Companies are under increasing pressure to deliver software to market faster to address market opportunities and to fend off competitive threats. However, as the pace of software development increases, so do the potential cybersecurity threats. This is where the concept of Security by Design comes into play. Security by Design (SbD) is defined as “implementing security at the foundation of your software development lifecycle (SDLC) processes (e.g., building security requirements and conducting Threat Modeling during the Design phase).”
Despite the clear benefits of Security by Design, many organizations need more time to implement this strategy, often due to resource constraints or competing priorities. However, postponing SbD comes at a significant cost. Below, we explore the financial, operational, and reputational impacts of delaying this crucial program.
Rising Remediation Costs
One of the most immediate consequences of delaying Security by Design is the rising cost of fixing vulnerabilities after software is built. Fixing a single vulnerability can cost over $50,000, and applications often contain numerous high-risk flaws. The later these issues are identified in the development process, the more costly and disruptive they are to fix.
Implementing SbD significantly reduces these costs. Our research indicates that SbD can cut vulnerabilities by 79%, saving millions for organizations with many applications. A one month delay in implementing SbD for 100 applications could result in more than $416,000 in additional remediation costs alone.
Delayed Time to Market
Delaying SbD increases the risk of vulnerabilities and slows down product development. Relying on reactive “find and fix” methods delays software releases and increases the likelihood of missing out on key business opportunities. In fact, studies show that the cost of fixing a vulnerability when it is found in production is 640X higher when discovered in the coding stage. This time that developers must spend away from writing new code which significantly delays product releases. Studies have also shown that developers productivity drops 25-30% when shifting focus from writing new code to fixing vulnerabilities.
By adopting SbD, security is embedded early, leading to faster compliance with security standards and quicker time to market. This proactive approach allows companies to maintain a competitive edge and capitalize on new market opportunities without sacrificing security.
Higher Breach & Compliance Risks
Data breaches are incredibly expensive, with the average cost in 2023 estimated at $4.45 million which is the highest on record. This doesn’t include the long-term damage to a company’s reputation, customer trust, and potential regulatory fines. Delaying SbD increases the risk of a breach, as vulnerabilities remain unaddressed for longer periods. To make matters worse, the average lifecycle of a breach is 292 days from identification to containment.
Delaying SbD also increases the risk of regulatory non-compliance. Strict security regulations govern industries like healthcare and finance, and failing to meet these requirements can result in hefty fines and legal liabilities. Security by Design ensures systems are built to meet regulatory standards from the outset, reducing the risk of non-compliance and associated penalties. By delaying SbD, companies expose themselves to greater legal risks and potential fines, not to mention lost business opportunities from customers increasingly requiring proof of compliance.
Delaying SbD extends the window of exposure —the time during which vulnerabilities remain in production – increasing the potential of a breach. In a scenario involving 100 applications, a one-month delay could extend this window by 3,250 additional days, leaving the organization vulnerable to attacks. By contrast, implementing SbD shortens this window by addressing vulnerabilities early, significantly reducing the chances of a costly breach. Given the frequency and sophistication of modern cyberattacks, reducing exposure time is critical for protecting sensitive data.
By integrating security from the start, SbD minimizes the likelihood of a breach, saving companies from the massive financial and reputational fallout that follows.
Operational Inefficiencies and Team Burnout
Delaying SbD often results in unplanned, reactive work, as teams scramble to fix vulnerabilities after they’re discovered. This disrupts workflows, leading to inefficiencies, delays, and team burnout. Over time, this reactive approach can lower employee morale and slow innovation.
SbD turns unplanned work into planned work by embedding security early and fostering collaboration between development and security teams. This proactive approach results in smoother workflows and empowers teams to focus on innovation rather than firefighting security issues.
Conclusion
Delaying a Security by Design program may seem like a short-term cost-saving measure, but the long-term consequences are severe. Rising remediation costs, extended exposure windows, compliance risks, and the potential for a costly breach all underscore the importance of implementing SbD sooner rather than later.
As cybersecurity threats evolve, SbD is no longer optional—it’s a business imperative. Companies that invest in this proactive approach can reduce risks, accelerate development, ensure compliance, and protect their reputation. The costs of delaying are simply too high to ignore.
To learn how your organization can effectively implement Security by Design, explore our comprehensive guide, which offers practical steps and expert insights. Get started with Security by Design and make security a foundational part of your development process today.