AppSec, or application security, is the practice of building, deploying and maintaining secure software. This practice includes analyzing and mitigating security risks, designing secure architectures, and building secure software. It’s an important part of any software development life cycle (SDLC), especially in the enterprise where applications are often integrated into existing infrastructure.
With the increased use of mobile devices and other consumer-grade technology, applications are a major target for attackers. And as more businesses become aware of the importance of AppSec, there are growing challenges associated with this awareness going into 2023.
What challenges will the field of AppSec face in 2023?
As technology continues to advance, the challenges of AppSec will evolve as well. This not only means that the AppSec industry will need to adapt, but it also means that the people who practice AppSec need to be aware of these challenges and how they can affect their work.
This also makes understanding application security and how its developments can affect your business an important step in preparing for the future. Here are the top challenges that AppSec professionals are likely to face in 2023:
DevSecOps
DevSecOps, or the integration of security into the software development lifecycle, is becoming increasingly important for ensuring the security of software. Implementing DevSecOps requires close collaboration between development, security, and operations teams. It involves integrating security into every stage of the software development process, from the design and coding phase to testing and deployment.
Implementing this can be challenging, as it requires a culture shift within organizations. It also requires a change in how teams work together, as well as the introduction of new tools and processes to support the integration of security into the software development lifecycle.
Especially when it comes to DevSecOps, there is no one-size-fits-all approach. The specific steps that need to be taken will vary depending on the organization and its culture, as well as the nature of its software development process.
Third-party security
In today's interconnected world, many businesses rely on third-party vendors and service providers to perform critical functions. This includes everything from cloud service providers and software vendors to logistics and supply chain partners.
While outsourcing can offer many benefits, it also introduces new security risks. AppSec professionals will need to ensure that third-party vendors and service providers are adhering to proper security practices.
This will require a deep understanding of their business models, supply chains, and technical infrastructure. In addition, it will be necessary to conduct regular security audits to verify that the third parties are actually following best practices.
Artificial intelligence and machine learning
Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning are being increasingly used in a variety of applications, from automated testing to security analytics and threat protection.
While these technologies have the potential to greatly improve efficiency and accuracy, they also present new security challenges. As AI and machine learning are used to find patterns in data, they may unwittingly expose vulnerabilities or attack vectors that could compromise the security of entire systems.
In addition, attackers may take advantage of these technologies to launch attacks that are more difficult to detect or prevent than traditional cyberattacks. For AppSec professionals, this means that securing AI and machine learning applications will require a combination of traditional security measures with new approaches focused on detecting and preventing attacks.
Web application security
Web applications are a common target for cyber attacks, as they often contain sensitive data and are accessible from anywhere with an internet connection. These applications are also vulnerable to more than just traditional web attacks, as they often interact with other services running on the same machine or in the cloud.
As a result, AppSec professionals need to understand application security across multiple platforms and ensure they have the appropriate methods and controls in place.
This involves protecting against common vulnerabilities, implementing secure coding practices, and regular testing and security monitoring of web applications.
IoT security
The Internet of Things (IoT) describes a system in which physical objects are equipped with technology that enables them to communicate and exchange data over the internet.
IoT is growing rapidly and is projected to become the backbone of many industries. As a result, developers will need to ensure that IoT-connected systems are secure and resilient against attacks. This could mean developing and managing robust IoT security systems for an entire industrial control system or simply ensuring that any consumer-facing IoT device has adequate protection against vulnerabilities.
Cloud Security
Cloud computing has revolutionized the way businesses store and access data. While cloud computing offers many benefits, it also presents new security challenges.
The major challenge of securing applications in the cloud is protecting data from unauthorized access or tampering. This involves implementing proper authentication and access controls, as well as securing the transmission of data between the cloud and other systems. Also, with the growing popularity of cloud computing, there will be an increasing demand for professionals trained in the cloud and online security.
Mobile security
Mobile devices, such as smartphones and tablets, are becoming increasingly integral to both personal and professional life. The proliferation of mobile devices presents new security challenges for AppSec professionals. Mobile devices are often used to access sensitive data and are vulnerable to a variety of threats, including malware, phishing attacks, and unsecured Wi-Fi networks.
Especially given the widespread adoption of mobile devices, AppSec professionals must be trained to recognize the unique security risks associated with mobile devices and how to address them.
Final Thoughts
In summary, the challenges of AppSec will be varied and multifaceted in 2023. From securing the Internet of Things to protecting against cyber-attacks, AppSec professionals will need to stay up to date with the latest technologies and threats in order to effectively secure application software and systems.
The key to securing application software is to ensure that it’s designed, developed, and maintained with security in mind. And by addressing the challenges head-on, AppSec professionals can help to ensure the security and integrity of not just the applications but also the entire development process in the years ahead.
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