BlackBerry QNX has released new research that reveals the increasing pressure on software engineers and developers to balance swift innovation with the need for robust safety and security. The global survey, which included 1,000 embedded software developers and engineers, with 150 from the UK, highlights growing concerns about security in Operating Systems (OS) and the compromises being made in functional safety due to internal demands.
Security is a top priority for UK organisations
The research shows that OS security remains a significant challenge for developers, particularly with Open-Source OS, which is more prone to breaches (52% compared to 31% for proprietary systems). Notably, 71% of UK organisations are considering changing their OS, with 37% citing security concerns as the primary reason.
When selecting a new OS, security is increasingly crucial for UK organisations, with 57% identifying it as one of their main considerations, and 31% ranking it as the top priority. This heightened focus on security may be driven by the fact that 41% of UK organisations have experienced breaches or vulnerabilities with their current OS.
“The findings underline the reality that, as UK organisations rush to innovate, security is still rightly front and foremost of business’ minds. As such, developers need an OS with security built into its core – one they can trust for reliable and safe embedded software. Having confidence and trust in the software empowers developers to collaborate more effectively, streamline processes, and get their products to market faster,” said João Pereira, Director, EMEA General Embedded Market Sales at BlackBerry QNX.
Gaps in OS safety certification causing costly delays
The survey also revealed that 28% of UK respondents lack confidence that their OS holds the necessary safety certifications. A further 14% believe their OS lacks critical safety features, while another 14% reported only partial compliance with safety standards. These gaps have contributed to delays for 58% of UK organisations, which have faced the challenge of meeting evolving safety regulations. The cost of these delays averages £427,000 and 154 hours of company resources.
Additional key findings:
- Pressure to deliver: 77% of UK software developers and engineers admit to compromising on key safety aspects to meet deadlines and budgets
- Security concerns: Although 74% of UK organisations view security as a “top” or “high” priority in software development, there is inconsistency in the application of security patches, with an average of five weeks between updates
- Impact on timelines: OS issues are causing delays, with 29% of UK organisations missing project deadlines due to time spent on OS development, certification, and testing
“As we enter the era of ‘Software-Defined Everything,’ where devices and infrastructure increasingly rely on software for operations, new features, and innovation, the importance of functional (FuSa) safety is paramount. While 91% of UK organisations surveyed recognise this as a priority, it’s clear developers are under growing pressure to meet deadlines and budgets, which is why pre-certified software is so important to enabling organisations not only meet their goals, but doing so without compromise,” explained Pereira. “Pre-certified, secure-by-design solutions allow teams to focus on innovation rather than troubleshooting. Choosing the right OS can significantly transform your business by minimising headaches and enhancing efficiency.”
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