Why we must never overlook the human factor in cybersecurity
We were recently very excited to see the first Forbes Technology Council post by our chairman and CEO, Pieter Danhieux, go live. The post detailed how upskilling developers to create more secure code is a key to preventing cyberattacks and data breaches. Not only that, it revealed how these same security-aware developers can assist in delivering better, more secure code, faster than many IT departments realize. The need for this approach is certainly compelling. A recent study found that a cyberattack now occurs every 39 seconds, and we have all seen the disruption caused by just one successful ransomware attack on the Colonial Pipeline, which in the larger scheme of things wasn’t as destructive as the SolarWinds hack.
Many common vulnerabilities continue to exist because no one ever bothered to show developers how to replace poor coding patterns with a better way of accomplishing the same functions, in a safer and more secure way. And the impact of fixing software late in its development is extremely costly both in terms of hours spent and delays to deployment. Fixing the code after it’s been deployed, especially after an attacker has exploited a previously undiscovered vulnerability, can sometimes cost millions of dollars. And that doesn't even take into account damage to a company’s reputation following a major breach.
Security-trained developers naturally become better coders. Certainly, CISOs shouldn’t drop their security tooling anytime soon, but by leading an inclusive, preventive security approach from the top, CISOs can take advantage of their company’s greatest resource, the human factor, especially when it comes to secure coding from the very beginning of the software development lifecycle.
To do this, here are the top three high-level strategies to keep in mind.
1. Be proactive, not reactive
Businesses often fall into the trap of being reactive, for example, responding to what the competition does instead of developing and pursuing a unique vision. Many also default to this approach when it comes to security vulnerabilities in code, taking cybersecurity seriously only when compelled to as a result of a successful breach. Unfortunately, by then the damage is done, with fines, recovery costs, customer attrition, and brand restoration all hitting the bottom line. Another form of reaction instead of action is relying on automatic or manual code scanning to find vulnerabilities in existing code instead of focusing on creating secure code in the first place. Unfortunately, code scanning is not a perfect solution, which means that the more vulnerabilities there are in the code, the greater the chance that some will slip through.
Only by taking a proactive approach and working with developers to help them create secure code from the start can you establish a software development life cycle that significantly reduces the possibility of coding vulnerabilities being released to users.
2. Upskill, don’t overkill
Once you decide to provide developers with the knowledge they need to create secure code, choose your approach wisely. In-house training workshops that bring coding to a halt frustrate developers and managers alike. Offsite courses that require evening or weekend attendance are even less popular. The best approach is to build coding skills incrementally, providing relevant information step-by-step during the coding process – essentially upskilling without significantly distracting developers or slowing the development process.
3. Incentivize, don’t assume
Developers should not see security upskilling as punishment or a total drudgery. Managers must inspire developers by communicating the important role that secure code plays in the success of the company. It’s also important to convey that secure coders are more valuable to the company and will enjoy expanded career opportunities in the future.
The Biden Administration’s welcomed Executive Order has amped up the focus on cybersecurity and the need to “include criteria to evaluate the security practices of the developers and suppliers themselves, and identify innovative tools or methods to demonstrate conformance with secure practices.” But while tooling is essential, it isn’t enough. No tool will ever completely eliminate an individual’s ability to somehow ignore, misunderstand, abuse or otherwise get around the systems and tools that have been put in place. To maximize the security of their companies, CISOs must take advantage of the human factor and encourage developers to become willing security proponents and practitioners.
We were recently very excited to see the first Forbes Technology Council post by our chairman and CEO, Pieter Danhieux, go live. The post detailed how upskilling developers to create more secure code is a key to preventing cyberattacks and data breaches.
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.
We were recently very excited to see the first Forbes Technology Council post by our chairman and CEO, Pieter Danhieux, go live. The post detailed how upskilling developers to create more secure code is a key to preventing cyberattacks and data breaches. Not only that, it revealed how these same security-aware developers can assist in delivering better, more secure code, faster than many IT departments realize. The need for this approach is certainly compelling. A recent study found that a cyberattack now occurs every 39 seconds, and we have all seen the disruption caused by just one successful ransomware attack on the Colonial Pipeline, which in the larger scheme of things wasn’t as destructive as the SolarWinds hack.
Many common vulnerabilities continue to exist because no one ever bothered to show developers how to replace poor coding patterns with a better way of accomplishing the same functions, in a safer and more secure way. And the impact of fixing software late in its development is extremely costly both in terms of hours spent and delays to deployment. Fixing the code after it’s been deployed, especially after an attacker has exploited a previously undiscovered vulnerability, can sometimes cost millions of dollars. And that doesn't even take into account damage to a company’s reputation following a major breach.
