Getting Started With DevSecOps

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By definition, DevSecOps generally refers to the philosophy of integrating or implementing certain security practices that take place within the DevOps process. The DevSecOps philosophy also involves utilizing the “Security as Code” culture to provide ongoing and flexible collaboration and cooperation among security teams and engineers. So, even with a working definition of DevSecOps, you might still be wondering, “what is DevSecOps” exactly and how is it used?

In most settings, the DevSecOps movement is primarily focused on creating and testing new solutions for software development processes that take place within an agile framework system. DevSecOps itself is actually a response to the response of older security models creating a bottleneck effect.

The main goal of DevSecOps is to create a bridge between security and IT networks, all while maintaining a fast and reliable delivery of code. In this way, silo thinking can then be replaced by effective communication and shared security tasks. The shared responsibility for security tasks can then happen at any level of the delivery process.

There are also two goals in DevSecOps that might seem somewhat opposing. These two goals, “secure code” and “speed of delivery,” can be merged into one solitary and streamlined process. Any critical security issue can then be dealt with promptly, and when they become apparent. This differs from previous systems in which threats are typically dealt with after they have already occurred.

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DevSecOps Benefits

DevSecOps has a few great benefits that are not immediately apparent. First, when security protocols are implemented directly into the development process itself, developers can harness the agile methodology’s power. This allows teams to work together without sacrificing the goal of maintaining a secure code.

Another substantial benefit of using DevSecOps is the ability to use the full range of cloud-based services. For instance, companies using services that run in the Amazon Web Services cloud have seen the benefits of adding both detective and preventive security controls, all while maintaining continuous integration made possible in AWS.

More and more organizations are relying on cloud services and applications to streamline operations. The security efforts provided by a cloud service such as AWS allows organizations to increase security efforts and minimize any costly downtimes.

There are also quite a few benefits to the security measure that are present in DevSecOps. These security features include:

  • Faster speeds and increased agility for operations and security teams.
  • Increased ability to adapt and respond to changes more quickly.
  • Increased communication and collaboration among developers and security teams.
  • More significant opportunities for assurance testing and generating automated builds.
  • It is easier to identify code vulnerabilities and fix them sooner.
  • Essential team members will have more time to work on high priority and high-value projects.

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Rugged DevOps

Rugged DevOps is a term used when referring to a DevOps operation that is transparent, clearer in understanding probable risks, and comes with an increased sense of trust. This approach is an accelerated version in which security parameters are established at the beginning of a project. Then penetration tests are carried out throughout the entirety of the development cycle itself.

The “rugged” aspect comes from the idea that the controls must be more stringent and rigorously tested. This version of DevOps also thrives in an environment where code is continuously tested for security. All developers are motivated to produce code that is more reliable and secure continually.

In the case of a DevSecOps environment, it is important to perform automated testing procedures throughout the entire development cycle. When the process is “ruggedized,” then security is now taking the highest priority. This change should also be in effect for any improvements in the delivery pipeline, including AWS. Adding automated testing or performing security games will serve to test the security throughout the developmental cycle.

How to Get Started With DevSecOps

Shifting your organization towards an approach focused on DevSecOps will allow your teams to identify and address security threats quicker and in real-time. Your security teams are invaluable assets on the frontlines, protecting against costly slowdowns or any other hindrance to system speed. For instance, your teams will be able to detect a poorly designed application that will not scale in the cloud before implementation. This preventative measure will save time, money, and valuable company resources.

Creating reliable scalability in the cloud requires a large scale of security embedding. It will also require ongoing threat management and modeling systems with the ability to adapt and evolve rapidly.

Here are the six most common elements of the DevSecOps approach:

  1. Code change analysis – Code needs to be delivered in small enough packages to identify vulnerabilities quickly and easily.
  2. Change detection and management – Systems need to have the ability to increase efficiency and speed while also allowing any user to make changes. The system then needs to be able to determine if those changes are beneficial or not.
  3. Monitoring Compliance – Organizations must be ready and prepared for an audit at any time. This means that companies need to be continually monitoring to ensure that they are always in a state of compliance. This includes evidence gathering, PCI compliance, and GDPR compliance as well.
  4. Investigation threats – Systems should be able to detect and identify and incoming potential threats. With each update, systems will be able to assess threats and respond quicker than ever.
  5. Assessing Vulnerabilities – In addition to assessing threats. The system needs to be able to perform code analysis to identify new or existing vulnerabilities. Then it needs to decide how to react best or patch the vulnerability.
  6. Training for Security – IT experts and engineers need to be trained on the guidelines for any new routines. That way, they will be able to respond quickly and effectively.

If you have not already started the process of implementing DevSecOps, there is never a better time than the present. Merging your security goals with DevOps will allow your organization to act on the “Security as Code” model and follow the best practices for DevSecOps.

DevSecOps video:

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Getting Started With DevSecOps FAQs


Does DevSecOps compliment compliance?

Yes, it is, You can use it safely and easily.

Is DevSecOps a methodology?

DevSecOps is a methodology within an agile framework that breaks projects into smaller chunks and incorporates security

Does SAST requires the application to be running?

No, it’s not. You can use it without the application

Thank you for reading!