Low-Code Security Risks: Why Patch Management Matters

Learn how effective patch management protects low-code applications from security vulnerabilities while enabling rapid development.

Mar 25, 2025

Low-code platforms are transforming software development but come with security risks that can't be ignored. Without proper patch management, your applications could be exposed to vulnerabilities like unsecured APIs, weak authentication, and poor data validation. Here's why patch management is critical:

Low-code adoption is growing fast. The market is worth $25.8 billion, with businesses seeing 10x faster development, 40% cost savings, and 58% revenue growth.
Security risks are real. External integrations, exposed connection strings, and outdated components can leave systems vulnerable.
Patch management is the solution. Automating updates, prioritizing critical fixes, and testing patches can safeguard systems while maintaining efficiency.

With 80% of businesses expected to rely on low-code for critical applications by 2029, balancing speed and security through patch management is essential.

Webcast: OWASP Top 10 Security Risks for Low-code/No-code

Common Security Risks in Low-Code Platforms

Using low-code platforms alongside external services introduces specific security challenges that need careful management.

Risks in External Integrations

One major concern lies in the security gaps that can emerge during integration with third-party services. These gaps can lead to issues such as:

Unsecured API endpoints: APIs without proper security measures can be exploited.
Weak authentication tokens: Poorly secured tokens make it easier for unauthorized access.
Insufficient data validation: Lack of thorough checks can allow malicious data to infiltrate systems.
Exposed connection strings: Connection details left unprotected can be used to compromise applications.

Tackling these issues requires consistent patch management and robust security practices. By focusing on these areas, organizations can better protect their applications from potential threats.

How Patch Management Improves Security

Patch management plays a key role in safeguarding low-code platforms against constantly changing threats. Tackling the risks mentioned earlier requires a well-thought-out patch management approach.

Patch Management Basics

Patch management involves identifying, testing, and implementing updates for all parts of a platform. Key steps include:

Scanning for vulnerabilities to spot security gaps
Prioritizing updates based on the level of risk
Automating deployment to distribute updates efficiently
Keeping track of versions to ensure consistency

Security Fix Implementation

Code-Level Security

Fix issues in generated code by addressing problems like input validation, cross-site scripting, SQL injection, and buffer overflows.
Authentication Updates

Strengthen access controls by improving encryption, fixing token handling issues, enhancing password security, and aligning with current standards.
Integration Security

Protect external connections by updating API safeguards, improving encryption for connections, enforcing data validation, and patching third-party components.

These specific updates not only improve security but also contribute to smoother platform operations.

Key Patch Management Results

Applying these updates effectively mitigates vulnerabilities. Organizations using low-code platforms with robust patch management see benefits like:

Outcome	Impact
Faster Development	Up to 10x quicker while maintaining security
Lower Costs	40% average savings on development expenses
Increased Revenue	58% average growth in revenue

With Gartner® Magic Quadrant™ forecasting that 80% of businesses will rely on low-code for mission-critical applications by 2029, maintaining strong security through structured patch management is crucial for sustained success.

Patch Management Steps for Low-Code Platforms

A well-structured patch management process helps ensure that even rapid development keeps security measures intact.

Setting Up Automatic Updates

Environment Configuration

Use separate environments for development, testing, and production. This allows patches to be safely tested before deployment.
Automation Rules

Set specific rules for handling updates:
- Apply critical security patches immediately.
- Schedule feature updates for a planned rollout.
- Use staged rollouts for platform component updates.
Notification System

Set up alerts for:
- New security updates
- Deployment failures
- Successful patch installations

Automated updates make it easier for teams to focus on the most important patches without delays.

Ranking Update Importance

Organize patches by their impact on security and functionality. For example:

Priority Level	Characteristics	Response Time
Critical	Fixes for security vulnerabilities or risks to data	Within 24 hours
High	Addresses performance issues or minor security flaws	Within 72 hours
Medium	Includes feature updates or UI changes	Within 1 week
Low	Covers documentation or minor improvements	Within 2 weeks

Update Testing Process

Testing updates is essential to ensure they work as intended. Focus on these areas:

Compatibility Check
- Verify the update works with the current platform version.
- Test integration points.
- Ensure custom components function correctly.
Security Validation
- Run automated security scans.
- Test authentication systems.
- Confirm encryption measures are intact.
Performance Testing
- Monitor system response times.
- Check resource usage.
- Validate scalability under different conditions.

Thorough testing minimizes risks and prevents disruptions.

Platform Component Tracking

Gartner predicts that by 2029, 80% of businesses will depend on low-code platforms for critical applications. To stay on top of this, track the following:

Core Components

Keep an eye on runtime engines, development tools, database connectors, and API gateways.
Custom Extensions

Maintain records of third-party integrations, custom widgets, user-created components, and external service connections.
Security Modules

Monitor authentication services, encryption tools, access control systems, and security scanning features.

Expert guidance can make a big difference in managing these efforts. As one CTO shared:

"Deployd's expertise in low-code recruitment is unmatched. Their ability to find top-tier talent globally has transformed our team." – CTO, Fintech, Europe

Solving Patch Management Problems

Low-code patch management requires balancing fast development with strong security measures.

Development Speed vs. Security

Low-code platforms enable faster development, with businesses reporting an average 58% revenue boost. However, speed shouldn't come at the expense of security. By integrating secure practices into every stage of the development process, companies can maintain the 40% cost savings that low-code offers, while keeping their systems protected.

Training Non-Technical Users

Educating non-technical users on basic security principles and patching processes is key to maintaining a secure low-code environment. This ensures that everyone involved can contribute to safeguarding the system.

Managing System Updates

By 2029, it's expected that 80% of businesses will depend on low-code for critical applications. To manage updates effectively, organizations should set clear schedules and procedures. This minimizes risks tied to changes and ensures updates are implemented smoothly. Regularly tracking the progress of these updates is equally important to address any issues promptly.

Tracking Update Progress

Using detailed tracking systems ensures patches are deployed successfully. Monitoring system performance, verifying security enhancements, and gathering user feedback help businesses quickly spot and fix problems during update rollouts. This approach keeps systems running efficiently and securely.

Conclusion

Effective patch management isn't just a nice-to-have - it's a must for safeguarding low-code platforms as they grow in popularity and complexity. With the increasing use of low-code applications and the rapid pace of development, securing these platforms has never been more critical.

Strong patch management strategies have a direct influence on both security and business outcomes. Gartner predicts that by 2029, 80% of businesses will depend on low-code for mission-critical applications. This highlights the importance of integrating scalable security practices into low-code development processes.