Why is 'shift left security' considered important?

'Shift left security' is crucial because it involves integrating security practices early in the software development lifecycle, rather than as an afterthought during the final stages. By addressing security from the beginning, developers can identify and mitigate vulnerabilities sooner, reducing the risk of security breaches later in the process. This proactive approach fosters a security-conscious culture within the development team, leading to more robust and secure applications overall.

Implementing security measures early can also enhance collaboration between development and security teams, ensuring that security requirements are embedded in the design and development processes. This reduces the likelihood of discovering significant vulnerabilities late in the development cycle, which can be costly and time-consuming to address. As a result, shift left security helps create a more resilient application landscape, ultimately contributing to the overall effectiveness and safety of software products.