What keeps development teams up at night when it comes to secure coding?
Insecure code costs companies millions – so what gets in the way of adopting secure coding practices?
In a world that relies on software for just about everything, ensuring that code is secure is critical. Brand reputations and financial viability depend on it. That said, there are many concerns around secure coding – and many barriers to its full and effective adoption. More than ever before, a new way of working is required. So in 2020, Secure Code Warrior engaged with Evans Data Corp. to conduct primary research* into developers' and their managers’ attitudes towards secure coding, secure code practices, and security operations (download whitepaper here).
Right now, organizations find it hard to implement secure code practices. Developers and managers alike find dealing with vulnerabilities and being accountable for code particularly concerning.
Clearly, there is a need for better training and a program that supports secure code practices. This need becomes evident when we ask developers and their managers about their concerns around secure coding. Our research* showed that both these groups share the same basic set of concerns. But due to their different roles, they differ on which of these concerns are most pressing.
The number one concern for developers is ‘including code that replicates previous vulnerabilities’. As developers are judged on the quality of their code, this is hardly surprising. No developer wants to be the source of insecure code – or code that requires rework and slows down their team.
The second most significant concern for developers is dealing with mistakes introduced by coworkers. Meeting deadlines and being accountable for code are also high on the list – as is the fact that learning about secure code is challenging, which once again echoes the need for a new approach to secure code training.
Managers, on the other hand, take more of a top-down view.
As team managers and leaders, their number one concern is being accountable for code. If a team produces lousy code, the buck stops with its manager.
Code that replicates previous vulnerabilities comes in second. The fact that the learning process is challenging comes in third. As current secure code training approaches are not delivering, managers realize that a new approach is needed.
Barriers to adopting secure coding practices
When we asked managers about the barriers to adopting secure coding practices in their organizations, two things stand out loud and clear: communication and training.
45% identified a lack of communication between stakeholders and management as a significant roadblock. 42% bemoan the lack of secure coding skills among new hires. At the same time, 40% nominated inadequate training time and resources.
There are process and HR-related barriers to adopting secure code practices successfully throughout organizations.
But you can still make progress despite such intractable issues. The lack of secure coding skills among new hires and inadequate training and resources are easier to address.
Developers are on the front lines of battle when it comes to stopping vulnerabilities. But are they receiving the support, tools, and training to hold up their part of the security deal?
Based on their concerns, the short answer is 'no'.
The truth is, the right training shouldn't feel like a lecture.
As champions of change in secure coding, Secure Code Warrior takes a human-led approach that actively engages developers to learn and build their secure coding skills. Our proven Learning Platform provides development and security teams with contextual and hyper-relevant learning within their preferred workflow. It empowers them not just to find vulnerabilities but to prevent them from occurring in the first place.
This kind of hands-on training is an upskilling opportunity – a career move that only has positives for developers who are serious about stopping vulnerabilities and working with the rest of the team to produce a higher standard of code.
If you'd like to learn more – and see the potential impact on your teams' ability to 'start left' and ship secure code faster without compromising security, book a demo now.
*Shifting from reaction to prevention: The changing face of application security. Secure Code Warrior and Evans Data Corp. 2020
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Insecure code costs companies millions – so what gets in the way of adopting secure coding practices? In a world that relies on software for just about everything, ensuring that code is secure is critical. Brand reputations and financial viability depend on it. That said, there are many concerns around secure coding – and many barriers to its full and effective adoption. More than ever before, a new way of working is required.
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.
Secure Code Warrior builds a culture of security-driven developers by giving them the skills to code securely. Our flagship Agile Learning Platform delivers relevant skills-based pathways, hands-on missions, and contextual tools for developers to rapidly learn, build, and apply their skills to write secure code at speed.
Insecure code costs companies millions – so what gets in the way of adopting secure coding practices?
In a world that relies on software for just about everything, ensuring that code is secure is critical. Brand reputations and financial viability depend on it. That said, there are many concerns around secure coding – and many barriers to its full and effective adoption. More than ever before, a new way of working is required. So in 2020, Secure Code Warrior engaged with Evans Data Corp. to conduct primary research* into developers' and their managers’ attitudes towards secure coding, secure code practices, and security operations (download whitepaper here).
Right now, organizations find it hard to implement secure code practices. Developers and managers alike find dealing with vulnerabilities and being accountable for code particularly concerning.
Clearly, there is a need for better training and a program that supports secure code practices. This need becomes evident when we ask developers and their managers about their concerns around secure coding. Our research* showed that both these groups share the same basic set of concerns. But due to their different roles, they differ on which of these concerns are most pressing.
The number one concern for developers is ‘including code that replicates previous vulnerabilities’. As developers are judged on the quality of their code, this is hardly surprising. No developer wants to be the source of insecure code – or code that requires rework and slows down their team.
The second most significant concern for developers is dealing with mistakes introduced by coworkers. Meeting deadlines and being accountable for code are also high on the list – as is the fact that learning about secure code is challenging, which once again echoes the need for a new approach to secure code training.
