Many companies today rely on modern cloud and SaaS solutions to make their digital business processes more efficient. Especially in e-commerce, the digitalization of processes has long become standard. However, what many decision-makers don't realize is that numerous business-critical applications unfortunately suffer from inadequate security monitoring — this is known as the Application Security Gap.
Recent cases show just how real and business-threatening these security gaps can be — even for global brands with extensive IT resources. As recently as May 2025, Adidas fell victim to a cyberattack in which an unauthorized third party was able to access customer data through an external customer service provider. Marks & Spencer also became the target of a cyberattack over Easter 2025 and had to suspend its online business for several weeks — resulting in major operational disruptions and an estimated loss of £300 million.
What Is an "Application Security Gap"?
The Application Security Gap refers to a lack of security monitoring within applications — in other words, a blind spot. Possible reasons for such a security gap include:
Misconfigurations in the cloud or SaaS platform
Missing alerts for potential incidents
Lack of clear responsibilities for application security (especially in MACH environments)
Insufficient continuous monitoring
And this is exactly where a common misconception lies: While cloud providers like AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud are responsible for cloud security, their responsibility ends at the infrastructure level. The responsibility for app security — meaning the security of the applications themselves — lies with the company.
The Challenges in E-Commerce Security
Companies in the e-commerce sector are especially vulnerable. Why?
Unclear responsibilities for application security: Many organizations lack clearly defined roles for application security. IT, DevOps, and security teams often work side by side — each up to the edge of their responsibility, but not collaboratively across boundaries.
Security risks are underestimated: Cybersecurity isn’t always a top priority — marketing, conversion optimization, and user experience often dominate the agenda. However, a single incident can threaten both brand reputation and revenue.
Security investments are seen as too costly: Many decision-makers in e-commerce companies view cybersecurity as a cost center. Yet the long-term consequences of data breaches and reputational damage far exceed the investments needed for effective protection.
The Solution: A Holistic Strategy for Your Application Security
The security gap can only be closed with a structured, long-term strategy. Our approach: a holistic security strategy specifically tailored to e-commerce and cloud applications.
The key components:
Security analysis and risk assessment
Identification of existing vulnerabilities through in-depth reviews of your platform and cloud environment.Threat modeling
Development of specific threat scenarios for your e-commerce security — aligned with your business processes.Automated response plans
Implementation of incident response plans to react quickly to attacks.Establishment of an Application Security Operations team
Continuous monitoring and control of all security-relevant processes by a dedicated AppSecOps team.Real-time dashboards and KPIs
Full transparency into your cybersecurity status through monitoring, reporting, and alerts.
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Why Investing in App Security and Cybersecurity Pays Off
A look at the numbers speaks for itself:
Cost of a cyberattack: From data breaches and fines to customer loss — a single attack can result in seven-figure damages.
Reputational damage: Trust is everything in e-commerce — one incident can undo years of brand building.
Legal requirements: Compliance with GDPR, PCI-DSS, and other standards requires solid application security measures.
With a sustainable security strategy, you protect not only your data but also your market position.
5 Best Practices for Your Application Security Strategy
Initial security assessment and gap analysis
Threat modeling for each application
Continuous security reviews
Establishment of an AppSec operations team
Integration of security automation and early warning systems
The Most Important KPIs for Evaluating Your Application Security
Application security coverage – percentage of protected applications
Current security review – review frequency
Number of identified vulnerabilities – early issue detection
Number of detected security incidents – response speed and monitoring efficiency
Conclusion: Act Now – Before the Gap Becomes a Risk
The application security gap is not a theoretical issue but a real threat to your business. Companies in the e-commerce sector must recognize application security, cloud security, and cybersecurity as strategic success factors.
Those who invest in app security now are not only protecting sensitive customer data — they are also safeguarding long-term trust, market share, and the future of their business. Our diva-e Conclusion experts are happy to support you.
