Current secure code training is letting developers down
As data breaches and their costs continue to rise, the volume of code produced in our world is too big for security experts to handle alone. Companies need developers with secure coding skills – and developers know they need these skills to advance their careers. But current secure code training is letting them down. So what do developers want when it comes to secure code training? To answer this question, let’s look at some insights from a recent study on developers’ attitudes towards secure coding, secure code practices, and security operations, conducted by Secure Code Warrior with Evans Data Corp*. (Download whitepaper here).
When it comes to the kind of training developers want, the answer is crystal clear. 75% of developers preferred structured on-the-job training, finding it the most effective and satisfying way to learn. And when it comes to what that training should include, developers have some very clear and specific asks:
- 65% say they need training in language-specific vulnerabilities
- 65% want more training in the OWASP Top 10
- Many also want a focus on compliance security frameworks, including NIST (58%), CIS (52%) and PCI DSS (50%)
- 78% want informal peer coaching and guidance as part of that training
But while developers strongly prefer structured coursework to unstructured learning, the way that coursework is delivered is critical. Of course, this raises another crucial question:
How do developers prefer to learn?
Developers don't want to sit around listening to lecturers – they want to get their hands on stuff and try it for themselves. They want a focus on practical applications – something current training programs sorely lack. When asked to identify how company-provided training could improve, 30% of respondents revealed that they would like that training focused on practical applications, particularly authentic work scenarios.
Developer training needs a human-led approach that offers guided learning pathways that include 'gamified' coding challenges that are both hands-on and language:framework-specific. Role-specified ‘gamified’ training gets developers highly engaged, with configurable learning modules that allow an organisation to target developer learning towards specific vulnerabilities.
To find out how to make software security an intrinsic part of your development process with structured, skill-based pathways that deliver the training developers want, request a demo now.
"The interactive simulations help you to identify security vulnerabilities in code, challenge you to think critically and find the solution or multiple solutions. I've seen code through a new lens, and being hands-on has brought so much joy!"
Software Engineer, Financial Services
*Shifting from reaction to prevention: The changing face of application security. Secure Code Warrior and Evans Data Corp. 2020
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As data breaches and their costs continue to rise, the volume of code produced in our world is too big for security experts to handle alone. Companies need developers with secure coding skills – and developers know they need these skills to advance their careers. But current secure code training is letting them down. So what do developers want when it comes to secure code training?
Secure Code Warrior makes secure coding a positive and engaging experience for developers as they increase their skills. We guide each coder along their own preferred learning pathway, so that security-skilled developers become the everyday superheroes of our connected world.
Secure Code Warrior is here for your organization to help you secure code across the entire software development lifecycle and create a culture in which cybersecurity is top of mind. Whether you’re an AppSec Manager, Developer, CISO, or anyone involved in security, we can help your organization reduce risks associated with insecure code.
Book a demo
Secure Code Warrior makes secure coding a positive and engaging experience for developers as they increase their skills. We guide each coder along their own preferred learning pathway, so that security-skilled developers become the everyday superheroes of our connected world.
This article was written by Secure Code Warrior's team of industry experts, committed to empowering developers with the knowledge and skills to build secure software from the start. Drawing on deep expertise in secure coding practices, industry trends, and real-world insights.
As data breaches and their costs continue to rise, the volume of code produced in our world is too big for security experts to handle alone. Companies need developers with secure coding skills – and developers know they need these skills to advance their careers. But current secure code training is letting them down. So what do developers want when it comes to secure code training? To answer this question, let’s look at some insights from a recent study on developers’ attitudes towards secure coding, secure code practices, and security operations, conducted by Secure Code Warrior with Evans Data Corp*. (Download whitepaper here).
When it comes to the kind of training developers want, the answer is crystal clear. 75% of developers preferred structured on-the-job training, finding it the most effective and satisfying way to learn. And when it comes to what that training should include, developers have some very clear and specific asks:
- 65% say they need training in language-specific vulnerabilities
- 65% want more training in the OWASP Top 10
- Many also want a focus on compliance security frameworks, including NIST (58%), CIS (52%) and PCI DSS (50%)
- 78% want informal peer coaching and guidance as part of that training
But while developers strongly prefer structured coursework to unstructured learning, the way that coursework is delivered is critical. Of course, this raises another crucial question:
How do developers prefer to learn?
