How to Build Secure Web Applications from Day One: Insights from Cothema & CypSec

Prague, Czech Republic - September 21, 2025

Why building security in from the start is cheaper and more effective than patching later

Web applications power everything from e-commerce platforms to enterprise collaboration tools, yet too often they are built with functionality in mind and security treated as an afterthought. This leads to recurring problems: costly breaches, compliance violations, and constant re-engineering of code that was never designed with resilience in mind. Cothema and CypSec demonstrate how security can be embedded into the entire lifecycle of application development, ensuring robustness without slowing down innovation.

The principle of “secure by design” means more than adding encryption or a login page. It requires that authentication, access control, data protection, and threat modeling are considered during initial architecture, not bolted on later. Cothema applies disciplined development methodologies, while CypSec provides structured risk frameworks and automated compliance checks that align with GDPR, PCI DSS, and other international standards.

Authentication and session management remain among the most common weak points. Breaches frequently result from poor token handling, insecure cookie management, or missing multi-factor authentication. CypSec integrates hardened identity modules that enforce strong, adaptive user verification and continuous session monitoring, giving Cothema's applications a secure foundation for user trust.

Insecure APIs are another widespread issue. Modern applications rely heavily on APIs to connect mobile clients, partner platforms, and AI-driven services. Without systematic controls, APIs can expose sensitive information or allow privilege escalation. Combining Cothema's integration expertise with CypSec's penetration testing and policy-as-code enforcement ensures that all APIs are designed and validated to withstand real-world abuse scenarios.

"The earlier you build security into your applications, the less it costs and the more resilient your business becomes," said Frederick Roth, Chief Information Security Officer at CypSec.

Data storage and compliance requirements add another layer of complexity. Mishandling personal or financial data can trigger not only breaches but also heavy penalties under GDPR and sector-specific regulations. CypSec's encryption, geo-specific data residency controls, and auditable logging frameworks ensure that sensitive information is protected end-to-end, while giving businesses the evidence trail they need for regulatory compliance.

Embedding security from day one also reduces long-term costs. Fixing vulnerabilities during the design and coding phase is several times cheaper than patching them after release. Deterministic code reviews, automated static and dynamic testing, and continuous validation pipelines help detect flaws early, closing gaps before they reach production.

The joint venture between Cothema and CypSec provides organizations with a practical model: development teams focus on user experience and features, while embedded security frameworks guarantee that every release is hardened, compliant, and resilient. This reduces tension between innovation and security, enabling companies to deliver new applications faster without introducing hidden risks.

In a digital economy where web applications are both customer-facing assets and critical business systems, the ability to combine secure engineering with rapid development has become a strategic differentiator. Making security an integral part of software development early on gives businesses the confidence to expand online services, knowing they are resilient against evolving cyber threats and aligned with global compliance demands.

About Cothema: Cothema is a Czech technology firm specializing in custom software, automation, and AI-driven solutions for enterprises and SMEs. For more information, visit cothema.com.

About CypSec: CypSec delivers risk management, access governance, and cybersecurity solutions for enterprises and governments. Its platform embeds security into applications, infrastructure, and digital services from the first line of code. For more information, visit cypsec.de.

Media Contact: Daria Fediay, Chief Executive Officer at CypSec - daria.fediay@cypsec.de.