Java is one of the best-known technologies for curating avant-garde desktop, mobile, and web-based applications. Also, with the introduction of newer technologies and increasing digital awareness, cybercriminals have become more competent and cautious in breaching software and apps with various malware and threats.

Moreover, the rise of vulnerabilities and loopholes in Java-based applications like the "Spring4Shell or Springshell" vulnerability type may become an easy target for cyber attackers to exploit such vulnerabilities. Thus, for a smooth development process using cutting-edge Java technology and to enhance the security of curated Java software and applications, let us look at best Java Development Security Practices checklist.

1. Exclude App Serialization

Serialization helps in caching, sharing byte streams, configuring multi-tenant communication, and maintaining persistence; however, expert Java developers always recommend not implementing the serialization technique in applications. This is so because of the numerous vulnerabilities associated with it, like how a cyber attacker may use object deserialization to embed malicious code, and also because serialization utilizes extensive processor resources that may slow app performance and stability.

Instead, developers may adopt alternatives like JSON for data transfer, utilize XML data formats, Deploy Runtime Application Self-Protection (RASP) on app servers, and Prevent classes from getting serialized through the "java.io.ObjectInputStream".

2. Avoid Revealing the Exact Error Code

Revealing or displaying the exact error code to the end user is a simpler method of providing confidential information to cyber attackers, whereby they can exploit the error code to crack sensitive data about the code structure, classes, libraries, databases, and objects in Java software.

As a Java developer, you must keep your error messages generic rather than technical, and during development, it is recommended to create test cases to confirm the exact error code is not displayed to the end user. Additionally, analyze and monitor log server activities to track malicious actors, if any.

3. Implement Data Security

There are "Three" data states in Java applications: at rest, in processing, and in transmission, where ensuring data security at all three states of data is a must.
For data at rest, use the hashing technique to secure passwords from any SQL injection attack. For data processing and transmission, use SSL certificates to encrypt every bit of data for safe data transfer, and configure DTLS (Data Transport Layer Security) for secure network communication.

4. Use Code Signing Encryption

Under the production environment of Java development, developers must digitally sign software or applications using a code signing certificate that uses hashing encryption techniques to secure the code from unauthorized tampering and also verifies the developer's identity to be legitimate.

Thus, it's always recommended to code sign Java applications using authentic code signing certificates acquired from a reputed CA like Sectigo Code Signing Certificate to enhance code security and integrity from malware tampering.

5. Use Clean and Short Code

A clean and short code is a fundamental pillar for secure Java software or applications since it eliminates additional code that is vulnerable to getting exploited by attackers and avoids using third-party code repositories that are open to cyber attackers.

Moreover, perfectly utilize access modifiers by configuring different access levels to methods and classes by limiting the components from interacting with each other and outside the network.

6. Prefer Using Tested Libraries

For developing secure Java-based software and applications, always ensure to use known or tested libraries that are trusted. Also, always maintain an R&D approach for discovering vulnerabilities associated with any library before accessing it to determine its legitimacy, whether it's a parsing, general purpose, or logging library.

7. Parameterize Input and Queries

By configuring parameters in the input and queries, you can create a difference between parameter data and a query that helps the code run only in specific areas, minimizing the risk of SQL injection as attackers will be prevented from injecting malicious queries and breaching databases.

8. Authentication and Access Controls

Authentication is a crucial security control, that every java software application must have to avoid unauthorized persons from accessing sensitive data or information leading to the leakage or theft of data by such cyber criminals.

Moreover, enabling "Java Security Manager" is a popular and best practice for a secure access control system by limiting exposure for each process or operation reducing the probability of attackers exploiting software or app. But, before enabling the Java Security Manager, developers need to define policies for each process execution with its access level.

Conclusion

To sum up, java developers must consider implementing these best security practices for developing smooth, and stable Java-based software and applications and also enable them to secure themselves from any vulnerabilities or threats.