The Hidden Cyber Risks in Low-Code and No-Code Platforms

In this era of modernization, the global industry has seen a rising demand for simpler applications and digital solutions. To meet this growing need, low-code and no-code (LCNC) platforms have gained momentum. These tools enable users to develop and manage basic software solutions without the need to hire coding experts for web app development.

Focusing on innovation, these platforms offer viable, cost-effective solutions for non-technical creators and app developers. One relevant industry example is the utility of the Zoho Creator app (low-code) for developing applications with minimal coding.

Despite their advantages, research indicates that the benefits of these platforms can sometimes be overstated due to the cybersecurity risks they pose, which may compromise data within business systems. This article discusses the dynamics of LCNC in the context of these associated risks and its remedial measures.

Addressing the Cybersecurity Risks in Low-Code and No-Code App Development Platforms

This segment explores the various risks associated with low-code and no-code application development and their suitable mitigation strategies.

1. Shadow IT Risks

Shadow IT risks refer to applications created by non-technical employees within an organization to address team-specific issues or enhance productivity. A key concern is that these apps are often developed and used without the knowledge or oversight of the company’s IT department.

The risks associated with shadow applications include:

• Having unmonitored data flow through the LCNC applications
• Circumvention of the IT team’s established security and compliance protocols
• Increased exposure to cyber threats due to the storage of sensitive data in unencrypted formats

Risk Mitigation Plan: To reduce cybersecurity risks, organizations can take the following steps:

• Establish governance benchmarks for LCNC apps under IT department oversight. These include transparency, accountability, and performance aspects of these apps.
• Regulating and continuous monitoring of these applications by IT personnel can help mitigate the risk associated with data breaches.
• Adding layers of security like multi-factor authentication is necessary to protect sensitive data.

2. Data Integration Issues

Low-code and No-code platforms are designed to simplify and streamline web application development. However, it is evident that integrating these platforms with existing company infrastructure can pose data breach risks.

This risk arises because integration for data transfer and storage may involve:

• Weak authentication
• Unencrypted data transfers
• A lack of proper regulation by the IT staff

Specifically, these factors enhance the critical risk of cyber threats in the company.

In this context, developing a mitigation plan is a necessity for companies. A suggested outline includes the following measures:

• Secure API gateways with authentication. These mainly include basic authentication, OIDC, JSON Web Token(JWT), and Identity Access Management (IAM).
• Encrypt data during transmission and storage to safeguard sensitive information and reduce vulnerability.
• Provide necessary API permissions only to necessary resources, ensuring minimal exposure and access control.
• Regularly monitor and audit LCNC platforms for compliance and security, using built-in checks and external assessments when necessary.

Additionally, organizations may strengthen their security posture by collaborating with experienced cybersecurity consulting firms that offer comprehensive protection strategies.

3. Vendor Lock-in Issues

Associating with a vendor for LCNC app development platforms can be a significant investment and may come with specific risks—particularly those related to the vendor’s infrastructure security. These concerns include:

• Limited knowledge of the vendor systems and their security APIs (authentication, encryption, auditing, WAFs, and more) can pose a risk.
• Delayed security updates from the vendor’s end can expose your data to cyber vulnerabilities.

These risks can be addressed by taking the following steps:

• Verify the vendor’s security credentials, such as SOC 2 or ISO 27001 certifications.
• Conduct independent third-party audits to evaluate the vendor’s infrastructure security.
• Include custom clauses in the service agreement that define data breach responsibilities and recovery protocols.
• Establish a separate contingency plan for handling downtime or breaches, independent of the vendor’s support, to enhance resilience.

4. Addressing Compliance and Regulatory Restrictions

Many low-code and no-code (LCNC) app development platforms do not fully adhere to established framework regulations such as HIPAA and GDPR. As a result, company data may be exposed to risk while in transmission and storage. To address these challenges and meet necessary compliance and legal standards, the following measures can be considered:

• Embed compliance protocols into the development framework of LCNC applications to ensure regulatory alignment from the start.
• Provide role-based security training to non-technical staff to minimize human errors that could compromise data security.
• Add custom safety layers to the LCNC systems to ensure tight data security.
• Engage experienced cybersecurity consultants to guide secure integration and help enforce compliance across platforms.

Featured Image by Freepik.