Security-trained developers naturally become better coders. Certainly, CISOs shouldn’t drop their security tooling anytime soon, but by leading an inclusive, preventive security approach from the top, CISOs can take advantage of their company’s greatest resource, the human factor, especially when it comes to secure coding from the very beginning of the software development lifecycle.
To do this, here are the top three high-level strategies to keep in mind.
1. Be proactive, not reactive
Businesses often fall into the trap of being reactive, for example, responding to what the competition does instead of developing and pursuing a unique vision. Many also default to this approach when it comes to security vulnerabilities in code, taking cybersecurity seriously only when compelled to as a result of a successful breach. Unfortunately, by then the damage is done, with fines, recovery costs, customer attrition, and brand restoration all hitting the bottom line. Another form of reaction instead of action is relying on automatic or manual code scanning to find vulnerabilities in existing code instead of focusing on creating secure code in the first place. Unfortunately, code scanning is not a perfect solution, which means that the more vulnerabilities there are in the code, the greater the chance that some will slip through.
Only by taking a proactive approach and working with developers to help them create secure code from the start can you establish a software development life cycle that significantly reduces the possibility of coding vulnerabilities being released to users.
2. Upskill, don’t overkill
Once you decide to provide developers with the knowledge they need to create secure code, choose your approach wisely. In-house training workshops that bring coding to a halt frustrate developers and managers alike. Offsite courses that require evening or weekend attendance are even less popular. The best approach is to build coding skills incrementally, providing relevant information step-by-step during the coding process – essentially upskilling without significantly distracting developers or slowing the development process.
3. Incentivize, don’t assume
Developers should not see security upskilling as punishment or a total drudgery. Managers must inspire developers by communicating the important role that secure code plays in the success of the company. It’s also important to convey that secure coders are more valuable to the company and will enjoy expanded career opportunities in the future.
The Biden Administration’s welcomed Executive Order has amped up the focus on cybersecurity and the need to “include criteria to evaluate the security practices of the developers and suppliers themselves, and identify innovative tools or methods to demonstrate conformance with secure practices.” But while tooling is essential, it isn’t enough. No tool will ever completely eliminate an individual’s ability to somehow ignore, misunderstand, abuse or otherwise get around the systems and tools that have been put in place. To maximize the security of their companies, CISOs must take advantage of the human factor and encourage developers to become willing security proponents and practitioners.
We were recently very excited to see the first Forbes Technology Council post by our chairman and CEO, Pieter Danhieux, go live. The post detailed how upskilling developers to create more secure code is a key to preventing cyberattacks and data breaches. Not only that, it revealed how these same security-aware developers can assist in delivering better, more secure code, faster than many IT departments realize. The need for this approach is certainly compelling. A recent study found that a cyberattack now occurs every 39 seconds, and we have all seen the disruption caused by just one successful ransomware attack on the Colonial Pipeline, which in the larger scheme of things wasn’t as destructive as the SolarWinds hack.
Many common vulnerabilities continue to exist because no one ever bothered to show developers how to replace poor coding patterns with a better way of accomplishing the same functions, in a safer and more secure way. And the impact of fixing software late in its development is extremely costly both in terms of hours spent and delays to deployment. Fixing the code after it’s been deployed, especially after an attacker has exploited a previously undiscovered vulnerability, can sometimes cost millions of dollars. And that doesn't even take into account damage to a company’s reputation following a major breach.
Security-trained developers naturally become better coders. Certainly, CISOs shouldn’t drop their security tooling anytime soon, but by leading an inclusive, preventive security approach from the top, CISOs can take advantage of their company’s greatest resource, the human factor, especially when it comes to secure coding from the very beginning of the software development lifecycle.
To do this, here are the top three high-level strategies to keep in mind.
1. Be proactive, not reactive
Businesses often fall into the trap of being reactive, for example, responding to what the competition does instead of developing and pursuing a unique vision. Many also default to this approach when it comes to security vulnerabilities in code, taking cybersecurity seriously only when compelled to as a result of a successful breach. Unfortunately, by then the damage is done, with fines, recovery costs, customer attrition, and brand restoration all hitting the bottom line. Another form of reaction instead of action is relying on automatic or manual code scanning to find vulnerabilities in existing code instead of focusing on creating secure code in the first place. Unfortunately, code scanning is not a perfect solution, which means that the more vulnerabilities there are in the code, the greater the chance that some will slip through.
Only by taking a proactive approach and working with developers to help them create secure code from the start can you establish a software development life cycle that significantly reduces the possibility of coding vulnerabilities being released to users.
