The Importance of Trust in AI-Generated Code

A race car isn’t fast because of the engine alone—it’s the brakes that make speed safe and controlled. Trust enables acceleration.

Artificial intelligence is changing how we build software. It speeds up development and helps teams ship faster. But with that speed comes a big question: Can we trust the software AI creates?

In a world of AI-powered code, trust isn’t a bonus—it’s a must.

Why Trust Matters Now

AI coding tools like GitHub Copilot and Gemini Code Assist are everywhere. Developers are using them to build faster and automate more. But AI also brings new risks.

AI doesn’t just help write code. It changes how software is built. It changes who builds it. And it changes what’s possible—both good and bad.

I sat down with Danny Allan, CTO of Snyk, to talk about how software development is evolving and what we need to do to ensure we can trust it. “We’re in a perfect storm right now,” he declared.

Allan described the three converging fronts of the perfect storm: AI is creating more code than ever. That code is often less secure than what senior developers would write. And AI-native applications have a larger attack surface, especially when large language models are involved.

A recent study by Snyk found that 96% of CISOs are worried about how AI is being used in development. That concern is well-placed.

AI Security Is Different

AI-generated code may look like regular code—but it’s not. The risks are different. That’s why we need a new approach.

LLMs add new dangers. Prompt injection, model theft, data leaks and poisoned training sets are all part of the picture. Allan noted we are also still not logging prompt history or tracking model outputs in most organizations.

He compared today’s AI rush to the early days of cloud. “Back then, no one was locking down instances or logging access,” he said. “Now, we’re doing the same with AI models.”

AI isn’t just another tool. It’s a new layer of infrastructure. And right now, it’s going mostly unsecured.

AI Trust Platforms

That’s where AI trust platforms come in. These tools aim to secure the entire AI pipeline—from how the code is written to how the models behave.

Snyk announced the launch of its own AI Trust Platform to help address this. It includes:

• Secure scanning for AI-generated code
• AI context enrichment for better accuracy
• Learning modules to teach developers secure practices
• Guardrails for prompts and responses
• Tools to manage model licenses and provenance

Allan explained the platform’s goal: “Technology can never achieve its full potential unless we trust the technology that we’re using.”

Developers Won’t Be Replaced—They’ll Evolve

The rise of AI coding assistants has sparked fears that software engineers might soon be obsolete. But that vision misses the bigger picture. AI doesn’t eliminate the need for developers—it changes what they do and how they add value.

Danny Allan sees a future where developers fall into three evolving categories:

1. General users: These are non-developers—business analysts, marketers, even executives—who use AI to build simple apps or automate tasks. With the right prompt, they can generate dashboards, create workflows or spin up web apps without writing a line of traditional code.
2. Experienced developers: These are the engineers who guide the AI, not just use it. They understand system architecture, application logic and how software behaves at scale. Their role is shifting from writing code line-by-line to designing prompts, validating outputs and assembling systems with reusable AI-generated components. They’re also responsible for spotting edge cases, reviewing AI-generated suggestions and providing critical oversight.
3. Low-level specialists: This group will continue to write the code that powers the tools the rest of us use—whether it’s compiler logic, cryptographic functions or model runtime environments. They may work in assembly, Rust or other performant languages and their expertise will remain essential for maintaining infrastructure and solving complex problems that AI can’t yet handle. Much like today’s COBOL engineers, these specialists will be rare, in high demand and central to mission-critical systems.

In this model, AI doesn’t shrink the developer community—it expands it. Everyone becomes a builder, but with different levels of sophistication and responsibility. And as AI-generated code becomes more common, the need for oversight, security and skilled guidance only grows.

AI is a powerful tool. But human judgment—especially when it comes to security, ethics and edge-case logic—remains irreplaceable. The challenge isn’t how to replace developers. It’s how to re-skill and redefine them for the AI era.

Trust Is the Competitive Edge

As AI tools become more connected, through systems like Model Context Protocol, companies must make sure those connections are safe. Snyk, for example, is offering both integrations and security guidance for MCP. That’s key. Every new tool is also a new attack surface.

Allan shared a quote from his CEO to drive the point home: “The reason why racers can go fast is because they have brakes. It’s not because of the engine. You can go faster. And so if you want to trust it, it’s the brakes that you’re trusting. It’s not the engine itself.”

Put simply, speed without safety leads to disaster. But trust lets you go faster with confidence.

What Comes Next

AI will keep changing how we work. That’s a good thing. But trust needs to grow with it.

