Modern AppSec Programs Run on Automation
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This is the fourth of a six-part blog series that highlights findings from a new Mend white paper, Five Principles of Modern Application Security Programs. Be sure to look out for our upcoming blogs on each of the five principles.
With new headlines every day about organizations that have been targeted by cyberattackers, it’s not surprising that 75 percent of organizations assume they’re likely to have a breach in the next three years.
In fact, 42 percent of cyber leaders say their biggest cybersecurity concern is that an attack will cause an infrastructure breakdown, followed by identity theft (24 percent), and ransomware (20 percent).
In order to combat an ever-evolving threat landscape, cybersecurity experts are modernizing programs and deploying new technology. Indeed, automation is increasingly viewed as a vital component for application security programs. When the World Economic Forum (WEF) asked organizations what will have the greatest influence on transforming cybersecurity, 48 percent of cyber leaders said automation.
Deployed correctly, automated tools not only reduce time spent on security, but also improve the overall security process by lowering dependence upon manual processes. Automation will help teams achieve continuous security by reducing the burden and cost to maintain software. Practices like vulnerability assessment, tracking, and remediation can be automated to reduce or remove labor-intensive, repetitive tasks. Not surprisingly, 54 percent of security professionals have invested in automated cybersecurity, and 71 percent say automation improves response times for detection.
In terms of application security (AppSec), automation improves threat analysis and prioritization, enables faster alert accuracy, and increases efficiency at a lower cost. Vulnerabilities are continuously and automatically discovered as developers work, and they’re immediately provided with remediation options as they work. But for automation to have the greatest impact, it must be part of a modern AppSec program designed to support demanding development cycles while also ensuring application security. In fact, research shows that security automation is the top investment priority for cyber resilience.
Likewise, 35 percent of organizations say they will invest in security automation in the coming year. Specifically, automation strengthens cyber resiliency in a number of ways, including improving operational efficiency, providing better support for IT security teams, reducing security risks, reducing costs and enabling organizations to maintain competitive advantage.
Learn more about what IT and security teams can do to build applications security programs for today’s digital world by downloading a copy of the “Five Principles of Modern Application Security Programs” white paper today.