Managers, on the other hand, take more of a top-down view.
As team managers and leaders, their number one concern is being accountable for code. If a team produces lousy code, the buck stops with its manager.
Code that replicates previous vulnerabilities comes in second. The fact that the learning process is challenging comes in third. As current secure code training approaches are not delivering, managers realize that a new approach is needed.
Barriers to adopting secure coding practices
When we asked managers about the barriers to adopting secure coding practices in their organizations, two things stand out loud and clear: communication and training.
45% identified a lack of communication between stakeholders and management as a significant roadblock. 42% bemoan the lack of secure coding skills among new hires. At the same time, 40% nominated inadequate training time and resources.
There are process and HR-related barriers to adopting secure code practices successfully throughout organizations.
But you can still make progress despite such intractable issues. The lack of secure coding skills among new hires and inadequate training and resources are easier to address.
Developers are on the front lines of battle when it comes to stopping vulnerabilities. But are they receiving the support, tools, and training to hold up their part of the security deal?
Based on their concerns, the short answer is 'no'.
The truth is, the right training shouldn't feel like a lecture.
As champions of change in secure coding, Secure Code Warrior takes a human-led approach that actively engages developers to learn and build their secure coding skills. Our proven Learning Platform provides development and security teams with contextual and hyper-relevant learning within their preferred workflow. It empowers them not just to find vulnerabilities but to prevent them from occurring in the first place.
This kind of hands-on training is an upskilling opportunity – a career move that only has positives for developers who are serious about stopping vulnerabilities and working with the rest of the team to produce a higher standard of code.
If you'd like to learn more – and see the potential impact on your teams' ability to 'start left' and ship secure code faster without compromising security, book a demo now.
*Shifting from reaction to prevention: The changing face of application security. Secure Code Warrior and Evans Data Corp. 2020
Insecure code costs companies millions – so what gets in the way of adopting secure coding practices?
In a world that relies on software for just about everything, ensuring that code is secure is critical. Brand reputations and financial viability depend on it. That said, there are many concerns around secure coding – and many barriers to its full and effective adoption. More than ever before, a new way of working is required. So in 2020, Secure Code Warrior engaged with Evans Data Corp. to conduct primary research* into developers' and their managers’ attitudes towards secure coding, secure code practices, and security operations (download whitepaper here).
Right now, organizations find it hard to implement secure code practices. Developers and managers alike find dealing with vulnerabilities and being accountable for code particularly concerning.
Clearly, there is a need for better training and a program that supports secure code practices. This need becomes evident when we ask developers and their managers about their concerns around secure coding. Our research* showed that both these groups share the same basic set of concerns. But due to their different roles, they differ on which of these concerns are most pressing.
The number one concern for developers is ‘including code that replicates previous vulnerabilities’. As developers are judged on the quality of their code, this is hardly surprising. No developer wants to be the source of insecure code – or code that requires rework and slows down their team.
The second most significant concern for developers is dealing with mistakes introduced by coworkers. Meeting deadlines and being accountable for code are also high on the list – as is the fact that learning about secure code is challenging, which once again echoes the need for a new approach to secure code training.
Managers, on the other hand, take more of a top-down view.
As team managers and leaders, their number one concern is being accountable for code. If a team produces lousy code, the buck stops with its manager.
Code that replicates previous vulnerabilities comes in second. The fact that the learning process is challenging comes in third. As current secure code training approaches are not delivering, managers realize that a new approach is needed.
Barriers to adopting secure coding practices
When we asked managers about the barriers to adopting secure coding practices in their organizations, two things stand out loud and clear: communication and training.
45% identified a lack of communication between stakeholders and management as a significant roadblock. 42% bemoan the lack of secure coding skills among new hires. At the same time, 40% nominated inadequate training time and resources.
There are process and HR-related barriers to adopting secure code practices successfully throughout organizations.
But you can still make progress despite such intractable issues. The lack of secure coding skills among new hires and inadequate training and resources are easier to address.
Developers are on the front lines of battle when it comes to stopping vulnerabilities. But are they receiving the support, tools, and training to hold up their part of the security deal?
Based on their concerns, the short answer is 'no'.
The truth is, the right training shouldn't feel like a lecture.
As champions of change in secure coding, Secure Code Warrior takes a human-led approach that actively engages developers to learn and build their secure coding skills. Our proven Learning Platform provides development and security teams with contextual and hyper-relevant learning within their preferred workflow. It empowers them not just to find vulnerabilities but to prevent them from occurring in the first place.
This kind of hands-on training is an upskilling opportunity – a career move that only has positives for developers who are serious about stopping vulnerabilities and working with the rest of the team to produce a higher standard of code.
If you'd like to learn more – and see the potential impact on your teams' ability to 'start left' and ship secure code faster without compromising security, book a demo now.
*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.
