Application security (AppSec) is facing a major challenge. As organizations shift to faster, more flexible software development methods and embrace agile practices, they’re also asking developers to take on more security responsibilities. But the traditional ways of handling AppSec just can’t keep up with today’s rapid development pace. Security teams are overwhelmed trying to manage security across the entire software supply chain and throughout the software development life cycle (SDLC). It’s a monumental task to quickly find and fix critical code issues without slowing down software delivery. Security is essential, but it often feels like it’s coming at the cost of innovation.
To make matters worse, today’s security solutions are fragmented and often don’t work well together. This leaves gaps that hackers are eager to exploit—stories we see in the headlines all too often. Scaling security measures effectively is a constant struggle, especially with the rise of cloud-based systems, which add another layer of complexity. With daily cyber-attacks and increasing compliance mandates, it feels like the gaps in application security are only widening. Engineering teams are worried about catching issues in time, leading to delays and increased risk for the organization.
That’s why more security and development leaders are turning to Application Security Posture Management (ASPM). Unlike traditional Application Security Testing (AST) tools that focus on scanning code for vulnerabilities, ASPM takes a broader, more proactive approach. It covers a wide range of activities throughout the SDLC, including continuous monitoring, threat detection, vulnerability management, and compliance enforcement.
More than a platform, it’s about people and process
At its core, ASPM aims to give organizations a real-time view of their application security posture, allowing them to identify and mitigate risks proactively. By integrating with development workflows and leveraging automation, ASPM solutions empower teams to tackle security concerns head-on without slowing down innovation. Importantly, this shift reflects a broader trend where developers are increasingly owning more of the security process, embedding it directly into their workflows to build safer software from the ground up.
Adding software supply chain security to the mix
While ASPM is vital for strengthening application security, it’s only part of the solution. A modern security strategy also needs to address the risks associated with third-party components and open-source libraries. Today’s software relies heavily on these external dependencies—in fact, between 40-80% of code in new software projects comes from third parties. This dependence introduces significant security challenges, making Software Supply Chain Security an essential part of any risk management strategy.
Software Supply Chain Security involves a set of practices and tools designed to protect the software supply chain from development through deployment and beyond. Key elements of this approach include a Software Bill of Materials (SBOM) and Software Composition Analysis (SCA), which provide visibility into the components and dependencies within a software project.
Tackling the limitations of traditional application security testing (AST)
While AST tools have been a cornerstone of application security for years, they’re starting to show their age. They struggle to keep up with the dynamic nature of modern app development. Organizations often find themselves bogged down by fragmented security solutions, high false positive rates, and manual security processes, making it difficult to identify and fix vulnerabilities efficiently. The rapidly changing environment of today’s applications and the growing reliance on third-party dependencies further complicate things for traditional AST tools.
This is where ASPM and Software Supply Chain Security come together to fill the gaps. By adopting a proactive and comprehensive approach that includes both ASPM and Software Supply Chain Security, organizations can overcome the limitations of traditional AST tools and significantly improve their security posture.
Bridging the gaps with active ASPM
Active ASPM solutions are built to address the evolving threat landscape and the complexities of modern application environments. These platforms incorporate advanced technologies like the Pipeline Bill of Materials (PBOM), which goes beyond a simple SBOM by offering a dynamic list of everything a piece of software has experienced. Active ASPM solutions also provide contextual analysis, giving organizations unparalleled visibility into their application security posture.
By integrating Software Supply Chain Security into the ASPM framework, organizations can more effectively manage the risks associated with third-party dependencies. Features like SCA and attack path analysis help teams identify and prioritize vulnerabilities based on their potential impact and exploitability, leading to faster remediation and accelerated innovation.
The future of application security: proactive and developer-driven
The future of application security is not just about being proactive—it’s about being adaptive, too. Application Detection and Response (ADR) is set to become an integral part of this evolution. ADR will bring real-time detection and response capabilities into the mix, allowing organizations to identify and address security threats as they emerge in live environments. This shift will empower teams to respond to threats with the same agility they use in development, closing the loop on security and making it an ongoing process rather than a final checkpoint.
Moreover, as developers take on more responsibility for security, ADR will be a natural extension of their role. By integrating ADR into their daily workflows, developers will have the tools to detect and mitigate threats in real-time, reducing the window of exposure and minimizing potential damage. This means developers won’t just be building secure code—they’ll be actively safeguarding applications throughout their lifecycle.
Securing applications requires more than just traditional AST tools. It demands Active ASPM, which unifies application security practices across the SDLC and protects your organization throughout the software supply chain. For development and security teams, having a tool that proactively brings everything together empowers them to quickly understand risks, address vulnerabilities efficiently, and take your AppSec strategy into the future. With the addition of ADR, teams can ensure that security is not just built-in but also actively managed and responded to in real time, bringing a new level of resilience to your applications.
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