Why software defects are now the biggest security threat (www.techradar.com)

Recent research by Fastly has revealed a troubling trend: software defects are now the leading cause of cyber incidents, accounting for 40% of such events in 2025, surpassing external attacks. This shift is partly attributed to the rapid pace of software development accelerated by AI, which, while doubling engineers' output, often introduces more bugs that must be managed. Large organizations, in particular, are feeling the impact, with those employing over 10,000 staff averaging 57 incidents annually. The findings emphasize a pressing need for organizations to rethink their security strategies, moving beyond just defending against external threats. The report advocates for a "secure by design" approach, urging businesses to integrate security early in the software development lifecycle rather than relegating it to post-build reviews. This proactive stance is crucial as more companies adopt AI-driven solutions, which present new security vulnerabilities. Current structures often leave security accountability scattered, particularly in AI-first companies, where over half are unclear about incident response ownership. By embedding security into the development process and ensuring proper governance and oversight, organizations can mitigate risks and maintain resilience, ultimately boosting innovation without compromising safety.