Building Tangible ROI Through Dev Sec Ops Investments 

Historically, it has been tough to justify the ROI of cybersecurity investments because cybersecurity success often means nothing happened: no breaches, data losses, or compliance failures. This “absence of negatives” makes it difficult to connect security spending to measurable business value. With Dev Sec Ops, ROI becomes clear by linking security efforts directly to outcomes like faster project delivery, developer productivity, and cost savings from optimized resources. When AppSec is embedded early in the development lifecycle, it proactively addresses potential issues that would otherwise cause delays or require costly remediation later on. This integration reduces development cycles, which translates into faster time-to-market and fewer project bottlenecks, proving that security investments are not merely protective but also a driver of operational efficiency. 

Consider metrics like developer productivity and on-time project delivery, which directly impact business objectives and bottom-line growth. For instance, delays in project delivery due to unaddressed security vulnerabilities result in financial losses and missed opportunities. With AppSec orchestration to support their Dev Sec Ops initiatives, vulnerabilities are identified and managed as part of the regular development process, minimizing rework, and avoiding costly “emergency fixes.” This provides a tangible, measurable return on security investments by turning security into a supportive function that streamlines development rather than hindering it. 

Addressing Talent Shortages with AppSec Orchestration (ASOC) 

The cybersecurity industry faces persistent talent shortages, with experienced professionals in high demand. This scarcity makes it essential to maximize the productivity and retention of current cybersecurity team members. AppSec orchestration (also known as ASOC) addresses this by alleviating manual, repetitive tasks that contribute to burnout and turnover. When security tasks are orchestrated, team members can focus on high-value, strategic tasks instead of routine, manual “firefighting” work, which is often cited as a source of frustration and job dissatisfaction. 

For example, some companies have seen their security teams perform the work of larger teams because orchestration optimizes the use of existing resources. A team of three security professionals might be able to achieve the output of eight to ten individuals due to the efficiencies gained through orchestration. This capability not only makes the team more productive but also reduces the need to hire additional staff in a competitive job market. The reduced turnover rates mean lower recruitment costs and retained institutional knowledge, both of which are critical for maintaining security effectiveness and continuity. 

Increasing Efficiency and Reducing Operational Costs Through Automation 

In addition to delivering ROI through faster project delivery, AppSec orchestration optimizes security operations by reducing the costs associated with manual processes. By automating repetitive tasks—like vulnerability scanning, reporting, and compliance checks—AppSec orchestration helps security teams work more efficiently without adding to their workload. Automated orchestration reduces time spent on these repetitive tasks, freeing developers and security professionals to focus on higher-value work, like addressing complex threats or improving security strategy. 

This automation also reduces the likelihood of human error, a common factor in security incidents, by ensuring consistent and accurate processes across the entire development pipeline. Automation significantly decreases response times for critical security vulnerabilities and compliance issues, cutting down on time-sensitive remediation and rework costs. This streamlined, automated approach reduces operational expenses, supporting a leaner, more cost-effective AppSec strategy that maximizes every security dollar spent while protecting critical resources and data. 

Accelerating Time-to-Market with Embedded Security Practices 

Effective AppSec orchestration builds security directly into the software development lifecycle (SDLC), ensuring that security measures are part of the process from the start rather than an afterthought. This approach enables faster and smoother project workflows, reducing disruptions that arise from addressing security concerns late in the cycle. By embedding security within development pipelines, teams can ensure applications are compliant and secure without introducing bottlenecks, allowing the business to release features and updates faster. This alignment between security and development creates a more agile and responsive environment, allowing companies to adapt quickly to market demands while maintaining security standards. 

As more companies adopt orchestration, this proactive integration becomes an industry standard and a competitive differentiator, as teams that orchestrate security can scale more efficiently and maintain consistent security postures across all applications. In the face of evolving cybersecurity threats and increasingly complex compliance requirements, orchestrated security practices allow businesses to stay ahead without sacrificing development speed. This positions companies to leverage security as a growth enabler rather than just a safeguard, driving ongoing ROI from their AppSec investments. 

AppSec orchestration helps companies convert cybersecurity spending from a “necessary expense” into a value-adding investment by streamlining development, addressing labor shortages, and accelerating innovation securely. This ensures that security initiatives not only protect assets but also deliver measurable value across the organization. 

Listen to Wabbi CEO & Founder Brittany discuss this and more on the podcast Predictable B2B Success or find out for yourself how to deliver ROI from your Dev Sec Ops initiative with our AppSec Orchestration eBook Application Security Orchestration & Automation