The Increasing Security Debt in AI-Driven Development: Insights from Black Duck Research

As organizations accelerate their development processes with the integration of artificial intelligence, the corresponding need for robust security practices has become more critical than ever. Black Duck® Software, a recognized leader in application security solutions, recently published a significant report titled "Balancing AI Usage and Risk in 2025: The Global State of DevSecOps." The findings from this report reflect key challenges and actionable insights that development teams should consider to mitigate security risks while maintaining fast deployment cycles.

The Current Landscape of Software Development

In the evolving landscape of software development, nearly 60% of respondents in Black Duck's survey reported that they deploy code daily or at an even higher frequency. While this rapid pace may signify a competitive edge, it has also led to a substantial increase in security debt, as traditional security practices struggle to keep up. More concerning is the fact that 46% of organizations still rely on manual processes to channel new code into security testing, which can result in incomplete test coverage and greater friction between development and security teams.

The Rise of Security Alerts: A Tool Sprawl Crisis

A startling 71% of survey participants indicated that their security alerts comprise mainly false positives or duplicate findings across multiple tools. This scenario not only undermines the credibility of security measures but also complicates the already pressured environment in which development teams operate. The result is a crisis of tool sprawl where developers are overwhelmed by irrelevant alerts instead of being enabled to build secure software efficiently.

The Dilemma: Speed vs. Security

The inherent tension between the need for swift code deployment and the necessity of thorough security testing presents a major dilemma. An overwhelming 81% of professionals acknowledged that application security testing tends to hinder development and delivery timelines. This discord can lead to both wasted resources and an increased propensity for vulnerabilities within released code. Developers are often placed in a position where they must choose between adhering to security protocols and meeting their rapid deployment goals.

AI: A Double-Edged Sword

Artificial intelligence is seen as a boon for enhancing security measures; however, it also introduces its own set of risks. According to the survey, while 63% of practitioners believe that AI aids in producing more secure code, a notable 57% also understand that it brings complex new vulnerabilities. Thus, the introduction of AI into development environments is a double-edged sword that must be carefully navigated to foster security rather than compromise it.

Prioritizing Workflow Integration

A salient finding from the report is the emphasis on workflow integration as a solution for enhancing application security testing. Specifically, 27% of respondents highlighted that better development workflow integration is their top priority. This indicates a pressing need for security to be integrated directly into the development ecosystem, making it seamless and automatic rather than an afterthought.

A Call for Integrated Security Practices

Jason Schmitt, CEO of Black Duck, summed up the findings succinctly: "The old ways of doing application security aren't working. Speed without integrated security creates risk for companies." He stresses that transitioning from a reactive, tool-centered approach to a proactive, platform-based strategy is crucial for embedding security directly into the development workflow. Such a shift would potentially allow organizations to achieve true scale in application security without compromising the speed of deployment.

Conclusion: Proactive Security for Future Development

As the demand for rapid software development grows, so too must the sophistication of security measures that underpin this acceleration. Organizations cannot afford to overlook the need for a proactive approach to application security, especially when it comes to integrating AI technologies. By adopting integrated security practices, development teams can achieve a balance between speed and security, ensuring that they not only keep pace with innovation but also protect their assets from emerging threats. For further insights, the detailed report can be accessed through Black Duck's resources, including an expert-led webinar and comprehensive blog posts on the advancements in DevSecOps practices.