Secure Code Warrior builds a culture of security-driven developers by giving them the skills to code securely. Our flagship Agile Learning Platform delivers relevant skills-based pathways, hands-on missions, and contextual tools for developers to rapidly learn, build, and apply their skills to write secure code at speed.
Insecure code costs companies millions – so what gets in the way of adopting secure coding practices?
In a world that relies on software for just about everything, ensuring that code is secure is critical. Brand reputations and financial viability depend on it. That said, there are many concerns around secure coding – and many barriers to its full and effective adoption. More than ever before, a new way of working is required. So in 2020, Secure Code Warrior engaged with Evans Data Corp. to conduct primary research* into developers' and their managers’ attitudes towards secure coding, secure code practices, and security operations (download whitepaper here).
Right now, organizations find it hard to implement secure code practices. Developers and managers alike find dealing with vulnerabilities and being accountable for code particularly concerning.
Clearly, there is a need for better training and a program that supports secure code practices. This need becomes evident when we ask developers and their managers about their concerns around secure coding. Our research* showed that both these groups share the same basic set of concerns. But due to their different roles, they differ on which of these concerns are most pressing.
The number one concern for developers is ‘including code that replicates previous vulnerabilities’. As developers are judged on the quality of their code, this is hardly surprising. No developer wants to be the source of insecure code – or code that requires rework and slows down their team.
The second most significant concern for developers is dealing with mistakes introduced by coworkers. Meeting deadlines and being accountable for code are also high on the list – as is the fact that learning about secure code is challenging, which once again echoes the need for a new approach to secure code training.
Managers, on the other hand, take more of a top-down view.
As team managers and leaders, their number one concern is being accountable for code. If a team produces lousy code, the buck stops with its manager.
Code that replicates previous vulnerabilities comes in second. The fact that the learning process is challenging comes in third. As current secure code training approaches are not delivering, managers realize that a new approach is needed.
Barriers to adopting secure coding practices
When we asked managers about the barriers to adopting secure coding practices in their organizations, two things stand out loud and clear: communication and training.
45% identified a lack of communication between stakeholders and management as a significant roadblock. 42% bemoan the lack of secure coding skills among new hires. At the same time, 40% nominated inadequate training time and resources.
There are process and HR-related barriers to adopting secure code practices successfully throughout organizations.
But you can still make progress despite such intractable issues. The lack of secure coding skills among new hires and inadequate training and resources are easier to address.
Developers are on the front lines of battle when it comes to stopping vulnerabilities. But are they receiving the support, tools, and training to hold up their part of the security deal?
Based on their concerns, the short answer is 'no'.
The truth is, the right training shouldn't feel like a lecture.
As champions of change in secure coding, Secure Code Warrior takes a human-led approach that actively engages developers to learn and build their secure coding skills. Our proven Learning Platform provides development and security teams with contextual and hyper-relevant learning within their preferred workflow. It empowers them not just to find vulnerabilities but to prevent them from occurring in the first place.
This kind of hands-on training is an upskilling opportunity – a career move that only has positives for developers who are serious about stopping vulnerabilities and working with the rest of the team to produce a higher standard of code.
If you'd like to learn more – and see the potential impact on your teams' ability to 'start left' and ship secure code faster without compromising security, book a demo now.
*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
Benchmarking Security Skills: Streamlining Secure-by-Design in the Enterprise
The Secure-by-Design movement is the future of secure software development. Learn about the key elements companies need to keep in mind when they think about a Secure-by-Design initiative.
DigitalOcean Decreases Security Debt with Secure Code Warrior
DigitalOcean's use of Secure Code Warrior training has significantly reduced security debt, allowing teams to focus more on innovation and productivity. The improved security has strengthened their product quality and competitive edge. Looking ahead, the SCW Trust Score will help them further enhance security practices and continue driving innovation.
Resources to get you started
Trust Score Reveals the Value of Secure-by-Design Upskilling Initiatives
Our research has shown that secure code training works. Trust Score, using an algorithm drawing on more than 20 million learning data points from work by more than 250,000 learners at over 600 organizations, reveals its effectiveness in driving down vulnerabilities and how to make the initiative even more effective.
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Reactive Versus Preventive Security: Prevention Is a Better Cure
The idea of bringing preventive security to legacy code and systems at the same time as newer applications can seem daunting, but a Secure-by-Design approach, enforced by upskilling developers, can apply security best practices to those systems. It’s the best chance many organizations have of improving their security postures.
The Benefits of Benchmarking Security Skills for Developers
The growing focus on secure code and Secure-by-Design principles requires developers to be trained in cybersecurity from the start of the SDLC, with tools like Secure Code Warrior’s Trust Score helping measure and improve their progress.
Driving Meaningful Success for Enterprise Secure-by-Design Initiatives
Our latest research paper, Benchmarking Security Skills: Streamlining Secure-by-Design in the Enterprise is the result of deep analysis of real Secure-by-Design initiatives at the enterprise level, and deriving best practice approaches based on data-driven findings.
Developer-driven coding.
Securely.
Contact us today and make software security an intrinsic part of your development process.
