Software Security Audit

Definition ∞ A software security audit is a systematic examination of an application’s source code, architecture, and deployment environment to identify vulnerabilities and weaknesses. This rigorous process involves manual code review, automated scanning tools, and penetration testing to uncover potential exploits. The objective is to enhance the software’s resilience against cyberattacks and ensure its adherence to security best practices. It is a proactive defense mechanism.
Context ∞ In the digital asset space, software security audits are consistently reported in crypto news as a critical step for new smart contracts, decentralized applications, and blockchain protocols before deployment. High-profile exploits often follow a lack of thorough auditing, leading to significant financial losses. Projects that commit to regular, independent security audits generally gain greater trust from users and investors, reinforcing platform integrity.