Cybersecurity is a critical pillar of modern IT, with cyberattacks rising by 38% globally in 2023 alone. No one is safe, as targets vary from individuals to high-level corporations and governments.
Application security (AppSec) is a process designed to increase users’ protection. Nowadays, it is an integral part of any reliable software. Its job is to protect software applications from vulnerabilities.
So, whether you’re developing software, managing systems, or advising businesses, you need AppSec.You’ll use this knowledge throughout your career. Plus, it’s a great way to stand out in an increasingly competitive job market.
This blog explores what AppSec entails, why it’s important, and how mastering it can unlock exciting career opportunities. Let’s dive in!
Why Should I Care about AppSec?
If you plan to work in IT as a developer or something related to cybersecurity, you need to understand how AppSec works.
Without AppSec, software becomes vulnerable to threats like SQL injection, where attackers manipulate databases, or cross-site scripting (XSS), which allows hackers to inject malicious scripts.
On the list of AppSec best practices, you’ll also find that one of its core principles is a strong authentication and authorization strategy. Weak authentication systems are one of the leading factors that cause the cost of a data breach event to be over $4.88M. As an IT professional, you must learn how to deal with this threat.
Overall, AppSec implementation is mandatory for safer data, users, and reputations. It also plays a critical role in meeting compliance requirements like GDPR and HIPAA. Compliance frameworks often require regular security assessments, which overlap with AppSec processes like vulnerability management and penetration testing.
Who Needs to Understand AppSec?
First, let me be clear: knowledge of application security (even at a basic level) is essential for anyone working in IT. Understanding AppSec empowers you to create or implement safer, more resilient applications.
That said, AppSec is mandatory for some roles, like:
- Application Security Analyst: In this position, you’ll assess software for vulnerabilities, ensure compliance with security standards, and recommend strategies to mitigate risks.
- Security Software Developer: You’ll integrate security features into the development process. Your main role is to create resilient applications from the ground up.
- Penetration Tester: I would’ve loved to be an ethical hacker (the alias of pen testers)! In this position, you simulate cyberattacks to identify and address vulnerabilities before malicious actors can exploit them.
- Cyber Security Consultant: If you like to give advice, this position is perfect for you. However, you need to become an expert first. As a consultant, you guide organizations in implementing best practices, including AppSec, to strengthen their security posture.
Even if your role doesn’t center on security, AppSec knowledge equips you to contribute to safer technology ecosystems. Developers can write secure code, system administrators can recognize potential risks, and IT managers can make informed decisions about security investments.
How to Get Started with AppSec
If you’re learning AppSec with a future IT career in mind, I suggest you start with well-known courses and certifications. Industry-recognized certifications like OWASP, CISSP, or CEH will teach you the essential AppSec concepts, from secure coding to vulnerability management.
Added bonus: just one of these certifications will look amazing on your CV!
For a more relaxed approach, I recommend platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and Pluralsight. You’ll find excellent courses for beginners and professionals.
Don’t ignore hands-on experience! It’s invaluable in this field.
Start using tools like OWASP ZAP and Burp Suite to identify and analyze security vulnerabilities in real-world applications. You can also join hackathons and events like capture-the-flag (CTF) competitions to test your skills in a collaborative environment.
I think the best approach to learning AppSec is to combine education, practice, and community involvement. The key is to start small and stay consistent.
If you’re on a budget and can’t afford the cost of certification or joining a collaborative event, look into options for funding your education. Given that a junior security engineer makes between $130K and $224K a year, you don’t have to worry too much about covering your initial investment.
Wrap Up
For an aspiring IT professional, learning about and mastering application security is an investment in your future. A certification or a course on this topic will open doors to exciting career opportunities.
Start small, stay curious, and explore resources to deepen your knowledge. In a world where cybersecurity is non-negotiable, equipping yourself with AppSec skills ensures you stay ahead and thrive in the ever-evolving IT landscape.
