Forrester’s No-Code Citizen Development Security Breach Prediction Misses the Mark

Quixy Editorial Team

August 10, 2023

This article was first published on ReadWrite.

As the demand for software development continues to grow, the use of no-code, low-code platforms has become increasingly popular. These platforms help in no-code citizen development & citizen developers. Who may have little to no programming experience to create applications and automate workflows without writing a single line of code. While this democratization of technology is undoubtedly a positive development, Forrester Research predicts that it could also lead to a headline security breach in 2023.

What does this mean for those who are or who would want to be part of this no-code revolution? First, it’s essential to understand that no-code platforms are not inherently less secure than traditional coding methods. However, the ease of use and accessibility of these platforms could lead to a false sense of security among citizen developers, leading to potential security risks.

While Forrester Research’s prediction of a citizen development security breach in 2023 may have been specifically focused on no-code/low-code platforms and citizen developers, it’s important to recognize that the risk of a security breach is not limited to this group alone.

Evolving Security-Threats

In today’s digital landscape, security threats are constantly evolving and becoming more sophisticated. Even traditional software development teams can unintentionally introduce vulnerabilities that attackers can exploit. In fact, research shows that human errors cause the majority of data breaches! Such as misconfigurations or weak passwords, rather than deliberate malicious intent.

Therefore, it’s important for all members of an organization, whether they are citizen developers or professional software developers, to have a thorough understanding of potential security risks and how to mitigate them. By taking a proactive approach to security, organizations can reduce the risk of a costly and damaging data breach.

Organizations must prioritize security throughout the software development life cycle (SDLC), not just for no-code development.

One of the benefits of no-code development is that it enables rapid prototyping and iteration. Which can help teams identify and address shadow IT issues early on in the development process. However, it’s important to remember that no-code development is not a silver bullet for security. While no-code platforms may simplify the development process, they do not eliminate the need for rigorous security testing and review.

Organizations must prioritize security from the very beginning of the development process, whether they’re using no-code platforms or traditional coding methods. This means implementing security controls and testing throughout the SDLC.

Also Read: How to Implement and Govern Citizen Development

From design to deployment and beyond. In addition, organizations must also ensure that they have the proper security training and resources in place for their no-code development teams. This includes educating developers on security best practices and providing access to tools and resources to help identify and mitigate security risks.

No-code development offers many benefits for organizations, including increased efficiency and faster time-to-market. However, it’s important to keep security concerns at the forefront of all software development efforts, regardless of the method used. By prioritizing security throughout the SDLC, organizations can ensure that their software solutions are secure, reliable, and effective.

The Importance of Choosing a Trustworthy No-Code Development Platform

When it comes to no-code development, not all platforms are created equal. Choosing a trustworthy no-code development platform is crucial for mitigating security risks and ensuring that your software solutions are reliable and secure.

One of the major reasons to consider when choosing a no-code development platform is the level of security built into the platform itself. Look for a platform with robust security features, such as encryption, access controls, and regular security updates.

In addition, it’s important to consider the reputation of the platform provider. Look for a provider with a strong track record of security and reliability check to see if they have any certifications or third-party audits to verify their security practices.

Also Read: 5 Reasons to Encourage Citizen Development at Work

Finally, consider the level of support and resources provided by the platform provider. Look for a provider that offers comprehensive documentation, training, and support to help you mitigate security risks and ensure that your applications are secure.

Mitigating Citizen Development Security Breach

Even with a trustworthy drag-and-drop no-code development platform, it’s important to take steps to mitigate security risks throughout the software development life cycle. This includes implementing security controls and testing at every stage of the development process.

One of the key benefits of no-code development is the ability to prototype & iterate on software solutions rapidly. This can help teams identify and address security issues early on in the development process before they become more costly and difficult to fix.

Another important step is to conduct regular security testing and review. This can include penetration testing, vulnerability scanning, and code review to identify and address potential security vulnerabilities.

Finally, it’s important to ensure that all development team members are educated on security best practices and have access to resources that can help them identify and mitigate security risks. This includes training on secure coding practices, access controls, and other security-related topics.

Best Practices for Prioritizing Security in No-Code Development

To prioritize security in no-code development, following best practices throughout the software development life cycle is important. This includes:

1. Incorporating security into the design phase

By considering security from the very beginning of the development process, teams can identify potential security risks and design solutions that mitigate those risks.

2. Conducting regular security testing and review

Regular testing and review can help identify and address potential security vulnerabilities before attackers exploit them.

Also Read: Making Shadow IT a frenemy with Citizen Development

3. Prioritizing access controls

Access controls are crucial for to ensure that only authorized users can access sensitive data and functionality within the application.

4. Ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements

Depending on the industry and application, there may be specific regulatory requirements that are needed to be considered in the development process. It’s important to ensure that your application is compliant with these requirements.

5. Educating team members on security best practices

Finally, it’s important to ensure that all members of the development team are educated on security best practices. And have access to resources to help them identify and mitigate security risks.

By following these best practices, organizations can prioritize security in their no-code development efforts and ensure that their software solutions are secure, reliable, and effective.

Conclusion

While one cannot be ignorant of Forrester Research’s prediction of a security breach by citizen developers on no-code/low-code platforms. It is important to recognize that the risk of a security breach is not a constraint to this group alone.

Organizations need to take a comprehensive approach to security and risk management that includes all aspects of their technology stack, including third-party integrations, legacy systems, and even their own IT teams.

By understanding potential security risks and taking proactive measures to mitigate them, organizations can minimize the risk of a breach and protect their valuable data and assets. While no security strategy can guarantee 100% protection, taking a proactive and holistic approach can go a long way in reducing the likelihood and impact of a security breach.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

FAQs about no-code/low-code platforms and their potential security risks are common among readers. Here are some questions that readers may have after reading the blog.