2. Upskill, don’t overkill
Once you decide to provide developers with the knowledge they need to create secure code, choose your approach wisely. In-house training workshops that bring coding to a halt frustrate developers and managers alike. Offsite courses that require evening or weekend attendance are even less popular. The best approach is to build coding skills incrementally, providing relevant information step-by-step during the coding process – essentially upskilling without significantly distracting developers or slowing the development process.
3. Incentivize, don’t assume
Developers should not see security upskilling as punishment or a total drudgery. Managers must inspire developers by communicating the important role that secure code plays in the success of the company. It’s also important to convey that secure coders are more valuable to the company and will enjoy expanded career opportunities in the future.
The Biden Administration’s welcomed Executive Order has amped up the focus on cybersecurity and the need to “include criteria to evaluate the security practices of the developers and suppliers themselves, and identify innovative tools or methods to demonstrate conformance with secure practices.” But while tooling is essential, it isn’t enough. No tool will ever completely eliminate an individual’s ability to somehow ignore, misunderstand, abuse or otherwise get around the systems and tools that have been put in place. To maximize the security of their companies, CISOs must take advantage of the human factor and encourage developers to become willing security proponents and practitioners.
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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.
We were recently very excited to see the first Forbes Technology Council post by our chairman and CEO, Pieter Danhieux, go live. The post detailed how upskilling developers to create more secure code is a key to preventing cyberattacks and data breaches. Not only that, it revealed how these same security-aware developers can assist in delivering better, more secure code, faster than many IT departments realize. The need for this approach is certainly compelling. A recent study found that a cyberattack now occurs every 39 seconds, and we have all seen the disruption caused by just one successful ransomware attack on the Colonial Pipeline, which in the larger scheme of things wasn’t as destructive as the SolarWinds hack.
Many common vulnerabilities continue to exist because no one ever bothered to show developers how to replace poor coding patterns with a better way of accomplishing the same functions, in a safer and more secure way. And the impact of fixing software late in its development is extremely costly both in terms of hours spent and delays to deployment. Fixing the code after it’s been deployed, especially after an attacker has exploited a previously undiscovered vulnerability, can sometimes cost millions of dollars. And that doesn't even take into account damage to a company’s reputation following a major breach.
Security-trained developers naturally become better coders. Certainly, CISOs shouldn’t drop their security tooling anytime soon, but by leading an inclusive, preventive security approach from the top, CISOs can take advantage of their company’s greatest resource, the human factor, especially when it comes to secure coding from the very beginning of the software development lifecycle.
To do this, here are the top three high-level strategies to keep in mind.
1. Be proactive, not reactive
Businesses often fall into the trap of being reactive, for example, responding to what the competition does instead of developing and pursuing a unique vision. Many also default to this approach when it comes to security vulnerabilities in code, taking cybersecurity seriously only when compelled to as a result of a successful breach. Unfortunately, by then the damage is done, with fines, recovery costs, customer attrition, and brand restoration all hitting the bottom line. Another form of reaction instead of action is relying on automatic or manual code scanning to find vulnerabilities in existing code instead of focusing on creating secure code in the first place. Unfortunately, code scanning is not a perfect solution, which means that the more vulnerabilities there are in the code, the greater the chance that some will slip through.
Only by taking a proactive approach and working with developers to help them create secure code from the start can you establish a software development life cycle that significantly reduces the possibility of coding vulnerabilities being released to users.
2. Upskill, don’t overkill
Once you decide to provide developers with the knowledge they need to create secure code, choose your approach wisely. In-house training workshops that bring coding to a halt frustrate developers and managers alike. Offsite courses that require evening or weekend attendance are even less popular. The best approach is to build coding skills incrementally, providing relevant information step-by-step during the coding process – essentially upskilling without significantly distracting developers or slowing the development process.
3. Incentivize, don’t assume
Developers should not see security upskilling as punishment or a total drudgery. Managers must inspire developers by communicating the important role that secure code plays in the success of the company. It’s also important to convey that secure coders are more valuable to the company and will enjoy expanded career opportunities in the future.
The Biden Administration’s welcomed Executive Order has amped up the focus on cybersecurity and the need to “include criteria to evaluate the security practices of the developers and suppliers themselves, and identify innovative tools or methods to demonstrate conformance with secure practices.” But while tooling is essential, it isn’t enough. No tool will ever completely eliminate an individual’s ability to somehow ignore, misunderstand, abuse or otherwise get around the systems and tools that have been put in place. To maximize the security of their companies, CISOs must take advantage of the human factor and encourage developers to become willing security proponents and practitioners.
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.
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Resources to get you started
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