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As GenAI becomes an indispensable tool in software development, organizations are embracing its ability to drive innovation and streamline operations. But this rapid adoption brings with it significant challenges in security, governance, and visibility.
Generative AI (GenAI) is rapidly reshaping the landscape of software development, transforming workflows, enhancing productivity, and driving innovation. But with this powerful technology comes a set of challenges and concerns that organizations must address to fully unlock its potential. To better understand these dynamics, Legit Security conducted a comprehensive survey of over 400 security professionals and software developers from a wide range of industries, revealing valuable insights into how GenAI is being utilized today, and how it will shape the future of software development.
The expanding role of GenAI
According to the survey, GenAI is now a critical tool for the majority of development teams, with 96% of IT professionals reporting that their companies are using GenAI-based solutions to build or deliver applications. The impact is significant: from automating repetitive tasks to accelerating complex processes like code generation and optimization, GenAI has become deeply embedded in the development pipeline.
However, as the adoption of GenAI grows, so too do concerns about security, visibility, and effective management. 98% of respondents believe that security teams need greater control over how GenAI tools are being used, while 95% of security professionals feel there should be better methods in place to manage GenAI in development environments.
Balancing efficiency with security
While GenAI offers unparalleled opportunities to improve operational efficiency, it also introduces potential vulnerabilities. 80% of respondents expressed concerns about relying too heavily on GenAI to develop software, with developers slightly more concerned than security professionals. The main risks identified include cyberattacks (29%), data privacy breaches (17%), and inaccurate AI-generated outputs (9%). These risks highlight the need for a more structured approach to how GenAI tools are managed and integrated into existing systems.
What the future holds
Looking ahead, 95% of IT professionals predict that developers will become even more reliant on GenAI in the next five years. While there is consensus that AI will take on an increasingly larger role, it’s clear that human oversight will remain critical. 56% of respondents believe that GenAI will handle most of the workload, but humans will still be involved in decision-making processes. This balance between automation and human control will be essential to ensure both security and creativity in software development.
Get full survey report
The full survey report from Legit Security offers a deeper dive into these findings, highlighting how security professionals and developers are thinking about and managing GenAI use.