How to Take Your Application Security Training Program Beyond Compliance
Nation-state attacks on government agencies and critical infrastructure continue to pose a significant threat. These threats, including supply chain attacks like the breaches of SolarWinds Orion and Microsoft Exchange, highlighted the need to improve software security across the government. Regulations like the EU Cyber Resilience Act and US Executive Order 14028 mandate secure development, transparency, and accountability, aiming to mitigate systemic risks and ensure resilience in an increasingly software-dependent world.
Rising Regulatory Pressure for Secure Software
Unfortunately, few software engineers have received training in building secure software. Focusing on software functionality and short development cycles can leave applications vulnerable to attacks.
To address this, several regulatory standards and frameworks require organizations to conduct annual application security training for their software engineering teams. These include:
– Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards (PCI DSS)
– NIST 800-53: Role-based training including simulated attack awareness for developers
– CIS Critical Security Controls: Secure lifecycle management and secure coding training (Control 16.9)
– NIST Secure Software Development Framework (SSDF): Secure coding best practices
Why We Need to Go Beyond Compliance
Some organizations treat training as a checkbox activity. However, this overlooks several important benefits:
Supply Chain Market Advantages
Compliance may drive training, but customers increasingly demand proof of secure software practices. In our 2025 study:
– 57% of orgs train for compliance
– 25% train for contractual obligations
– 19% train proactively to improve software security
Faster Time to Market
“Find and fix” models slow down release cycles and cost more. Fixing a single vulnerability late can cost over $50,000. Training developers early reduces issues and accelerates product release.
Employee Retention
Poor training is a top cause of early turnover. Studies show that up to 40% of employees leave within the first year due to lack of training.
Finding a Solution That Fits Your Company’s Reality
Training programs should do more than cover basics. To be effective, they must be:
- Properly Aligned with Regulations — Choose a vendor that addresses GDPR, HIPAA, CCPA, and others your business needs.
- Customized to Your Tech Stack — Ensure coverage across all the frameworks and languages you use, including support for cloud and AI initiatives.
- Suitable for All Experience Levels — From foundational concepts to deep dives with practical code samples.
- Role-Specific — Include training for software architects, QA, and security champions — not just developers.
- Just-in-Time and Bite-Sized — Allow learners to access short courses and refer back as needed.
- Accredited — Accreditation adds value for employees and proves compliance to external stakeholders.
- Scalable and Cost-Effective — Start small and expand. Choose a partner that grows with your needs.
How Security Compass Helps
Security Compass offers a full suite of role-based application security training that helps organizations build secure, compliant software faster. Features include:
– Full Library: 50+ courses, 300+ labs, quizzes for validation
– Role-Specific Paths: Developer, Architect, QA, PM, and Security Champion training
– Accreditation: ISC2 certified completion
– Integration with SD Elements: Aligns training with security requirements from the start
– Cost and Risk Reduction: Fewer vulnerabilities, less rework, faster delivery
– Stronger Buy-In: Engaging, relevant training encourages adoption
Meet Compliance Requirements and Build Security Resiliency
Training doesn’t have to be a burden. With the right partner, organizations can meet regulatory requirements and embed a culture of secure development.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Security Compass enables secure software development at scale. Request a demo or explore our interactive product tour to see how we can help your team go beyond compliance.
Visit: www.securitycompass.com