2024 Application Security Predictions

As we step into 2024, the realm of Application Security (AppSec) is poised for a transformative year. Despite flat cyber budgets, organizations are setting higher expectations for preventing cyber attacks. The focus is shifting from the quantity of security tools to the quality of risk insights, pushing vulnerability detection into a commoditized space. Let's explore Backslash management key predictions shaping the landscape of AppSec in 2024.

1. More with the Same Budget

In 2024, the macroeconomic landscape is expected to impose budgetary constraints, compelling security teams to operate within tighter financial parameters. In the realm of application security (Appsec), this translates into a shift from a conventional focus on a mere catalog of vulnerabilities to a heightened emphasis on acquiring profound insights. These insights will precisely identify the authentic risks that confront the organization, empowering it to allocate resources more judiciously and effectively.

2. Sunset of Big AppSec Dinosaurs

We hear more and more about old tools' frustrations. With higher vendor expectations, organizations will move away from bulky, cumbersome security solutions. There will be a shift towards lighter, risk focused and streamlined solutions that address specific security needs.

3. Shift Left Awakening

We might see a reversal in the "Shift Left" model, emphasizing the importance of strong security teams creating policies. Integration into CI (DevOps) pipelines will be streamlined, striking a balance between efficiency and security. The focus will be on empowering developers with effective security tools rather than overwhelming them with too many, ensuring a more efficient and secure development process.

4. AppSec and CloudSec Convergence - Phase 1:

Many of our customers are combining their AppSec and CloudSec teams. This is happening because working in separate silos is not efficient. Organizations are bringing together these teams into one unit to create a unified and complete security strategy for both applications and cloud environments.

5. Advanced Vulnerability Prioritization Systems:

Standard systems like CVSS are not sufficient enough as advanced solutions like VEX gain prominence. Organizations will demand more app-specific prioritization systems to effectively manage and mitigate risks associated with diverse application landscapes.

6. Dominance of AI in AppSec:

Last but not least AI will play a significant role in generating code, allowing for faster development with fewer human resources.  However, this transformative shift towards AI-assisted development is not without its challenges, particularly in the realm of security.

AI-Generated Vulnerabilities: 

As code becomes more like open-source software, AI-generated vulnerabilities will become a bigger concern. The speed at which AI-assisted developers work will underscore the importance of enhanced application visibility and security.

Developers  may lack a full understanding of their AI-generated output, necessitating increased focus on securing these applications.

In conclusion, the year 2024 promises to be a turning point for application security, marked by a strategic realignment of priorities, a shift towards quality over quantity, and the pervasive influence of AI. Organizations that adapt to these trends will not only enhance their security posture but also position themselves at the forefront of a rapidly evolving cybersecurity landscape.

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