User input is one of the most common vectors for exploitation in modern applications. In this episode, we focus on two critical programming techniques: input validation and output encoding. We explain how to validate input to ensure it meets expected formats and prevents attacks like SQL injection and cross-site scripting (XSS). We also explore how to encode output for different contexts—such as HTML, JavaScript, or SQL—to avoid executing untrusted data. CISSPs may not write code, but they must understand these defenses to reduce software vulnerabilities and enforce security requirements in development projects.