Still Using Traditional DevOps? DevSecOps Is the Upgrade You Can’t Ignore

For over a decade now, DevOps has enabled organisations to create applications at an increased rate, reduce barriers between the Development and Operations Teams, and increase the efficiency of delivering software. 

At the same time that attacks by cybercriminals are becoming more complex and pressures for compliance from regulators are increasing, one of the questions that cannot be ignored is: 

"Is a rapid deployment of software really enough without also including security measures along with speed?" 

Yes, organisations will be able to develop applications faster than they have ever been before; however, that extra speed comes along with extra vulnerabilities. This is why DevSecOps is becoming not just an adjunct to DevOps, but an essential component of every organisation’s ability to survive and thrive in this environment. 

Why DevOps Alone Is No Longer Enough 

Classic models of DevOps pipelines emphasise the following: 

• 1. Continuous integration (CI) and continuous delivery (CD).
• 2. Speed of deployment and efficiency of operations.
• 3. Automation and monitoring of releases.
• 4. Security is typically only introduced at the end of the development process, which leads to bottlenecks in deployment. 

Finding vulnerabilities after an application has already been deployed can: 

• 1. Delay a launch.
• 2. Increase the cost of projects.
• 3. Harm the reputation of a brand.
• 4. Exposes a business to cyber-attacks or regulatory violations. 

In light of the current state of cybersecurity, this level of risk is simply unacceptable for today's modern organisations. 

Where DevSecOps Changes the Game 

DevSecOps provides a process for integrating security into the software development life cycle, encompassing each stage from planning and development to testing, deployment, and monitoring, to ensure that security is viewed as a shared responsibility among Dev teams, Ops teams, and Security teams. 

Benefits of DevSecOps: 

• 1. Real-time detection of security threats instead of waiting for release.
• 2. Less expensive to fix vulnerabilities while developing than it is after deployment.
• 3. More compliance with regulations and standards (PCI DSS, GDPR, HIPAA, RBI, SOC 2, etc.).
• 4. Increased consumer confidence through a more secure product at the time of launch.
• 5. Faster innovation cycles are enabled by the automated nature of the security gates compared to manual blocking.
• 6. DevSecOps does not delay it accelerates safely. 

Security Built Into the Pipeline: How It Works 

Modern DevSecOps Pipelines include: 

• 1. Threat modelling during planning
• 2. Using secure coding practices and code scanning
• 3. Automated vulnerability assessments as part of CI/CD
• 4. Runtime security and ongoing monitoring
• 5. Security alerts coming through dashboards & collaboration tools 

As a result of these steps being implemented, organisations are now proactive and preventative instead of reacting to attacks. 

Who Needs DevSecOps the Most? 

Companies that need to process and store sensitive information or release products quickly benefit from immediate acceleration. These include, but are not limited to: 

• 1. BFSI
• 2. Ecommerce
• 3. Healthcare
• 4. SaaS & IT Services
• 5. Manufacturing & IoT
• 6. Government/Public Sector. 

If your organisation releases product updates frequently or manages the storage of private information, it’s critical to adopt a DevSecOps culture instead of thinking of DevSecOps as an option. 

DevSecOps = Innovation With Trust 

Software delivery will continue to grow strongly in the future. The keys to success are organisations that: 

• 1. Are quick to innovate (DevOps)
• 2. Have strong security measures (Cybersecurity) and
• 3. Run efficiently as do world-class IT systems.
• 4. With DevSecOps, companies can successfully scale without compromising safety. 

Final Thoughts 

Security is not a subject that can be added later in time. Risks associated with cybersecurity developments are changing rapidly and at an even faster rate than product development cycles. By adopting the DevSecOps methodology, organisations can ensure that each line of code developed is secure from the outset without hindering overall levels of productivity or performance throughout the development cycle. 

If your business seeks to scale safely, carry out rapid shipping and remain compliant, this is the ideal time to implement the change necessary for your business. 

To get DevSecOps consultation, implementation support, or enterprise-grade cloud security services, visit https://bminfotrade.com 

FAQs 

Q1. What is the difference between DevOps and DevSecOps? 

DevOps emphasises fast delivery and collaboration between development and operations teams. Enhanced practices, known as DevSecOps, incorporate security at all points in the delivery pipeline while ensuring fast and effective delivery. 

Q2. Does DevSecOps slow down development? 

DevSecOps also includes automated security systems running through CI/CD pipelines, so any vulnerabilities can be identified and fixed during the software development life cycle. 

Q3. Why is DevSecOps important now? 

The escalating sophistication of cyber threats has created a necessity for companies to comply with increased regulatory standards. As a result, security must be included in the software development process, from design to deployment. 

Q4. Is DevSecOps only for large enterprises? 

The benefits of using DevSecOps extend to all organisations that frequently deploy new versions of their applications or manage sensitive information, including new startups, up to the largest of corporations. 

Q5. How do I get started with DevSecOps? 

Security should be integrated into every aspect of the software development life cycle, beginning with the CI/CD pipeline and continuing through the interaction of development, operations, and security.