Security for developers, since 2005

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Contact yo@secappdev.org for general inquiries or questions regarding registration.

Our first annual course in 2005 was unique in focusing on developing secure applications. Over the years, security has gained more mainstream attention, thus current practice is fortunately improving. Nonetheless, the SecAppDev course remains unique through combining academic research and leading edge industrial security practices.

In 2014, we celebrated the 10th anniversary of SecAppDev, an accomplishment largely due to the volunteers driving the course.

Noteworthy contributions include Bart Preneel, Frank Piessens and Ken van Wyk, who all presented numerous years since 2005.

The SecAppDev course is run by secappdev.org, a non-profit organization that aims to broaden security awareness in the development community and advance secure software engineering practices.

The organization of SecAppDev is handled by volunteers. Proceeds from organizing SecAppDev go into improving future editions, ensuring the long-term survival of SecAppDev, and supporting AppSec initiatives.

In 2004, Dirk Dussart and Johan Peeters, two IT consultants, were appalled at the poor software security they encountered in their daily practice. They turned to friends and colleagues in industry and universities to run a week-long course on developing secure software applications. Professor Georges Ataya convinced Solvay Executive Education at Université Libre de Bruxelles to facilitate the launch of the course by providing logistical support and a loan. Hence the first course took place in February 2005. One year later, a partnership between Solvay Executive Education, faculty members of KU Leuven, and professional software developers grew into a non-profit organisation offering an annual internationally acclaimed course.

Today, the organising committee comprises several faculty members of KU Leuven, Bart Preneel, Frank Piessens, and Lieven Desmet, Georges Ataya from Solvay and several free-lance software security trainers and consultants, Jim Manico, Philippe De Ryck and Johan Peeters. Philippe De Ryck is course curator and Johan Peeters chairman.

Johan Peeters

Philippe De Ryck

Frank Piessens

Jim Manico

Bart Preneel

Lieven Desmet

Georges Ataya