Low code and no code platforms make the deployment of applications easy and straightforward. They create room for quicker scaling even amidst labor delays experienced by companies whose business processes are IT-associated. This is one of the reasons why low code platforms are projected to reach $27 billion by the end of 2022. Low code and no code platforms have lowered the barrier of entry for most businesses to create fully-functional applications without much labor logistics. This reduces the time it takes for businesses to market an idea that involves IT and software. During the pandemic, businesses were able to grow out of the rut with an 85% increase in revenue because of shortened development cycles.
Are there security concerns with low and no code?
Low code may allow non-technical team members to develop applications easily but there have been concerns and mild controversies about its security. According to Gaurdicore, 76% of respondents lack the infrastructure needed to secure new apps and configure existing ones quickly. We will explore some of these concerns and some practical solutions.
The problem of hidden codes
For a platform to be ‘no-code’ does not mean that the application is devoid of codes. It just means that the codes appear in form of drag and drop components and modules. For ‘low-code’ it means that most of the basic codes have already been written to save you time. The most developed claim is that hidden codes are a massive problem. This is because of the changes that can occur to an application’s code when there is a malicious attack. The hidden nature of the codes makes it difficult to know what impact an attack has on an application.
Businesses through authentication practices, public-key cryptography technologies, and digital signature mechanisms can verify and track the modification of a hidden code. This verifies the integrity and authenticity of a hidden code even after it has been signed. Also, try to ensure that any low code platform you use has a security protocol. These protocols will protect you against cyberattacks by securing access to any data you might have. Some of these protocols can be as basic as Secure Sockets Layer (SSL).
Vulnerabilities from open-source technologies
Most modern software programs suffer exposure from their reliance on several open-source technologies. Most low and no-code platforms utilize these open source components since they are readily available for non-technical developers.
One way to deal with this is by employing the use of Automated penetration testing tools and source code scanners. They allow companies and teams to monitor the security of an application’s development process from the beginning until it has been launched.
Static Application Testing tools can also help to analyze source codes to fish out vulnerabilities of applications before they are finally launched and implemented.
Flexibility and lack of control
Companies that use enterprise-based software programs always have policies that grant total control of their system. While it is easy to quickly develop and launch applications with low code and no code, there is reduced flexibility and access control. This becomes a problem when there is a need to make quick changes concerned with security.
This is why proper vendor research must be conducted to ensure that they offer reliable security measures that are pre-built into the development platform. Also ensure administrative flexibilities that let you manage users, monitor system health and status, and allocate responsibilities.
Inheritance
This is the biggest concern with low-code and no-code platforms. Most ready-to-use components are provided easily through reusable codes. If such codes are insecure, they will be easily transferred to new applications since the developers do not have access to the source code. It is always better to ensure the security of a base code in terms of; availability and recoverability to ensure that codes are reusable. As mentioned earlier, security strategies such as Static analysis and automation penetration testing can help to detect vulnerabilities in codes before they can be reused.
Low code road assists businesses to make the right decision with low and no code development. We analyze your business needs with you and further take steps to build a secure application that allows you to save time with processes in your business. Feel free to reach out to us if you want to move from cloggy spreadsheets to a more reliable, automated system to ease your business processes.