Developers don't want to sit around listening to lecturers – they want to get their hands on stuff and try it for themselves. They want a focus on practical applications – something current training programs sorely lack. When asked to identify how company-provided training could improve, 30% of respondents revealed that they would like that training focused on practical applications, particularly authentic work scenarios.
Developer training needs a human-led approach that offers guided learning pathways that include 'gamified' coding challenges that are both hands-on and language:framework-specific. Role-specified ‘gamified’ training gets developers highly engaged, with configurable learning modules that allow an organisation to target developer learning towards specific vulnerabilities.
To find out how to make software security an intrinsic part of your development process with structured, skill-based pathways that deliver the training developers want, request a demo now.
"The interactive simulations help you to identify security vulnerabilities in code, challenge you to think critically and find the solution or multiple solutions. I've seen code through a new lens, and being hands-on has brought so much joy!"
Software Engineer, Financial Services
*Shifting from reaction to prevention: The changing face of application security. Secure Code Warrior and Evans Data Corp. 2020
As data breaches and their costs continue to rise, the volume of code produced in our world is too big for security experts to handle alone. Companies need developers with secure coding skills – and developers know they need these skills to advance their careers. But current secure code training is letting them down. So what do developers want when it comes to secure code training? To answer this question, let’s look at some insights from a recent study on developers’ attitudes towards secure coding, secure code practices, and security operations, conducted by Secure Code Warrior with Evans Data Corp*. (Download whitepaper here).
When it comes to the kind of training developers want, the answer is crystal clear. 75% of developers preferred structured on-the-job training, finding it the most effective and satisfying way to learn. And when it comes to what that training should include, developers have some very clear and specific asks:
- 65% say they need training in language-specific vulnerabilities
- 65% want more training in the OWASP Top 10
- Many also want a focus on compliance security frameworks, including NIST (58%), CIS (52%) and PCI DSS (50%)
- 78% want informal peer coaching and guidance as part of that training
But while developers strongly prefer structured coursework to unstructured learning, the way that coursework is delivered is critical. Of course, this raises another crucial question:
How do developers prefer to learn?
Developers don't want to sit around listening to lecturers – they want to get their hands on stuff and try it for themselves. They want a focus on practical applications – something current training programs sorely lack. When asked to identify how company-provided training could improve, 30% of respondents revealed that they would like that training focused on practical applications, particularly authentic work scenarios.
Developer training needs a human-led approach that offers guided learning pathways that include 'gamified' coding challenges that are both hands-on and language:framework-specific. Role-specified ‘gamified’ training gets developers highly engaged, with configurable learning modules that allow an organisation to target developer learning towards specific vulnerabilities.
To find out how to make software security an intrinsic part of your development process with structured, skill-based pathways that deliver the training developers want, request a demo now.
"The interactive simulations help you to identify security vulnerabilities in code, challenge you to think critically and find the solution or multiple solutions. I've seen code through a new lens, and being hands-on has brought so much joy!"
Software Engineer, Financial Services
*Shifting from reaction to prevention: The changing face of application security. Secure Code Warrior and Evans Data Corp. 2020
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Secure Code Warrior is here for your organization to help you secure code across the entire software development lifecycle and create a culture in which cybersecurity is top of mind. Whether you’re an AppSec Manager, Developer, CISO, or anyone involved in security, we can help your organization reduce risks associated with insecure code.
View reportBook a demo
Secure Code Warrior makes secure coding a positive and engaging experience for developers as they increase their skills. We guide each coder along their own preferred learning pathway, so that security-skilled developers become the everyday superheroes of our connected world.
This article was written by Secure Code Warrior's team of industry experts, committed to empowering developers with the knowledge and skills to build secure software from the start. Drawing on deep expertise in secure coding practices, industry trends, and real-world insights.
