We’ve heard of DevOps, but what is DevSecOps? Going one level above and beyond, DevSecOps is when security is added as an additional layer to the DevOps infrastructure. An article by Forbes informs us that in regular DevOps, the information security – aka DevSecOps – teams and development teams work in silos. Application development is considerably slowed down because DevOps need to get InfoSec’s approval, every time.

Merging cyber security as part of DevOps creates a more robust and efficient system that enhances quality, productivity, and security. DevSecOps alone is not the solution to an elevated security layer, however. Automating processes ensures that DevSecOps is implemented to work at optimal levels. By doing so, companies can be assured of ongoing security that is continually in motion to test and secure data throughout the entire development and operation process. Also known as DevSecOps CI CD, continuous integration and continuous delivery offers ongoing security even during the early stages of development and coding.

Security threats with no DevSecOps in place

Compared to DevOps, DevSecOps offers a world of security possibilities. Find out the types of risks that programs face when they have not had DevOps create them.

1. Security treated as perimeter defense and not holistic. In DevOps, security is a separate consideration that is created as a defensive measure, rather than an offensive tool. This is akin to protecting the perimeter, and not software and apps from the inside out. A defensive security program envisions threats from the outside and does not take into consideration what could happen on the inside.
2. No security resources available to test before delivery. Traditionally, the security teams to test for vulnerabilities would run completed software that was ready to be deployed. DevSecOps ensures that programs are safe from vulnerabilities before delivery. After delivery, the program or app is constantly and continuously tested for security.
3. In a bid to create and deliver programs faster, DevOps often skimp on, or ignore security. With DevSecOps, the premise is that developers and operations teams should create and develop code and programs with security as the number one priority.
4. Cannot assess security threats during development. Without DevSecOps’ specialized threat modeling, the dev and ops teams do not have the means to test, assess, and secure safety threats during the development process. This can waste time, resources, and money!
5. Lack of automated security testing. No DevSecOps services means no ongoing and continuous testing for vulnerabilities in new builds. According to a 2019 survey by Forrester, around 50% of individuals in security teams noted that external attacks happened because of vulnerabilities in software and apps.
6. Application, end user data, and proprietary company assets at risk of exposure and attacks. Finally, sensitive data can run the risk of exposure and attacks, because the DevOps teams alone do not make security their priority. Instead, their focus is on robust and speedy program coding and delivery.

Advantages of using DevSecOps 

Embedded security, a security-first approach, and a cohesive team of developers, operations teams, and security teams – what’s not to love about DevSecOps? There are hosts of benefits to employing DevSecOps!

1. DevOps is a boon to companies, but DevSecOps offers ongoing security assessment that also promises speedy deliveries. There’s no compromising on quality and security with DevSecOps.
2. A harmonious team ensures that development, security, and operations merge to create code and programs in line with companies’ ideals. Usually, when working as silos, these teams would bring their own work ethics or tech opinions to the table, creating bottlenecks in any stage of the build. When security team individuals work hand in hand with both the development and operations teams, they can make more powerful security suggestions, and understand the software even better. DevSecOps bring the best of efficiency, speed, and quality to the table, while security teams keep checking and testing for threats and exposure.

DevSecOps best practices 

Why are companies slow to incorporate and use DevSecOps? Companies state that a gap in skills limits them to DevOps teams and a standalone security team. According to Gartner, 80% of organizations say that they have a hard time finding and hiring security professionals. Of those, 71% stated that this creates hiccups in the software development and deployment.

1. Automate. As we mentioned earlier, automating processes builds an additional layer of security in DevSecOps. Differing team cultures could run the risk of conflicting views – and therefore become a stalemate when it comes to creating and deploying programs. By automating processes, teams can come together to build robust programs and let the tech work in the background.
2. Create security regulations. Protocols have to be set in place that all teams can abide by. These rules and regulations need to cover important aspects of security like access, reviews, and testing.
3. Limit attacks by implementing privileged access. While it may be common sense, restricting the channels available for security threats to sneak in makes sense. By employing privileged access to data, companies can ensure that they can easily trace and secure any threats or attacks.

Aspire Systems gives companies the power to integrate DevSecOps to optimize and secure their software development and operations. Click here to learn more.

Abstract

DevSecOps is DevOps 2.0. By combining the best that DevOps have to offer in terms of robust and speedy program and software development with the safety of security teams, DevSecOps gives tech companies the edge they need to succeed. 

Before DevSecOps, teams worked in silos, estranged from other components and teams. This created lengthier processes that caused bottlenecks. In turn, these bottlenecks cost companies time, money, and resources. DevSecOps seeks to save money and time with integrated security from the get-go. 

We list the need for employing DevSecOps, why it’s beneficial, and best practices. Armed with the information they need about DevSecOps, companies can make informed choices and keep security as their number one priority.

 

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