Developers will, unfortunately, come and go, but it should never be because security teams are overburdening them.
Impact of Developer Turnover
The turnover rate among application developers is notably high, with 75% of respondents in a recent survey reporting increased attrition in DevOps roles. This trend is largely influenced by the pressure developers face to deliver new code rapidly while also adhering to security protocols. If security teams overburden developers with security tasks, it can lead to higher turnover, as developers may seek opportunities that offer a more manageable workload.
'Shifting security left' refers to the practice of integrating security measures early in the development process. This approach helps identify vulnerabilities and misconfigurations at a stage when they are easier to address. It fosters collaboration between developers and security teams, ensuring that security is a shared responsibility. However, while this strategy is beneficial, it requires developers to be adequately trained and equipped with the right tools to effectively manage security concerns.
Training Developers in Security
Organizations can enhance developers' readiness for security responsibilities by implementing a clear shift left strategy, providing effective security tools that do not hinder development, and offering formal cybersecurity training. Many developers lack this training, so closing this skills gap is essential. By doing so, organizations can create a more secure environment without overwhelming their development teams.