Cybersecurity Spending is Increasing, So Are Attacks – Solutions For 2025

As we are closing in on 2024, more and more cyber-attacks are to be seen everywhere and the security concerns are rising, despite shelling out millions of dollars. So, 2025 is going to bring new challenges for data security everywhere. Even though organizations are investing more in cybersecurity, the number of breaches is still going up. So, if more companies are improving their security, why are cyberattacks continuing to rise?

One reason is that many organizations are still relying on outdated methods, like “security through obscurity.” As cyber threats become more complex, simply hiding information is no longer an effective strategy.

 The Role of Open Source in Cybersecurity

Open source software offers a transparent, proactive approach to security. With cyber threats evolving rapidly, it is essential to explore how open source solutions can help strengthen your security systems.

 Why “Security by Obscurity” No Longer Works

Imagine you have $50 million in cash and want to keep it safe. You could hide it in a secret location, hoping no one finds it—this is “security by obscurity.” In software, this means hiding your source code, hoping attackers never discover vulnerabilities.

The problem is that skilled attackers will eventually find a weakness if they are determined enough. According to the U.S. Department of Defense, “security by obscurity” is not reliable. While hiding your source code makes it harder for others to address vulnerabilities, it does not provide real security.

Some drawbacks of this approach include:

(i) Insiders might accidentally leak sensitive data.

(ii) Hackers can reverse-engineer software to uncover hidden flaws.

(iii) Small breaches can reveal critical system details.

(iv) Social engineering tactics can bypass hidden security measures.

Relying only on obscurity creates a false sense of security. It does not address the real vulnerabilities and adds unnecessary pressure on your IT team. This approach can lead to burnout and make it harder to maintain a solid security posture.

 Why Open Source Software Offers Better Security

Open source software (OSS) makes its source code publicly available for anyone to inspect, use, and improve. Today, open source forms the backbone of much of the world’s software, with GitHub estimating that 99% of all software contains some open source elements.

To revisit the cash example: instead of hiding the money, you could store it in a secure safe with a combination lock. Even if people know where the safe is, they cannot open it without the combination. If someone learns the code, you can easily change it. 

This is how security works in open source. While the code is visible to all, its protection comes from multiple layers of defense that can be updated as needed.

 Advantages of Open Source Security

 I. Faster Patch Development

With many developers reviewing the code, vulnerabilities are found and fixed more quickly. Chris Aniszczyk, CTO of the Linux Foundation, highlights that the collaborative nature of the open source community leads to rapid responses to security issues.

 II. Continuous Updates

One of the strengths of open source software is how frequently it gets updated. Regular updates keep the software secure and relevant as new vulnerabilities are discovered. Linus Torvalds, creator of Linux, has noted that open source software continuously improves, leading to stronger security over time.

 III. Strong Community Support

Open source projects are supported by a large community of developers and users who work together to address security concerns. As Rebecca Rumbul, executive director of the Rust Foundation, points out, the community’s shared expertise plays a vital role in keeping open source software secure.

 Flexibility and Cost-Effectiveness of Open Source Software

Open source software is highly adaptable, allowing organizations to scale their use of it according to their needs. The reduced costs, due to the lack of licensing fees, enable organizations to invest resources in other areas while still maintaining a secure infrastructure.

 How to Use Open Source Security Effectively

There are two main ways organizations can use open source security:

 I. Make Your Source Code Open

Organizations can make their source code available for public review, inviting feedback from the open source community. This approach allows the organization to benefit from the collective expertise of others, but it requires resources to manage contributions, address feedback, and maintain the code.

 II. Use Existing Open Source Tools

A more straightforward option is to use existing open source tools that already have security features built-in. These tools are regularly updated by their communities, ensuring they stay secure. Examples include KubeArmor, which protects Kubernetes environments, and OWASP ZAP, which helps identify vulnerabilities.

 Case Studies: How Open Source Powers Industry Leaders

 Uber

Uber’s success in transforming the transportation industry is partly due to its use of open source software. Brian Hsieh, Uber’s former head of open source, explained that the company’s open source community helped Uber rapidly scale its technology. The engineers at Uber have also benefited from learning and engaging with the broader open source community.

 Privado

Privado focuses on managing privacy by monitoring how personal data is handled across websites and apps. The company has adopted KubeArmor to enhance security in its Kubernetes environments, ensuring compliance and protecting against cyber threats in cloud settings.

 Addressing Open Source Security Challenges

Although open source software offers many benefits, it also poses challenges. Since the code is accessible to everyone, hackers can also analyze it for weaknesses. Additionally, outdated code or dependencies may introduce security risks.

To overcome these challenges, organizations should:

i) Automate vulnerability detection to identify risks quickly.

ii) Apply security patches regularly to ensure the latest protections are in place.

iii) Adopt a zero-trust model, where all access is continuously verified to prevent unauthorized access.

In today’s world, relying on “security by obscurity” is not enough to protect against the increasing complexity of cyber threats. Organizations need a proactive, layered approach that includes strong encryption, regular updates, and vigilant monitoring.

Open source software provides transparency, rapid improvements, and a collaborative approach to security, making it an essential part of a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy. Now is the time to embrace open source solutions and build a stronger defense against emerging threats.