Application Security: The Six-Figure Job Nobody Wants | EP 15

Unveiling the Realities of Application Security: Challenges, Skills, and Rewards

This episode delves into the world of application security, one of the highest paying roles in cybersecurity. Hosted by Nathan from StationX, who brings over 30 years of experience, the episode explores the day-to-day responsibilities, necessary skills, and the balance between security and rapid software release. It covers various tools and techniques like SAST, DAST, SCA, and IAST. Additionally, it discusses the importance of soft skills and the evolving landscape of DevSecOps. Insider tips, real-world scenarios, and potential career paths within application security make this a must-watch for anyone considering or looking to specialize in this field. The episode concludes with a high-value resource bonus: the Cybersecurity Career Mega Pack.

00:00 Introduction to High-Paying Cybersecurity Roles

00:39 What is Application Security?

01:07 Daily Responsibilities and Challenges

01:55 Real-World Scenarios in Application Security

03:17 Essential Tools and Skills

05:29 Soft Skills and Career Pathways

06:52 DevSecOps and Shifting Left

08:32 Industry Trends and Future Outlook

09:54 Salary, Stress, and Job Market

11:57 Conclusion and Resources

SHOW NOTES & DOWNLOADS

https://www.StationX.net/podcast/application-security/

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Transcript

Are you eyeing a six-figure job in cyber security but wondering if it's really for you? 

Application Security is one of the highest-paying roles in the security industry, but surprisingly, not everyone wants it. 

In this episode, we'll uncover the reality of working in Application Security, including what makes it challenging but highly rewarding.

We'll cover what the role involves, the skills you'll need, and whether it's the right fit for you. Plus, I'll share insider tips and real-world scenarios you won't want to miss. So whether you're just starting out or looking to specialize, this episode will provide valuable insights on the reality of working in application security and cyber security. 

I'm Nathan from StationX, and with over 30 years of experience across various cyber security roles, I'm here to share my firsthand knowledge with you.

And be sure to stick around until the end for a special resource, the Cyber Security Career Mega Pack, which is designed to assist you on your journey.

This is Cyber Security Diaries, and today we're diving into the world of Application Security. Let's get started!

Let me give you an Introduction to Application Security.
Imagine being the defender who safeguards every line of code your organization produces. In Application Security, that's exactly what you do—but it's a lot more complex than most people realize.

Your role isn't just about finding vulnerabilities in code; it's about being the bridge between security and development. You're balancing the pressure to release software quickly with the absolute need to keep it secure. This is where the unique challenges of Application Security come in.

Day-to-Day Responsibilities 
So, what does your day actually look like?

Well, one big part is reviewing and testing code for security flaws. And it's not just running automated tools—this is about understanding how each vulnerability could impact your specific organization.

Let me give you a scenario: imagine your team is about to deploy a major update, and you spot a potential security risk. Now, you have to:

1. Assess the impact to the organization,
2. Communicate the risk to the key stakeholder effectively, and
3. Work with developers to find a fix without derailing the release.

This is where the complexity of Application Security really hits home—finding that balance between security and release speed.

Real-World Scenarios 

Here's another real-world example. Say you find a critical SQL injection vulnerability during a code review. The potential risk to user data is high, so you act quickly to get the devs to patch it before the release—potentially saving thousands of users from a data breach.

Or maybe you're leading a training session, guiding developers on secure coding standards that you have created, so they can prevent these vulnerabilities in the future as they do their dev work. In Application Security, you're not just securing coding; you're mentoring and empowering others to build secure applications.

Essential Tools and Skills 

To succeed in Application Security, you'll need some specialized tools and skills.

Your job is to make sure that the code the dev teams write is safe from vulnerabilities before it goes live. You start with SAST (Static Application Security Testing) tools like SonarQube and Fortify—these scan the codebase, looking for issues in the source code itself before it even runs. Think of it like a spell-check for security flaws. 

Next, you use DAST (Dynamic Application Security Testing) tools like OWASP ZAP & Burp Suite to test the application while it’s actually running, simulating real-world attacks to catch anything that might slip through once the code is live. 

Then, you move on to SCA (Software Composition Analysis) tools like Snyk & Black Duck scanning your third-party libraries to make sure the open-source components you’re using don’t have any hidden vulnerabilities. 

Finally, you have IAST (Interactive Application Security Testing) tools like Contrast Security & Veracode that work while your app is running, giving you a deeper understanding of how vulnerabilities might actually play out in real-time. 

Together, these tools give you a complete picture of your app’s security, from the code your developers write to the software libraries you rely on and how the app behaves in the real world

You'll also need to be comfortable with programming languages like Java, Python, or C++. Understanding code helps you spot and fix vulnerabilities yourself when needed.

And, of course, there's the OWASP Top Ten—a list of the most critical security risks in application security. Knowing these by heart is key to identifying potential vulnerabilities before they become real threats.

