DevSecOps: Integrating Security into the Development Pipeline

DevSecOps: Integrating Security into the Development Pipeline 

Nowadays, security is a priority in companies of all types. And if we talk about software development, the integration of reliability parameters at each stage of the process is essential to protect data and systems. This is where DevSecOps comes into play. 

In addition, software development will continue to grow, which is why it is essential to strengthen protection when creating products and services from the beginning. 

In this article, Zcoderz will tell you what DevSecOps is and what its importance is in creating a secure software production development pipeline. 

What is DevSecOps and What Is Its Purpose? 

It is a combination of three concepts: development (Dev), operations (Ops), and security (Sec). Unlike the traditional approach, where security is incorporated at the end of the development process, DevSecOps seeks to integrate it from the beginning and at each stage, creating a more secure and agile environment. 

Its goal is to help development teams address security issues effectively. It is an alternative to old software security practices that were unable to keep pace with tighter deadlines and rapid software updates.  

Additionally, it is an approach that addresses culture, automation, and platform design, and integrates security as a shared responsibility throughout the IT lifecycle. 

The Stages of DevSecOps Implementation 

The security integration process from the beginning of software development has different phases that we summarize here. 

In this initial stage, possible threats are identified, and security policies are established. This includes defining trusted coding standards and designing risk-resistant architectures. 

Developers apply security policies and use static analysis tools to detect vulnerabilities in the source code as they write. 

Here automated security scans are carried out and possible risks are evaluated. Vulnerabilities are identified and fixed immediately. Plausible solutions are found in early stages, which is why testing before a program or application is in a productive environment is crucial. 

Automation is used at this stage to ensure that only secure applications are used and properly configured in the production environment. 

Finally, constant surveillance allows the detection of threats and vulnerabilities in real-time. In this way, changes and improvements are made to strengthen cybersecurity. 

What Are the Benefits of DevSecOps? 

Now that we know what this term means, it is time to learn about its advantages in software development. 

Integrating security from the beginning helps detect and address issues before they become real threats. 

Early risk mitigation reduces the potential for costly security breaches and downtime. 

DevSecOps enables more agile development and deployment, accelerating time to market. 

Robust security and regular updates inspire confidence in customers and partners. 

Software teams are most interested in security best practices when developing an application. They are more proactive in detecting potential security issues in the code, modules, and other technologies used to build the application.  

Development, operations, and security teams share the same understanding of software security and use common tools to automate assessments and reporting. They all focus on ways to bring more value to customers without compromising security.  

 
Differences Between DevSecOps and DevOps 

Although they may seem similar terms, they have their differences. DevSecOps is an extension of DevOps that incorporates security into all stages of the software development lifecycle, from planning and design to deployment and monitoring.  

In contrast, DevOps focuses on collaboration and automation between development and operations teams, without a specific focus on security. DevSecOps prioritizes security from the beginning, while DevOps focuses on the rapid and continuous delivery of software. 

The challenges of implementing DevSecOps  

With the growth of incorporating cybersecurity practices when creating software, companies may face the following challenges: 

Software and security teams have followed conventional practices for years. In this sense, companies may have difficulty getting IT teams to quickly adopt the DevSecOps mindset.  

Software teams focus on building, testing, and deploying applications. Meanwhile, security teams are busy ensuring the security of the application. Therefore, senior management needs to get both teams to share the importance of software security practices and timely delivery.  

Software teams use different types of resources to build applications and test their security, and integrating tools from different vendors into the continuous delivery process is challenging. In this sense, traditional security analyzers may not be compatible with modern development practices. 

Overcoming these modern challenges requires hard work but not impossible. Let us keep in mind that collaboration and feedback between areas involved in software development are key aspects to optimize business performance, in addition to improving cybersecurity and always being one step ahead of the competition. 

Importance of DevSecOps and business strategy 

Now, why is security essential in companies that develop software? We explain it briefly.  

Many cloud-native technologies are not well-suited for static security policies and checklists. Instead, security must be constant and integrated into every stage of the application and infrastructure lifecycle. 

DevSecOps means integrating security into application development throughout the entire process. It not only requires incorporating new tools but also adopting a different business approach. Therefore, DevOps teams must keep this in mind when automating security to fully protect the environment and data, as well as the continuous integration and delivery process. This goal surely includes the security of containerized microservices. 

An optimal security approach is possible! 

Integrating a reliable approach to protecting programs and applications to prevent intrusions from the beginning of the process is an essential part of today's software development.  

DevSecOps aims to increasingly improve the security of products and services, acting as a guardian of organizations to reduce risks, accelerate development and strengthen their reputation. Meanwhile, the adoption of this security technique may require effort but the benefits are unquestionable.  

At Zcoderz we always bet on cybersecurity because we are aware that as digital transformation advances, so do computer threats. 

We have the knowledge to accompany our clients' evolution to a secure structure, identifying risks and critical assets both on-premise and in the cloud. Also, we carry out the design, implementation, and administration of protection and appropriate mitigation actions in case of attacks . 

Do you want to know how to protect your company from vulnerabilities?  

Contact us! We will be happy to advise you to enhance the security of your organization at all times.