The companies that succeed will be the ones who build trust into every layer—from the models they use to the code they ship. That means educating developers, adopting secure tools and setting clear standards.

AI is the engine. Trust is the brake.

And both are needed if we want to go the distance.

Conclusion

In conclusion, trust is a critical component of AI-generated code. As AI continues to change the way we build software, it’s essential to prioritize trust and security. By adopting AI trust platforms, re-skilling developers, and building trust into every layer of the AI pipeline, companies can ensure that their AI-powered software is both fast and safe.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about AI-generated code and trust:

Q: What is AI-generated code?

A: AI-generated code is code that is written or generated by artificial intelligence tools, such as GitHub Copilot or Gemini Code Assist.

Q: Why is trust important in AI-generated code?

A: Trust is important in AI-generated code because it ensures that the code is secure, reliable, and functions as intended.

Q: How can companies build trust into their AI-powered software?

A: Companies can build trust into their AI-powered software by adopting AI trust platforms, re-skilling developers, and setting clear standards for security and transparency.

Q: Will AI replace human developers?

A: No, AI will not replace human developers. Instead, it will change the way they work and the skills they need to be successful.

With the help of software and platforms for DEIA, organizations can now promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility like never before. The digital age has brought about a plethora of tools and technologies that can aid in creating a more inclusive and equitable environment. From AI-powered hiring tools to virtual reality diversity training, the possibilities are endless.

Understanding DEIA

Diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) are four interconnected concepts that aim to create a fair and just environment for everyone. Diversity refers to the presence of different groups or individuals with unique characteristics, experiences, and perspectives. Equity, on the other hand, focuses on providing equal opportunities and resources to all individuals, regardless of their background or circumstances. Inclusion is about creating a sense of belonging and valuing the contributions of all individuals, while accessibility refers to the design of products, services, and environments that can be used by everyone, including people with disabilities.

The Importance of DEIA in the Digital Age

In today’s digital age, DEIA is more important than ever. With the rise of remote work and online interactions, it’s easier for biases and discriminatory practices to go unnoticed. Moreover, the digital world can be a breeding ground for hate speech, harassment, and exclusion. Therefore, it’s essential to prioritize DEIA in the digital age to create a safe, inclusive, and equitable online environment.

Benefits of DEIA in the Digital Age

The benefits of prioritizing DEIA in the digital age are numerous. For one, it can lead to increased diversity and representation in the tech industry, which can result in more innovative and effective solutions. Additionally, DEIA can help to reduce bias and discriminatory practices, creating a more just and equitable online environment. Furthermore, DEIA can also lead to improved user experience, as products and services are designed to be accessible and inclusive to all.

Software and Platforms for DEIA

There are numerous software and platforms available that can aid in promoting DEIA. For instance, AI-powered hiring tools can help to reduce bias in the hiring process, while virtual reality diversity training can provide immersive and interactive training experiences. Additionally, accessibility testing tools can help to identify and fix accessibility issues in digital products, while inclusive language tools can aid in creating more inclusive and respectful language.

AI-Powered Hiring Tools

AI-powered hiring tools use machine learning algorithms to analyze resumes, cover letters, and other application materials to identify the most qualified candidates. These tools can help to reduce bias in the hiring process by removing identifiable information such as names, ages, and addresses. Moreover, AI-powered hiring tools can also help to identify diverse candidates who may have been overlooked by traditional hiring methods.

Virtual Reality Diversity Training

Virtual reality diversity training provides immersive and interactive training experiences that can help to increase empathy and understanding of different perspectives. These training experiences can simulate real-world scenarios, allowing participants to practice inclusive behaviors and responses. Moreover, virtual reality diversity training can also provide a safe and controlled environment for participants to discuss sensitive topics and share their experiences.

Accessibility Testing Tools

Accessibility testing tools can help to identify and fix accessibility issues in digital products. These tools can analyze websites, apps, and other digital products for accessibility issues such as color contrast, font size, and navigation. Moreover, accessibility testing tools can also provide recommendations for improving accessibility and provide training and resources for developers and designers.

Inclusive Language Tools

Inclusive language tools can aid in creating more inclusive and respectful language. These tools can analyze language for bias and suggest alternative language that is more inclusive and respectful. Moreover, inclusive language tools can also provide training and resources for writers, editors, and communicators to help them create more inclusive and respectful language.