Question for You: Do you enjoy solving complex puzzles and diving deep into code? If you do, Application Security might be a good fit.

Soft Skills and Career Path 

Now, success in Application Security isn't just about technical skills. You'll need soft skills, too:

• Communication skills are crucial. You'll often need to explain security issues to non-technical staff in a way they can understand.
• Problem-solving abilities are a must, especially since you'll be tackling complex challenges.
• And having an eye for detail is key. You'll need to spot subtle vulnerabilities that others might miss.

Most people start in Application Security from a background in software development or from cyber security. I have a friend who transitioned into app sec from a non-developer but cyber security background, without any coding experience, and is now one of the top experts in the field. It shows that, while uncommon, it is possible to enter this field with strong cyber security skills and learn the application security side along the way. But it is most common to come from a developer background.

Job titles include;

• Application Security Specialist
• DevSecOps Engineer
• Security Code Auditor
• Or even Security Software Developer

Question for You: What excites you most about application security? Let me know in the comments!

Alright, let's talk about DevSecOps.

Some people still think application security is just about testing code at the end of development. But the reality? It’s evolved into something much more comprehensive. 

This is where the concept of ‘shift to the left’ comes in. Instead of treating security as an afterthought, we’re now building it into every stage of development. 

It means integrating security checks right from the start (i.e. the left or start of the process) —requirements gathering, during coding, through continuous integration, and all the way to deployment. By catching vulnerabilities early, we not only save time and costs but also create more secure applications from the ground up. It’s all about making security a seamless part of the development process.

DevSecOps represents a big shift in how we approach application security. It's not just about finding vulnerabilities anymore—it's about building security into every stage of development.

Unlike traditional application security, DevSecOps is all about teamwork between development, security, and operations teams. The goal? To create secure, efficient, and resilient systems from the ground up. Beyond application security skills, DevSecOps requires operational expertise, like knowing infrastructure, automation, deployment, and monitoring.

Now, looking ahead, here are a couple of big trends in Application Security:

1. Adoption by Security-Forward Companies – Organizations that take security seriously, including some of the biggest names in tech, are adopting a ‘Secure by Design’ approach. This means integrating security throughout the development process, rather than bolting it on at the end. Companies like AWS, Google, Microsoft, and Netflix have embraced DevSecOps in their workflows, making security a priority at every stage. This trend is influencing the rest of the industry, setting new standards and encouraging other businesses to adopt similar practices.
2. DevSecOps Integration – Security is becoming a seamless part of continuous integration and development pipelines. It’s all about embedding security early, ensuring that it’s not just an add-on but a core part of the development lifecycle.
3. AI and Machine Learning – AI is helping automate code security analysis. This means you’ll be able to detect vulnerabilities faster and more accurately, making it easier to keep up with the pace of development while maintaining security standards.

Let's break down what you can expect in terms of skills, stress, and salary.

• Technical Complexity: I'd rate it a 5 out of 5. You'll need advanced technical expertise to handle this role.
• Soft Skills Requirement: 4 out of 5, because communicating across teams is essential.
• Experience Level: 4 out of 5. This role is typically senior-level.

Now, let's talk salary, because that's a key factor.

In the U.S. and Canada, the salary range is usually between $128,000 and $195,000 or more. In the U.K., you're looking at around £70,000 to £105,000 and up. And in the E.U., it's about €77,000 to €112,000 plus.

You're being paid for your ability to:

• Protect critical business assets,
• Navigate complex organizational dynamics,
• And make tough decisions under pressure.

And if you're working for a Fortune 500 company—whether it's in tech, finance, healthcare, defense, telecommunications, or energy—you could see a 30% to 50% boost on top of that salary range. 

• Ease of Entry: 2 out of 5. This is a competitive field and requires specialized skills.
• Stress Level: 4 out of 5. It's a high-pressure role due to the critical nature of security.

Application Security is a vital role in today's tech landscape. If you're up for the challenge, you'll make a real impact by protecting applications and the people who rely on them.

Application security and/or DevSecOps is highly recommended for anybody with a development background or an interest in applications and application security.

Alright, that wraps up a closer look into the reality of working in Application Security and DevSecOps. Hopefully, this gave you a clearer picture of what to expect on the job and whether it's the right path for you in cyber security.

If you found this helpful, please hit the like button and subscribe for more insights on cyber security roles, skills, and job search strategies. I'll be covering everything from resume tips to advanced technical skills, so stay tuned.

And if you're ready to dive deeper into your cyber security journey, check the links in the description for more on StationX. Whether you need practical training or mentorship, our programs are here to support your success.

For a detailed look at other career paths, check out the Cyber Security Career Megapack linked in the show notes. This resource explores over 17 cyber security roles, helping you discover the area that best aligns with your strengths and interests.

What's your biggest question about Application Security? Drop it in the comments, and I'll do my best to respond.

Thanks for watching, and see you in the next episode of cyber security diaries!