DevSecOps: 4 Reasons You Need One

Those familiar with the world of software and application development are probably aware of the concept of DevOps. But what about DevSecOps? DevSecOps essentially adds another layer to the process by combining security and DevOps.

Often, software developers leave security testing to the very end. However, following this approach leads to applications running with a host of potential security issues that’ll delay your time to market.

Today, DevSecOps forms the foundation of your software quality and delivery process. But before we get ahead of ourselves, let’s define it.

What Is DevSecOps?

DevSecOps represents a cultural shift within the software development community. The primary objective is to embed security from the first iteration of the rapid-release cycle, blurring the lines between development and security teams. This approach ensures that security processes are automated and managed by the development teams themselves.

“Security can no longer be an afterthought. Whenever software engineers don’t consider the security implications during the development cycle, it could lead to serious consequences,” said Colette Wyatt, CEO at Evolve.

DevSecOps leverages static application security testing (SAST) protocols or white box testing before compiling the code. This approach provides developers with opportunities to quickly identify and resolve any potential vulnerabilities.

In this scenario, any malicious code or backdoors are patched simultaneously during the development cycle. While it’s not a fool-proof solution, it’s a solid step in the right direction.

On the other hand, dynamic application security testing (DAST) requires the software or app to run during the testing process. So DAST protocols can’t be applied until there’s a functional version of the application.

DAST is critical to address issues related to “man in the middle” attacks. “While the DevSecOps philosophy might be SAST-focused, it’s vital not to ignore DAST processes at the end of the software development cycle,” said Wyatt.

Why Implement Within Your Organization?

If you haven’t already integrated DevSecOps into your software development processes, here are four reasons why you need one:

1. Ensures the Rapid Delivery of Stable and Secure Software

When security isn’t an afterthought, it’s easy to maintain brand value while quickly meeting the demands of the marketplace. Malicious bugs in the system and vulnerabilities (that lead to data leaks) severely impact brand reputation. DevSecOps helps reduce this risk.

By addressing security issues from the first iteration, your development team can accelerate time to market. It’s much easier and faster to identify and fix any potential problems during each iteration rather than at the near end of the development cycle.

2. Lets You Make the Most of Automation

A DevSecOps culture concentrates on the delivery of “real” fixes. However, operations teams won’t have the capacity to focus on every single vulnerability in the code. That’s where automation comes in.

By leveraging automated testing tools, development teams close the gaps and ensure security from day one. When testing is automated, it results in less administration failure incidents and fewer mistakes that often lead to cyberattacks and downtime.

Automation also means that security architects aren’t required to configure security consoles. When security teams are focusing on more pressing issues, you achieve enhanced agility and speed. This approach also helps minimize or eliminate technical debt during each iteration.

3. Provides a Better Return on Investment (ROI)

When software development projects derail, you lose a lot of money. By releasing your application on time, you also gain a competitive advantage. Furthermore, bugs free software equals profits and a positive brand image.

“DevSecOps helps startups and corporations release their software on time while ensuring stability and security,” Wyatt noted. “Right now, it’s your best strategy to boost brand value and your bottom line as it allows the business to remain competitive and relevant in the current threat landscape where threat actors remain relentless.”

In this scenario, DevSecOps supported by DAST is the best approach to achieving a better ROI. Furthermore, it’ll also ensure that your application and business have an opportunity to scale and grow in a highly secure environment.

4. Ensures Enhanced Communication and Collaboration

Teams that communicate and closely collaborate often develop robust and secure software. This approach ensures the resolution of every possible security issue and problem with the code every step of the way.

When teams closely collaborate and clearly communicate, you also create a vibrant development culture. In this scenario, new opportunities pop up and directly contribute to the business’s benefit. This creates a DevSecOps culture that’s vital to business continuity and relevance.

Enhanced communication and collaboration in developing and resolving security issues also create a highly adaptable environment. Whenever this is the case, the team is highly flexible and can quickly adapt to sudden changes during the application development cycle.

If you’re thinking of implementing a DevSecOps culture in your organization, you must first develop a robust strategy to change the culture within the team and the company.

This starts with integrating the following critical components to your software development philosophy:

• Change the management approach: by allowing developers to submit changes before determining if it’s necessary. Doing so helps enhance speed and efficiency.
• Deploy compliance monitoring protocols: to be ready for a random audit by always maintaining compliance.
• Engage in code analysis: in smaller chunks, it’s less challenging and faster to identify vulnerabilities.
• Regular security training: to create a security-focused culture where software engineers are updated consistently on the latest guidelines and best practices.
• Threat hunting: to spot and respond to potential issues that appear during code updates.
• Vulnerability assessments: to identify any potential vulnerabilities during code analysis. This approach will help determine how quickly you respond and resolve potential problems.

“When security events such as data breaches make the headlines almost daily, it makes sense for companies to take steps to secure their digital products and avoid bad press. After all, it only takes one data breach to bring the house of cards tumbling down,” Wyatt said.

End users care about privacy and security. This makes not building security and best practices into the foundation of your app a huge mistake. In that sense, DevSecOps helps build trust and secure a future for your brand and your products.