.

- **Docstrings**: Use docstrings to describe the purpose and usage of code components, adhering to PEP 257 conventions.

## Testing

- **Security Testing**: Implement security-focused tests to identify vulnerabilities and ensure the application handles malicious inputs gracefully.

- **Automated Testing**: Utilize automated testing frameworks to maintain code quality and detect issues early in the development cycle.

## Continuous Integration/Continuous Deployment (CI/CD)

- **Integrate Security Checks**: Incorporate security linters and vulnerability scanners into the CI/CD pipeline to catch issues before deployment.

- **Environment Configuration**: Ensure that CI/CD environments are securely configured and do not expose sensitive information.

## Compliance

- **Adhere to Standards**: Follow industry standards and guidelines such as OWASP Top 10 and CWE Top 25 to mitigate common security risks.

- **Regular Training**: Provide ongoing security training for developers to stay informed about emerging threats and best practices.