Introducing AI-Driven Risk Detection at Design Phase: Revolutionizing AppSec with AI-Powered Pre-Code Security

At Apiiro, we’re always pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in application security. Today, we’re thrilled to announce our latest innovation: Risk Detection at Design Phase. This groundbreaking, first-of-its-kind feature shifts risk detection left in the software development lifecycle, and enables application security (AppSec) practitioners to mitigate security and compliance concerns before a single line of code is written.

Understanding Secure by Design (SbD)

Before we dive into our new feature, let’s talk about Secure by Design (SbD). This approach to software development builds security and risk management into every phase of the development process, starting at the design. Traditionally, security was often an afterthought, bolted onto systems after other considerations were already in place.

The SANS Institute’s State of Application Security survey results revealed that only 26% of organizations perform security testing during the development phase. The majority of organizations do not perform security testing during the design and development phase. Shown below, there is a disconnect between the pace of coding and the pace of security reviews. Using AI-driven security review during the design phase will aid in the prioritization of Secure by Design.

By introducing security and risk management into the design phase of the Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC), organizations can reduce risks and minimize rework, leading to cost reduction and acceleration of secure software delivery.

The Challenge: Adapting SbD for Agile Development

While SbD principles are crucial, they haven’t always kept pace with agile development practices. This disconnect can impact business velocity, creating a significant demand and opportunity for innovative approaches that align security with modern development speeds.

Detecting Risks Before a Single Line of Code is Written

This is where Risk Detection at the Design Phase comes in. You’ve heard of “shifting left” in security, but what if we told you we could shift even further left? This AI-powered capability allows us to detect potential security risks before a single line of code is written. We’re talking about securing your applications at the design stage.

How Does It Work?

Risk Detection at Design Phase leverages cutting-edge AI technology, including our native Phi LLM, to automatically analyze feature designs. It proactively identifies potential risks associated with:

1. Generative AI technology
2. Sensitive data handling
3. User permissions and access management
4. Third-party integrations and digital supply chain
5. Architecture design

By addressing these concerns at the onset of development, we’re not just saving time and resources – we’re fundamentally changing how security integrates with the development process.

What a more in-depth look into how Risk Detection at Design Phase works? Check out our technical blog.

Why It Matters

Catching security issues early is crucial to maintain development momentum. Risk Detection at Design Phase allows AppSec teams to:

• Scale the development process efficiently
• Mitigate security concerns proactively
• Save significant development resources
• Ensure the highest level of application security from the start

Real-World Impact

Imagine catching a potential data breach before it’s even coded. Or identifying a risky third-party integration before it’s implemented. With Risk Detection at Design Phase, these scenarios become reality. It’s not just about fixing issues – it’s about preventing them from being created in the first place.

The Future of AppSec is Here

As Moti Gindi, our Chief Product Officer, puts it: “Building secure software starts with secure design, and the new Design Risks features from Apiiro take the ‘shift left’ approach a step further, addressing security considerations even before a single line of code is written.”

We’re not just talking about the future of application security – we’re building it. Risk Detection at Design Phase is a testament to our commitment to providing complete visibility, from design to production, in the ever-changing landscape of modern software applications.

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For media inquiries and more information see our press release.