Is application security engineer a good career?

With the rapid growth of technology and internet usage, cybersecurity has become a top priority for organizations. As a result, the demand for application security engineers has increased significantly. But is it really a good career path? Let’s analyze the pros and cons of being an application security engineer.

What is an application security engineer?

An application security engineer is responsible for ensuring the security of software applications. Their main duties include:

• Analyzing applications to identify vulnerabilities and security gaps
• Developing and implementing application security measures and controls
• Testing applications to uncover security issues before deployment
• Remediating vulnerabilities through patching, upgrades, or configuration changes
• Staying up-to-date with the latest security threats affecting applications
• Collaborating with developers, QA testers, and IT teams to build security into applications
• Educating organizations on application security best practices

In summary, application security engineers protect applications from threats like data breaches, hacking attacks, malware infections, and abuse. Their specialized security knowledge allows organizations to release applications safely to end users.

Pros of becoming an application security engineer

High demand and job growth

Cybersecurity roles are in extremely high demand due to frequent data breaches and the need for stronger digital defenses. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, information security analyst jobs are projected to grow 33% from 2020-2030, much faster than the average for all occupations.

Within this field, application security engineers are particularly sought-after. The increase in cloud applications, mobile apps, and DevOps practices has created a huge need for their expertise.

Lucrative salaries

Strong demand coupled with specialized skills leads to lucrative salaries for application security engineers. Here are some average salary estimates:

Salaries typically start at $80,000 for entry-level roles and can go up to $180,000 with experience. Application security engineers at top technology companies can earn even higher compensation.

Exciting and challenging work

Daily work involves activities like ethical hacking, penetration testing, security audits, threat modeling, and security tool configuration. Application security engineers get the satisfaction of being at the frontlines, finding vulnerabilities and innovating new defenses.

The field also presents a lot of challenges to keep things exciting. New attack methods emerge constantly, requiring security pros to keep learning and upgrading their skills.

Flexibility

Application security engineers can find job opportunities across industries like technology, finance, healthcare, retail, and more. They can work at software firms, application security vendors, consulting agencies, or within corporate IT teams.

Remote and flexible schedules are common to attract top talent. The ability to avoid long commutes and create a good work-life balance is a major benefit for many in this career.

Cons of becoming an application security engineer

Stressful work

While exciting, application security work can also be highly stressful. When vulnerabilities lead to breaches and cause extensive damage, security teams face a lot of pressure and scrutiny. Developing hack-proof applications is an extremely challenging goal.

End users have high security expectations as well. A single loophole that leads to compromised data can result in severe backlash and public perception issues. The weight of preventing high-impact security failures rests on application security engineers.

Constant need to reskill

To stay effective, application security engineers must continuously update their skills as technology evolves. For example, the rise of cloud and containers has required new approaches to securing applications and infrastructure.

Keeping up with frameworks, languages, platforms, regs, and tools takes consistent effort through training, certifications, conferences, and independent learning.

Collaboration challenges

To embed security into the software development lifecycle, application security engineers need effective partnerships with developers, IT ops teams, and business leaders. However, their security requirements are sometimes viewed as obstacles.

Cultural and organizational issues can make it difficult for application security teams to get buy-in. Poor communication and lack of executive support are common challenges.

Skills needed to become an application security engineer

Here are some of the main skills and abilities required to succeed as an application security engineer:

• Coding languages – Know source code and understand secure coding techniques in languages like Java, JavaScript, C#, PHP, Python, and Ruby.
• App platforms – Understand security risks and defenses in web apps, mobile apps, cloud apps, containers, APIs, and microservices.
• Tools knowledge – Master the use of static/dynamic application security testing (SAST/DAST) tools, fuzzers, malware scanners, and other appsec tools.
• Pen testing – Possess network and web penetration testing skills to find vulnerabilities proactively.
• Security stacks – Know how to implement authentication, access controls, encryption, key management, WAFs, RASP, and other security controls.
• Frameworks – Expertise in methodologies like OWASP Top 10, MITRE ATT&CK, NIST, and others used for application security programs.
• Programming – Understand secure coding principles in languages like Python, Perl, Ruby, Java, C#, and JavaScript.
• Cloud platforms – Knowledge of securing serverless, containers, VPCs, cloud storage, and other cloud-native resources.

How to start an application security career

Here are some tips for launching an application security engineering career:

Earn a relevant degree

Degrees in computer science, information technology, cybersecurity, or a related field are great foundations for appsec roles. Coursework in programming, networks, operating systems, and data structures will provide fundamental knowledge.

Get application security experience

Aim for internships, mentorships and entry-level roles focused on application security. Hands-on experience will allow you to hone your skills and determine if you enjoy this work.

Obtain application security certifications

Certifications like Certified Application Security Engineer (CASE), Certified Secure Software Lifecycle Professional (CSSLP), and Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP) validate your expertise to employers.

Build a home lab

Develop your own applications and practice hacking them to gain practical hands-on experience. Virtual machines allow you to experiment freely.

Contribute to open source projects

Joining open source application security projects is a great way to improve your skills and make valuable connections in the community.

Conclusion

The application security field offers many benefits like high pay, strong demand, exciting work, and career development opportunities. However, the stressful, challenging aspects of the role are worth considering as well.

With passion for security, strong technical skills, and good soft skills, many find application security engineering to be a rewarding long-term career choice. Job satisfaction comes from playing a crucial role in protecting organizations from damaging data breaches.