Best Practices for Implementing DEIA in the Digital Age

Implementing DEIA in the digital age requires a strategic and intentional approach. Here are some best practices for implementing DEIA in the digital age:

Conduct a DEIA Audit

Conducting a DEIA audit can help to identify areas of improvement and provide a baseline for measuring progress. A DEIA audit can analyze digital products, policies, and practices for accessibility, inclusivity, and equity.

Develop a DEIA Strategy

Developing a DEIA strategy can help to guide efforts and provide a clear direction for promoting DEIA. A DEIA strategy should include goals, objectives, and metrics for measuring progress.

Provide Training and Resources

Providing training and resources can help to educate employees, developers, and designers about DEIA and provide them with the skills and knowledge they need to promote DEIA. Training and resources can include workshops, webinars, and online courses.

Engage with Diverse Stakeholders

Engaging with diverse stakeholders can help to provide insights and perspectives that can inform DEIA efforts. Diverse stakeholders can include employees, customers, users, and community members.

Challenges and Limitations of Implementing DEIA in the Digital Age

Implementing DEIA in the digital age can be challenging and complex. Here are some challenges and limitations of implementing DEIA in the digital age:

Bias in AI and Machine Learning

Bias in AI and machine learning can perpetuate and amplify existing biases and discriminatory practices. Therefore, it’s essential to prioritize fairness, transparency, and accountability in AI and machine learning systems.

Lack of Diversity and Representation

Lack of diversity and representation in the tech industry can lead to a lack of diverse perspectives and experiences. Therefore, it’s essential to prioritize diversity and inclusion in the tech industry to create more innovative and effective solutions.

Accessibility and Inclusive Design

Accessibility and inclusive design can be complex and challenging, particularly in digital products and services. Therefore, it’s essential to prioritize accessibility and inclusive design to create more equitable and just online environments.

Conclusion

In conclusion, DEIA in the digital age is more important than ever. With the help of software and platforms for DEIA, organizations can promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility like never before. However, implementing DEIA in the digital age requires a strategic and intentional approach, and there are challenges and limitations that need to be addressed. By prioritizing DEIA and providing training and resources, engaging with diverse stakeholders, and addressing bias and accessibility issues, we can create a more just, equitable, and inclusive online environment.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions about DEIA in the digital age:

What is DEIA?

DEIA stands for diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. It refers to the promotion of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility in all aspects of life, including the digital age.

Why is DEIA important in the digital age?

DEIA is important in the digital age because it can help to create a more just, equitable, and inclusive online environment. It can also help to reduce bias and discriminatory practices, and promote diversity and representation in the tech industry.

What are some software and platforms for DEIA?

There are numerous software and platforms available that can aid in promoting DEIA, including AI-powered hiring tools, virtual reality diversity training, accessibility testing tools, and inclusive language tools.

How can I implement DEIA in my organization?

Implementing DEIA in your organization requires a strategic and intentional approach. You can start by conducting a DEIA audit, developing a DEIA strategy, providing training and resources, and engaging with diverse stakeholders.

What are some challenges and limitations of implementing DEIA in the digital age?

There are several challenges and limitations of implementing DEIA in the digital age, including bias in AI and machine learning, lack of diversity and representation, and accessibility and inclusive design issues.

Introduction to Identity Governance

Identity is the frontline of today’s cybersecurity battles. Whether it’s stolen credentials, over-provisioned access, or dormant accounts, attackers have found that the easiest way in is often through the front door—by posing as someone who already belongs. And yet, for many organizations, the systems meant to manage identity and access are either too costly, too complex, or simply out of reach.

This tension is pushing the Identity Governance and Administration market to evolve. Even small and mid-sized organizations need identity tools they can deploy quickly, manage easily, and afford without budgetary gymnastics.

The Identity Gap for Growing Organizations

The cybersecurity community agrees: identity is the new perimeter. I talk to executives from technology and cybersecurity vendors across the spectrum. Regardless of the area of focus of the company or the solutions they provide, the discussion frequently comes back to the importance of identity security.

But that awareness hasn’t necessarily translated into action, particularly among resource-constrained companies. While Fortune 500 enterprises deploy full-fledged IGA platforms with lifecycle management, access reviews, and privileged access monitoring, smaller firms often make do with spreadsheets, email approvals, and best guesses.

The result? A growing identity gap where bad actors have more opportunities to exploit excessive access or outdated entitlements in environments with fewer safeguards.

I spoke with Subbu Rama, CEO of BalkanID, about these challenges. He explained, “If somebody gets into Tony’s account, acts as Tony, and Tony is not least privileged, now you actually have exposed too much in your company—and now that’s the keys to the whole kingdom.”

