SEI CERT C++ Coding Standard: Rules for Developing Safe, Reliable, and Secure Systems (2016 Edition)
• SEI Report
Publisher
Software Engineering Institute
Abstract
We coordinate developing secure coding standards by working with researchers, language experts, and software developers in the Secure Coding Wiki. More than 1,900 contributors and reviewers develop rules and recommendations for C, C++, Java, and Perl.
The 2016 edition of the SEI CERT C++ Coding Standard: Rules for Developing Safe, Reliable, and Secure Systems identifies the root causes of today's most widespread software vulnerabilities, shows how they can be exploited, reviews the potential consequences, and presents secure alternatives.
This standard complements the Secure Coding in C and C++ Professional Certificate Program, which helps you increase the security of your software and reduce vulnerabilities in the programs you develop.
This online download is available for free to promote the adoption of secure coding standards for C++.
Part of a Collection
SEI CERT C and C++ Coding Standards
Cite This SEI Report
Software Engineering Institute (2017, March 14). SEI CERT C++ Coding Standard: Rules for Developing Safe, Reliable, and Secure Systems (2016 Edition). Retrieved August 20, 2026, from https://www.sei.cmu.edu/library/sei-cert-c-coding-standard-rules-for-developing-safe-reliable-and-secure-systems-2016-edition-2/.
@techreport{Citekey_2017,
author={Software Engineering Institute},
title={SEI CERT C++ Coding Standard: Rules for Developing Safe, Reliable, and Secure Systems (2016 Edition)},
month={Mar},
year={2017},
institution={Software Engineering Institute, Carnegie Mellon University},
url={https://www.sei.cmu.edu/library/sei-cert-c-coding-standard-rules-for-developing-safe-reliable-and-secure-systems-2016-edition-2/},
note={Accessed: 2026-Aug-20}
}
Software Engineering Institute. "SEI CERT C++ Coding Standard: Rules for Developing Safe, Reliable, and Secure Systems (2016 Edition)." Software Engineering Institute, Carnegie Mellon University. Software Engineering Institute, March 14, 2017. https://www.sei.cmu.edu/library/sei-cert-c-coding-standard-rules-for-developing-safe-reliable-and-secure-systems-2016-edition-2/.
Software Engineering Institute, "SEI CERT C++ Coding Standard: Rules for Developing Safe, Reliable, and Secure Systems (2016 Edition)," Software Engineering Institute, Carnegie Mellon University. Software Engineering Institute, 14-Mar-2017 [Online]. Available: https://www.sei.cmu.edu/library/sei-cert-c-coding-standard-rules-for-developing-safe-reliable-and-secure-systems-2016-edition-2/. [Accessed: 20-Aug-2026].
Software Engineering Institute. "SEI CERT C++ Coding Standard: Rules for Developing Safe, Reliable, and Secure Systems (2016 Edition)." Software Engineering Institute, Carnegie Mellon University, Software Engineering Institute, 14 Mar. 2017. https://www.sei.cmu.edu/library/sei-cert-c-coding-standard-rules-for-developing-safe-reliable-and-secure-systems-2016-edition-2/. Accessed 20 Aug. 2026.
Software Engineering Institute. SEI CERT C++ Coding Standard: Rules for Developing Safe, Reliable, and Secure Systems (2016 Edition). Software Engineering Institute. 2017. https://www.sei.cmu.edu/library/sei-cert-c-coding-standard-rules-for-developing-safe-reliable-and-secure-systems-2016-edition-2/