#506 Ship Fast, Stay Secure: Elipaz Tanzman on Uniting Developers and Security Teams

In this episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet, I’m joined by Elipaz Tanzman, Co-Founder and CEO of Cygnostic. Elipaz brings a wealth of experience from his early career as a cybersecurity officer in the Navy to leading innovative solutions in application, AI/ML, and cloud security.We explore how organizations can break the long-standing tension between R&D and security teams, building a partnership that allows products to ship quickly without compromising on safety — even in the rapidly evolving age of AI.From integrating security into developers’ native workflows to preparing for the next wave of AI-driven threats, this conversation is packed with actionable advice for CTOs, CISOs, and startup founders alike.Key Takeaways • Why R&D and security teams often clash — and how to make them BFFs. • How to integrate security seamlessly into the development lifecycle. • The top cybersecurity threats in 2025, from ransomware to AI risks. • Best practices for using AI in software development without exposing sensitive data. • Why startups must prioritize security from day one. • Building ROI for application security investments with developer training and the right tools. • The role of security champions in fostering a culture of secure coding.⸻What You’ll Learn • How to identify and prioritize security risks in your organization. • Steps to avoid slowing down product delivery while enhancing security. • Practical tips for securing AI-assisted coding environments. • The evolving landscape of security regulations and standards for AI. • Business case strategies that win executive buy-in for security initiatives.About the GuestElipaz Tanzman is the Co-Founder and CEO of Cygnostic, specializing in application security, AI/ML security, and cloud security. He serves on the Azure International Committee for ISO 27001, bringing a global perspective on security standards. His mission is to harmonize development speed with robust security practices across industries.https://cygnostic.io/https://boldpmm.com/elipaz-tanzman/Episode Highlights[00:01:00] Elipaz’s journey from Navy cybersecurity officer to Cygnostic CEO.[00:03:00] The current top threats in cybersecurity and their financial drivers.[00:06:00] Making R&D and security “best friends forever.”[00:09:00] Does secure development slow down product delivery?[00:10:00] Risks of AI-assisted coding and best practices for safe adoption.[00:14:00] Why startups need security from day one.[00:18:00] Where CISOs should start when building their DevSecOps stack.[00:22:00] AI regulations, ISO standards, and the need for security governance.[00:27:00] Showing ROI for application security programs.[00:31:00] The next wave of threats and the role of AI in security’s future.[00:33:00] Advice for students and career changers entering cybersecurity.