The cost of technical debt
“Technical debt is the consequence of software development decisions that result in prioritizing speed or release over the [most] well-designed code, It is often the result of using quick fixes and patches rather than full-scale solutions.” (2020 Mike Duensing, CTO and EVP Engineering at Skuid)
THE COST OF POOR SOFTWARE QUALITY IN THE US A 2022 REPORT: The accumulated software Technical Debt (TD) has grown to ~$1.52 trillion.
According to the Standish Group's CHAOS Report: only 31% of software projects are completed on time and within budget, with bad code being a significant factor.
How Technical Debt Impacts Software Security
Technical debt, a term coined by software developer Ward Cunningham, refers to the shortcuts or compromises made in the code to meet deadlines or reduce costs. While these shortcuts might speed up development initially, they accumulate interest over time, making the codebase more difficult and costly to maintain. One of the most significant, yet often overlooked, consequences of technical debt is its impact on software security. Understanding how technical debt can compromise security is crucial for developers and organizations aiming to build secure, reliable software.
The Hidden Cost of Quick Fixes
In the rush to meet project deadlines, developers often implement quick fixes or temporary solutions, intending to revisit and improve them later. These "quick and dirty" solutions might involve skipping proper input validation, leaving security controls underdeveloped, or ignoring best practices for encryption and data handling. While the immediate impact might seem negligible, these shortcuts introduce vulnerabilities that can be exploited by attackers.
Technical debt manifests as code that is harder to understand, maintain, and secure. As the debt accumulates, the software becomes increasingly fragile, making it more susceptible to security breaches. For instance, poorly written code can lead to buffer overflows, SQL injection flaws, or cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities. Each of these issues can be a direct gateway for cybercriminals to infiltrate systems, steal data, or cause operational disruptions.
Complexity Breeds Vulnerability
As technical debt grows, so does the complexity of the codebase. Complex systems are more challenging to secure because they are harder to understand, test, and monitor. When code is difficult to follow, developers are more likely to overlook potential security flaws. Moreover, complex systems often have interdependent modules, where a vulnerability in one module can cascade into others, compounding the risk.
The complexity also makes it harder to apply security patches. Patching a system with high technical debt is not as straightforward as it might be with a well-maintained codebase. The interdependencies and lack of documentation make it risky to modify the code, as a small change can have unintended consequences. This delay in patching known vulnerabilities leaves the software exposed to attackers for longer periods.
The Human Factor: Developer Burnout and Turnover
Technical debt doesn't just affect the code; it also impacts the developers who work with it. High technical debt can lead to developer burnout as they spend more time fixing bugs and addressing issues caused by the debt rather than innovating or improving the software. This can result in high turnover rates, leading to a loss of institutional knowledge and experience.
New developers who inherit a codebase with significant technical debt face a steep learning curve, increasing the likelihood of introducing new security vulnerabilities. Without proper documentation or understanding of the existing code, they may not fully grasp the security implications of their changes. This cycle perpetuates the accumulation of technical debt and further weakens the security posture of the software.
The Compounding Interest of Neglected Debt
Just like financial debt, technical debt accrues interest. The longer it goes unaddressed, the more expensive it becomes to fix. In the context of security, this interest translates into an increasing likelihood of breaches, data leaks, and compliance violations. Organizations that neglect their technical debt may find themselves facing costly legal battles, reputational damage, and loss of customer trust.
The financial impact of a security breach can be devastating. According to IBM’s Cost of a Data Breach Report, the global average cost of a data breach in 2023 was $4.45 million. This cost includes detection, response, lost business, and the cost of addressing the root cause of the breach. For companies with significant technical debt, the cost of remediation can be even higher, as the underlying issues are more complex and entrenched.
Addressing Technical Debt for a Secure Future
To mitigate the security risks associated with technical debt, organizations must adopt a proactive approach. This includes regular code reviews, refactoring efforts, and prioritizing security from the outset of development. Technical debt should be treated as a critical component of the overall risk management strategy, with dedicated resources and time allocated to addressing it.
Developers and organizations must recognize that while technical debt might seem like a quick win in the short term, it poses significant long-term risks to software security. By taking the time to address technical debt early and often, companies can protect their software from vulnerabilities and build a more secure foundation for future growth.
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Deploying HackiAI AI agents on your team reduces technical debt, reduces vulnerabilities and security breaches, and reduces the human time needed for these activities, allowing your team to focus on areas of greater value for your business.