Secure coding practices enhance software security by reducing vulnerabilities and protecting applications from threats. These practices involve implementing coding standards, conducting code reviews, and using security frameworks that prioritize secure functionality throughout the development lifecycle. Techniques such as input validation, error handling, and minimizing excessive privileges are essential in preventing attacks like SQL injection and XSS (Cross-Site Scripting). By adopting a security-first mindset, developers can create robust applications that are less prone to exploitation.