The relationship between security engineers and developers can often feel strained. Security teams push for stringent controls, while developers face pressure to deliver features quickly. This dynamic can lead to frustration and inefficiencies, especially when security feels like a roadblock rather than an enabler.

The solution? Meet developers where they are. Security teams must shift from enforcing rigid mandates to collaborating with developers, understanding their workflows, and aligning security practices with business objectives.

This approach not only fosters better relationships but also ensures that security is applied effectively and in a way that supports the unique goals and risk tolerances of the business.

Security in the Context of Business Goals

Security doesn’t exist in isolation—it serves the business. A rigid, one-size-fits-all approach to security ignores the nuances of individual organizations and their priorities.

For example:

• A startup may prioritize speed-to-market, accepting certain risks to gain a competitive edge.

• A healthcare organization, bound by strict regulatory requirements, may have zero tolerance for even minor vulnerabilities.

  
  

Security engineers must tailor their strategies to the specific needs of the business, balancing risk mitigation with operational and strategic goals.

1. The Role of a Security Engineer

   A successful security engineer is not a gatekeeper; they are a partner and enabler. Their role goes beyond identifying vulnerabilities to include:

   
   

2. Finding and Communicating Risks

   Security engineers should translate technical vulnerabilities into potential business impacts. Instead of saying, “This code is insecure,” explain, “This vulnerability could lead to X, which poses a risk to Y business outcome.”

   
   

3. Offering Practical Solutions

   Don’t just identify problems—collaborate with developers to find solutions. Propose incremental fixes or compensating controls that developers can implement quickly without disrupting workflows.

   
   

4. Aligning with Developer Workflows

   Developers already face tight deadlines and operational pressures. Security must integrate seamlessly into their existing workflows, using tools and processes that complement, rather than hinder, their work.

   
   

5. Respecting Risk Tolerances

   Not all risks need to be fixed immediately. Security engineers must work with stakeholders to define acceptable thresholds and prioritize efforts accordingly.

   
   

How to Meet Developers Where They Are

1. Embed Security in Development Workflows

   Integrate security tools into CI/CD pipelines to provide automated, actionable feedback during development. This ensures that security becomes a natural part of the development process.

   
   

2. Collaborate on Risk Management

   Work with developers and business leaders to evaluate risks in the context of the organization’s goals. Offer mitigation options that balance security with business needs.

   
   

3. Provide Actionable Feedback

   Overwhelming developers with vague or excessive findings only leads to frustration. Prioritize the top issues and provide clear guidance on how to address them.

   
   

4. Invest in Education and Enablement

   Empower developers to take ownership of security by providing training on secure coding practices and the broader impact of vulnerabilities.

   
   

5. Be Flexible and Context-Aware

   Recognize that what works for one team or project may not work for another. Tailor security practices to the unique needs of each situation.

   
   

A Collaborative Approach to Risk

One of the most important shifts security teams can make is to evaluate and communicate risk in the context of the business. A vulnerability that might be unacceptable for one organization could be tolerable for another, depending on its impact and the organization’s risk tolerance.

Security engineers should:

• Understand business priorities: Work closely with stakeholders to identify what’s most critical.

• Communicate risks effectively: Use language that resonates with both technical and non-technical audiences.

• Offer a range of solutions: Provide multiple options for mitigating risks, from quick fixes to long-term solutions.

By taking this collaborative approach, security teams can ensure that their efforts are aligned with the organization’s goals while still maintaining a strong security posture.

Conclusion

Security isn’t about enforcing rules—it’s about collaboration and alignment. By meeting developers where they are, understanding their workflows, and tailoring security practices to business objectives, security teams can become trusted partners rather than roadblocks.

A successful security engineer identifies risks, communicates them effectively, and works collaboratively to find solutions that support both security and business goals.

Ready to transform your security program? Start by embedding security into your development workflows, aligning risk management with business priorities, and fostering a culture of collaboration. By focusing on partnership, you can create a security program that empowers your teams and drives business success.

Explore how SkaSec can help you protect your software, repositories, and supply chain security from development to deployment. Start a free trial 

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