1 day Ago
Yair Finzi is cofounder & CEO of Nokod Security and was cofounder & CEO of SecuredTouch (now Ping Identity) and a product leader at Meta. No-code platforms are transforming software development, enabling business users (i.e.
, citizen developers) to build applications without writing a single line of code. But securing no-code applications with traditional AppSec tools is like trying to tighten a screw with a hammer. From data leakage to shadow engineering, no-code, robotic process automation (RPA) and AI apps create an expanding attack surface that is beyond the reach of standard security controls.
Since these applications don’t expose raw code, traditional AppSec testing methods fall short. Security teams must rethink their approach—shifting from code analysis to embedding security within no-code development processes so citizen developers can innovate without compromising security. AppSec has traditionally focused on custom-built, developer-driven applications, relying on security controls such as static and dynamic application security testing (SAST/DAST), secure coding practices and runtime protection mechanisms.
These measures assume that software is written in code-based development environments, with well-defined CI/CD pipelines that security teams can integrate into. In contrast, no-code platforms disrupt this model in several ways: • Lack Of Code Visibility: No-code applications are built using drag-and-drop interfaces and predefined components, making them difficult to analyze using standard code analysis tools. • Unregulated External Integrations: Many no-code applications connect with third-party services via APIs and automation workflows, but security teams have limited insight into these interactions.
• Data Exposure Risks: No-code applications often handle sensitive business data, but access controls are set by users who may not understand security best practices. Misconfigurations can lead to unauthorized access, data leaks, or privilege escalation. • Shadow Engineering: Business users can deploy enterprise-grade applications without IT approval or security oversight, creating an unmonitored expansion of the attack surface.
Traditional AppSec programs rely on tools and processes designed for code-based applications, assuming visibility into source code and the ability to enforce secure coding practices. But no-code platforms break these assumptions—there’s no raw code to analyze, security teams have limited oversight and vulnerabilities stem from configuration choices rather than coding flaws. This gap requires a fundamental shift in how security is applied to no-code development, moving from traditional code scanning to logic-based and configuration-driven assessments.
Despite their name, no-code platforms are still built on underlying code—even if the code isn’t directly exposed to the user. This requires security teams to implement new techniques to identify security vulnerabilities in no-code applications. Here are some examples: 1.
Scanning Proprietary Types Of Files: Many no-code platforms store application logic in metadata files, JSON structures or proprietary script definitions. Security tools must be capable of parsing and analyzing these formats to detect vulnerabilities like insecure data connectors, excessive permissions or weak authentication mechanisms. 2.
Assessing Workflow Execution Paths: Instead of analyzing syntax and code structure, security teams should evaluate the logic and behavior of no-code workflows. This includes identifying data flow issues, untrusted external dependencies and exposed automation triggers that could be exploited. 3.
Mapping Security Policies To Platform-Specific Controls: No-code platforms each have their own security settings, such as role-based access controls (RBAC), environment permissions and integration guardrails. Security teams need automated tools that translate enterprise security policies into platform-native enforcement mechanisms. By shifting traditional AppSec analysis to logic-based and configuration-driven assessments, security teams can extend visibility into no-code applications and detect threats before they are deployed into production.
Security teams must balance empowering citizen developers with ensuring no-code applications don’t introduce unnecessary risks. The challenge lies in making security an enabler rather than a roadblock. Real-time security checks should also be integrated directly into the no-code development process.
Users should receive security feedback as they build rather than waiting until an application is running in production. This way, they are empowered to make safer choices from the start. This approach allows security to act as a guide rather than a gatekeeper, preventing security issues before they become operational risks.
By integrating security into the no-code development lifecycle, organizations can ensure that business users create secure applications without disrupting innovation. A major concern for IT teams is that introducing security controls into no-code platforms might slow down business operations. However, the right approach can enhance security without stifling innovation.
• Automated Policy Enforcement: Security policies should be validated in real time as applications are built, preventing risky deployments before they go live. • Continuous Monitoring: No-code applications should be subject to ongoing security assessments to detect new vulnerabilities, unauthorized modifications or misconfigurations introduced post deployment. • Security Accountability Frameworks: Since many citizen developers are unaware of security best practices, organizations should introduce risk-based approval processes for applications handling sensitive data.
• Seamless Integration With Existing Security Workflows: Instead of treating no-code applications as an entirely separate category, security teams should integrate them into existing AppSec governance models. By embedding automated guardrails and governance mechanisms, security leaders can ensure compliance without stifling innovation or slowing down operations. No-code security isn't just an extension of traditional AppSec—it addresses new challenges and requires a specialized approach.
Forward-thinking organizations are recognizing this growing attack surface exists today and are implementing new measures to secure it. Forbes Technology Council is an invitation-only community for world-class CIOs, CTOs and technology executives. Do I qualify?.