As data breaches and their costs continue to rise, the volume of code produced in our world is too big for security experts to handle alone. Companies need developers with secure coding skills – and developers know they need these skills to advance their careers. But current secure code training is letting them down. So what do developers want when it comes to secure code training? To answer this question, let’s look at some insights from a recent study on developers’ attitudes towards secure coding, secure code practices, and security operations, conducted by Secure Code Warrior with Evans Data Corp*. (Download whitepaper here).
When it comes to the kind of training developers want, the answer is crystal clear. 75% of developers preferred structured on-the-job training, finding it the most effective and satisfying way to learn. And when it comes to what that training should include, developers have some very clear and specific asks:
- 65% say they need training in language-specific vulnerabilities
- 65% want more training in the OWASP Top 10
- Many also want a focus on compliance security frameworks, including NIST (58%), CIS (52%) and PCI DSS (50%)
- 78% want informal peer coaching and guidance as part of that training
But while developers strongly prefer structured coursework to unstructured learning, the way that coursework is delivered is critical. Of course, this raises another crucial question:
How do developers prefer to learn?
Developers don't want to sit around listening to lecturers – they want to get their hands on stuff and try it for themselves. They want a focus on practical applications – something current training programs sorely lack. When asked to identify how company-provided training could improve, 30% of respondents revealed that they would like that training focused on practical applications, particularly authentic work scenarios.
Developer training needs a human-led approach that offers guided learning pathways that include 'gamified' coding challenges that are both hands-on and language:framework-specific. Role-specified ‘gamified’ training gets developers highly engaged, with configurable learning modules that allow an organisation to target developer learning towards specific vulnerabilities.
To find out how to make software security an intrinsic part of your development process with structured, skill-based pathways that deliver the training developers want, request a demo now.
"The interactive simulations help you to identify security vulnerabilities in code, challenge you to think critically and find the solution or multiple solutions. I've seen code through a new lens, and being hands-on has brought so much joy!"
Software Engineer, Financial Services
*Shifting from reaction to prevention: The changing face of application security. Secure Code Warrior and Evans Data Corp. 2020
Table of contents
Secure Code Warrior makes secure coding a positive and engaging experience for developers as they increase their skills. We guide each coder along their own preferred learning pathway, so that security-skilled developers become the everyday superheroes of our connected world.
Secure Code Warrior is here for your organization to help you secure code across the entire software development lifecycle and create a culture in which cybersecurity is top of mind. Whether you’re an AppSec Manager, Developer, CISO, or anyone involved in security, we can help your organization reduce risks associated with insecure code.
Book a demoDownloadResources to get you started
Secure code training topics & content
Our industry-leading content is always evolving to fit the ever changing software development landscape with your role in mind. Topics covering everything from AI to XQuery Injection, offered for a variety of roles from Architects and Engineers to Product Managers and QA. Get a sneak peak of what our content catalog has to offer by topic and role.
Quests: Industry leading learning to keep developers ahead of the game mitigating risk.
Quests is a learning platform that helps developers mitigate software security risks by enhancing their secure coding skills. With curated learning paths, hands-on challenges, and interactive activities, it empowers developers to identify and prevent vulnerabilities.
Resources to get you started
The Decade of the Defenders: Secure Code Warrior Turns Ten
Secure Code Warrior's founding team has stayed together, steering the ship through every lesson, triumph, and setback for an entire decade. We’re scaling up and ready to face our next chapter, SCW 2.0, as the leaders in developer risk management.
10 Key Predictions: Secure Code Warrior on AI & Secure-by-Design’s Influence in 2025
Organizations are facing tough decisions on AI usage to support long-term productivity, sustainability, and security ROI. It’s become clear to us over the last few years that AI will never fully replace the role of the developer. From AI + developer partnerships to the increasing pressures (and confusion) around Secure-by-Design expectations, let’s take a closer look at what we can expect over the next year.
Developer-driven coding.
Securely.
Contact us today and make software security an intrinsic part of your development process.