The Problem with Traditional IGA

Many IGA solutions were built in a different era—one where long implementation cycles, high-touch professional services, and six-figure price tags were the norm. They assumed companies had security teams to spare and the patience to customize workflows for months before realizing value.

The environment looks very different today. Organizations are leaner, faster, and operating in a digital landscape that changes daily. They need tools that can adapt just as quickly, not platforms that require a project manager just to get started.

A Shift Toward Lightweight, Modular Models

In response to growing demand from lean security teams, a new generation of IGA platforms is emerging. These solutions are built for speed, simplicity, and scalability. They can often be deployed in under an hour and are designed with modular features that organizations can enable as needed. But one of the most transformative aspects of this new model is how these platforms are priced.

Traditionally, IGA pricing has been a black box. Organizations are often required to sit through multiple sales calls before they get any sense of what the solution will cost—and even then, pricing is frequently bundled, inconsistent, or tied to long-term contracts. This lack of transparency creates friction and mistrust at a time when security teams need clarity and flexibility.

BalkanID’s new product, BalkanID Lite, challenges that approach. It’s a self-service offering designed for mid-market companies that need essential identity governance features without the enterprise-level price tag or implementation burden. What sets it apart isn’t just its features—it’s the way it’s priced.

BalkanID publishes clear, modular pricing directly on its website. Organizations can see what each component costs, pick only what they need, and understand exactly what they’re committing to. It’s an approach borrowed from consumer experiences—simple, upfront, and predictable.

“We wanted to solve [the problem] by making the pricing completely transparent,” Rama explained. “Just like you buy cars now—hey, do I want a low-end model? That’s all I care about, like a Model 3? Sure. Here’s the Model 3. Want a Model X? Here’s the pricing for a Model X.”

By removing the need for negotiations and eliminating hidden fees, this model empowers customers to make informed decisions based on their actual needs and budgets. It also reflects a broader trend in SaaS: transparency is becoming a feature, not just a nice-to-have.

From Compliance Checkbox to Security Cornerstone

The evolution of tools is important, but so is the mindset shift. For years, identity governance was viewed primarily as a compliance necessity—something done quarterly to satisfy auditors. That’s no longer enough.

As threat actors grow more sophisticated, identity governance must become continuous and dynamic. Least privilege can’t be a one-time review—it needs to be a living principle embedded into how access is granted, adjusted, and revoked. The challenge is balancing that level of control with the need for business agility.

Building the Future on Flexibility

According to Rama, the future of identity governance is modular. It’s accessible. It’s aligned with how companies actually work today. For SMBs and mid-market players, that means having options that don’t require tradeoffs between productivity and protection.

It also means recognizing that the value of a security tool isn’t just in its features—it’s in how quickly and consistently it delivers results without becoming a burden to manage.

As companies reassess their security priorities, identity governance is getting the long-overdue attention it deserves. And thanks to this wave of more agile, transparent, and user-friendly platforms, that attention might finally translate into action.

Because identity risk isn’t reserved for the Fortune 500—and neither should be the tools to manage it.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the identity governance landscape is undergoing a significant shift. Traditional IGA solutions are being replaced by more agile, modular, and transparent platforms that cater to the needs of small and mid-sized organizations. The introduction of clear and transparent pricing models is a key factor in this shift, empowering customers to make informed decisions and driving adoption. As the cybersecurity landscape continues to evolve, it is essential for organizations to prioritize identity governance and invest in solutions that can keep pace with their growing needs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What is identity governance, and why is it important?

A: Identity governance refers to the processes and technologies used to manage and govern user identities within an organization. It is essential for preventing cyber threats, ensuring compliance, and protecting sensitive data.

Q: What are the challenges faced by small and mid-sized organizations in implementing IGA solutions?

A: Small and mid-sized organizations often face challenges such as limited resources, complex implementation processes, and high costs when implementing traditional IGA solutions.

Q: How are new IGA platforms addressing these challenges?

A: New IGA platforms are being designed with speed, simplicity, and scalability in mind. They offer modular features, transparent pricing, and self-service capabilities that cater to the needs of small and mid-sized organizations.

Q: What is the significance of transparent pricing in IGA solutions?

A: Transparent pricing in IGA solutions empowers customers to make informed decisions, eliminates hidden fees, and reduces the need for negotiations. It also reflects a broader trend in SaaS, where transparency is becoming a key feature.