By 
The Agile methodology has completely transformed the software development. In fact, the focus predominantly shifted toward speed, collaboration, and customer-oriented results in agile development approach. But today there is a rising risk of cyber threats and therefore strict regulations like the UK GDPR came into effect. Therefore, integrating security into agile methodology is considered vital and poses both challenges and opportunities for UK businesses. In this article we will discuss how businesses can incorporate security into agile development practices without compromising agility.
The Agile Need and the Security Bottlenecks
Agile methodologies help UK businesses adapt to changing requirements and grow one step ahead of competition. Above all, it enables them to offer software products quickly. However, the problem is that the conventional Agile frameworks consider security as a last phase need instead as a major element of the development process. As a result, it makes businesses expose to risks. Imagine the impact of security risks for businesses in industries like healthcare, fintech, e-commerce! Here security breaches can incur financial penalties, damage to their reputation and in worst cases, it can lead to legal consequences.
The following data signifies the need for cyber security in every stage of agile development methodology.
A research study states that, GDPR fines can reach £17.5 million or 4% of global turnover. It further makes compliance non-negotiable.
Therefore, to survive in this ecosystem, UK businesses should consider adopting and incorporating the security principles while implementing agile development methodology.
Important Strategies for Secure Agile Development
1. Shift-Left Approach
Incorporate security testing right from the beginning of the software development lifecycle. For example, developers can use tools such as Static Application Security Testing (SAST) and Dynamic Application Security Testing (DAST) to automate vulnerability detection at the time of coding and planning sprint. A fintech firm in the UK can explore SAST to prevent insecure API endpoints. That too much before the production phase.
2. Continuous Threat Modeling
Developers can identify and assess risks during reviews. Teams should focus on threats in the first place. For example, while building a healthcare app they should focus on encrypting patient data over user interface enhancements.
3. Security Specialists
A software development business can allocate a few team members to monitor the security best practices adopted. These specialists serve as an intermediary between developers and security teams. As a result, they ensure ensuring compliance.
4. Automated Compliance
Companies offering software development services for UK businesses can make use of relevant tools to match code with GDPR, ISO 27001 standards and PCI DSS. Also, integrating automated audits minimize the chance of human error.
Incorporating secure agile development requires great expertise. Sometimes, it cannot be met with the in-house capabilities. At this juncture, specialized software development services come to the help. These services offer bespoke solutions to integrate security into agile development which include:
Secure Coding Training
Offering secure coding training allows developers to improve their expertise in coding and enhance knowledge in writing strong code and thereby minimize risks.
Threat Intelligence
Helps make use of real-time data on cyber threats so that any issues can be managed to save the application before they do the damage.
DevSecOps Integration
Enables merging development, operations and security teams to incorporate security into continuous integration and continuous delivery pipelines. For example, tools like Jenkins or GitLab can automate security scanning while development.
Compliance-as-a-Service
A software development company should ensure that teams adhere to the UK GDPR regulations and other standards. It is implemented via regular monitoring, audit trails, and simulating security breaches.
The Path Ahead
There are some new technologies that are redefining secure agile development practices:
AI-Powered Threat Detection
Using tools like Darktrace would help agile engineers to a great extent. It uses machine learning to verify anomalies as and when it happens.
Quantum-Safe Encryption
Enables teams to get ready for any threats in future. It integrates post-quantum cryptography into agile development methodology
Zero Trust Architecture
It helps assess and device and the user. It verified both even within internal networks. The ultimate aim is to reduce security breach risks.
End Note
For UK businesses, integrating security into Agile methodologies a fundamental necessity. With the help of Security-by-Design principles, businesses can make the most of automation, and partnering with software development company in the UK brings many benefits. IIoT platforms like NetvirE facilitates secure and agile practices by incorporating solid protection at every development stage. When cyber threats continue to exist, Agile development teams must remain robust to adopt proactive to safeguard their code and business morale. Therefore, in a digital ecosystem, where security is paramount, secure agile development methodology is a must to meet both technical as well as broader business objectives.
Author bio:
Silpa Sasidharan is a content writer and social media copywriting expert working at ThinkPalm Technologies, who aspires to create marketing texts for topics spanning from technology, automation and digital business solutions.
Comments