Industry executives and experts share their predictions for 2024.  Read them in this 16th annual VMblog.com series exclusive.

AppSec Evolved: A Look Into 2024's Application Security Landscape

By Shahar Man, Co-founder and CEO, Backslash Security

In the ever-evolving realm of application security, 2024 promises pivotal changes. From the fast-paced management of AI-generated code vulnerabilities to a paradigm shift away from the 'Shift Left' model and the growing convergence of AppSec and CloudSec teams, we find ourselves at the beginning of a transformative year for the AppSec market.

AI-Generated Vulnerabilities

The integration of AI into the software development landscape will proliferate further in 2024 and expedite code generation at a revolutionary scale. However, this proliferation introduces a new, corresponding challenge - AI-generated vulnerabilities.

The accelerated pace of- and eventual reliance onAI-assisted code development may introduce a dynamic where the benefits of operational efficiency could overshadow the security scrutiny that come naturally with more manual coding practices. In short, the widespread adoption of AI-generated code, may inadvertently introduce a higher frequency of vulnerabilities more that escape human oversight if countermeasures are not considered.

Enhanced application visibility - particularly for those in cloud environments -- becomes paramount in the context of this trend. To compensate, the AppSec market will increasingly demand tools that enable a holistic view of an application's inner workings. Furthermore, security protocols must adjust to be more agile to ensure that AI-generated vulnerabilities are promptly identified and addressed. These changes  necessitate a better culture of security awareness among developers, emphasizing the importance of thorough assessments and rigorous testing in tandem with AI-assisted development.

Taking a Step Back From ‘Shift Left'

This year, we will also see industry-wide pushback on the "Shift Left" model, emphasizing the importance of strong security teams and  policies. Instead of solely relying on developers to take the lead in security considerations early in the development process, organizations are recognizing the need for centralized security expertise to guide secure coding practices.

This change is marked by a more streamlined integration of security into Continuous Integration (CI) pipelines, aligning closely with DevOps practices. The objective is to strike a balance between efficiency and security, acknowledging that both are crucial aspects of a successful development process. This approach recognizes the limitations of relying solely on developers to carry the entire security burden from the outset and seeks to distribute security ownership more evenly.

AppSec and CloudSec Team Convergence

This year, we'll also observe more companies fusing their Application Security (AppSec) and Cloud Security (CloudSec) teams into a single unit. The driving consensus behind this trend is the acknowledgment that operating these teams is no longer efficient nor effective.The interconnected nature of application and cloud security, understanding that a holistic and collaborative strategy is imperative to secure modern applications.

By merging the expertise of AppSec and CloudSec teams, organizations enable the development of more comprehensive security measures that are concurrently applied to both applications and cloud environments to eliminate potential gaps that might not be detected in silos. 

AppSec Focus Will Shift from Vulnerabilities to a Risk-Based Application Assessments

We also expect that 2024 will bring a continued shift away from the focus on vulnerabilities and instead toward a more nuanced, risk-based approach to application assessments. The dissatisfaction with traditional, aging security tools is increasingly apparent in the face of escalating security demands. Organizations are recognizing the limitations of bulky and cumbersome security solutions, prompting a strategic move towards more agile, streamlined alternatives that align with contemporary security challenges such as AI-generated code development.

The driving force behind this transformation is the recognition that not all vulnerabilities pose equal risks. Instead of employing one-size-fits-all solutions that may be overbearing and complex, there is a growing preference for tailored, risk-focused strategies. This shift acknowledges that security is not solely about identifying and patching vulnerabilities but understanding the context in which they exist and the range of potential real-world impact on the organization.

As organizations make these pivots, there will be a greater emphasis on continuous monitoring, threat intelligence, and real-time risk assessment. This shift represents a departure from the conventional reactive model, wherein security measures are primarily implemented in response to known vulnerabilities.

Conclusion

As we begin this new year, success lies in balancing efficiency and security, empowering AppSec teams, and fostering collaboration among developers. The organizations that thrive will be those that embrace change, innovate in the face of emerging threats, and remain vigilant in fortifying their AppSec foundations for a secure digital future.

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