Implementing Integrity Controls

Protect software integrity throughout the development and deployment pipeline. Sign all code commits using GPG keys to ensure authorship and prevent tampering. Implement reproducible builds that generate identical binaries from the same source code, making tampering detectable. Use dependency pinning and checksum verification to ensure you're using exactly the expected component versions.

For update mechanisms, implement code signing where updates are cryptographically signed by your organization and verified before installation. Use secure channels (HTTPS with certificate pinning) for update delivery. Implement gradual rollouts with the ability to quickly rollback compromised updates. For critical systems, consider requiring manual approval for updates rather than automatic installation.

Prevent deserialization attacks by avoiding deserialization of untrusted data whenever possible. If deserialization is necessary, use formats like JSON that don't include code execution capabilities by default. Implement strict type checking and validation of deserialized objects. Use serialization libraries with secure defaults and keep them updated. Consider using data transfer objects (DTOs) that contain only simple data types rather than complex objects. Monitor for deserialization attempts of unexpected types or with unusual properties. Remember, integrity protection isn't just about external attacks—it also prevents accidental corruption and provides accountability for changes.