Securing Copilots and Low-Code Apps: 4 Key Strategies to Mitigate Vulnerabilities

Securing copilots and low-code apps is a growing priority for enterprises, as more companies adopt these platforms to streamline operations. A recent study by Zenity highlights that the average enterprise now manages nearly 80,000 apps built outside traditional development cycles, with 62% of these apps containing security vulnerabilities. Securing these copilots and low-code apps is crucial to reducing the vast attack surface they create. Here are four effective strategies to address vulnerabilities and strengthen your security framework.

To read more about the Zenity report on low-code apps, click here.

1. Configure for Security Up Front

Security should never be an afterthought. From the outset, businesses must implement critical controls when building apps with copilots or low-code platforms. This includes flagging apps with hard-coded secrets and prioritizing authentication controls for those interacting with sensitive data. By establishing security standards early, organizations can minimize risks later on.

2. Establish Guardrails for Copilots and AI

With the growing use of copilots and AI, it’s essential to implement strict guardrails that prevent unauthorized access to sensitive information. Enterprises should take proactive steps to avoid oversharing apps that could expose critical data. Additionally, managing user interactions with copilots is vital to preventing prompt injection attacks or data leaks. By establishing these boundaries, businesses can effectively mitigate the risk of sensitive data exposure via AI-powered copilots.

3. Regulate Guest Access

Furthermore, many organizations unknowingly grant privileged access to untrusted guest users on low-code apps. In the Zenity study, enterprises had an average of over 8,600 instances of untrusted guests having access to apps, with 72% of these guests holding privileged permissions. To reduce this risk, organizations need to strictly limit guest access to individuals necessary for specific roles. Consequently, monitoring and managing guest access becomes crucial to preventing unauthorized modifications or deletions.

4. Rethink Connectors to Sensitive Data

Lastly, sensitive data must be protected at all times. It’s essential to identify which apps are connected to sensitive information and assess how data is transmitted. Ensure that all connectors use secure methods such as HTTPS calls. By doing so, businesses can safeguard data flow and significantly reduce the risk of data breaches through insecure connections.

The rapid adoption of copilots and low-code platforms introduces exciting possibilities for business operations, but without a strong security framework, they can expose organizations to significant risks. Taking proactive steps to configure security, establish guardrails, regulate access, and secure data connectors can help enterprises harness the power of low-code technology while maintaining a secure environment.