DevSecOps And Security Issues

What is DevSecOps?

Essentially, the premise of DevSecOps is that everyone in software development has a role to play in its security. It brings development (Dev) together with operations (Ops) by providing the security (Sec) from the start. By embedding the security from the beginning and automating the tasks afterwards, the goal is to maximize the security while minimizing potential mistakes, errors, or openings that might allow for compromise.

The Importance of DevSecOps

There has been considerable change over the past several years to the infrastructure of IT. The addition of new technology, including cloud computing, dynamic provisioning, and shared resources have sped up the speed and agility of IT while also affecting the cost. The result is that application development is now stronger than ever.

Because applications in the cloud are now larger and faster, the development and operations (DevOps) guidelines have to also become faster. This also means that the so-called “big bang” application launches are no longer prevalent, but thanks to integrated development, we now see faster releases and better stability in applications.

However, security is still lagging behind, which is why its incorporation from the start is paramount to the success of preventing hacks from occurring. This means the transformation of DevOps to DevSecOps.

How DevSecOps Works

Understanding DevSecOps starts with the belief that everyone is responsible when it comes to the security of the software. From upper management to every technology focus employee, the goal is to incorporate security into the daily lives of those who work for a business or organization. It’s not surprising that traditional security leadership can now be found at the meeting table, but while that has increased the effectiveness of the decisions being made, it also has created some issues as well.

Because security is a skill that is separate from the production arm of business, by placing it at the top there has been friction created and a slowdown in operations. This is mostly due to the scarcity of supply in terms of proper security education. Without enough people working together on the same page, the speed in which business operators want to work cannot be achieved without undo risk to the security of the information being stored or transmitted.

Issues with Security

It is true that many security options have simply not caught up with the rapid pace of change in the industry. That is arguably not surprising given the incredible advances seen so far, but without the proper protection, such systems are even more vulnerable. Plus, the installation of security systems is a time-consuming task which works against standard DevOps procedures.

So, it was arguably no surprise that security was an afterthought at first, mostly being slapped on to the end product. However, as events began to take hold and more systems were becoming compromised, it became apparent that the traditional approach of DevOps was lacking, and that security needed to become an integral part of the process right from the get-go.

Benefits

There are numerous benefits to the DevSecOps approach, starting with the reduction of mistakes that often plague systems where security is added at the end. By putting in security systems at the start, it creates a process that can be automated which also reduces the chances for errors to occur.

Automation: The automation process means that security architects need not manually configure the consoles that are part of the security system. This means fewer mistakes and faster production once the systems are in place.

Testing Systems: By placing security at the forefront, it allows for more complete testing of systems throughout the process. One issue with slapping security on at the end is that it may cause unexpected issues with the software or a conflict that interferes with the function of the product. In either case, this extends the testing period which causes more delays and runs up costs.

By incorporating security from the start, systems can be tested as it is being developed which means faster repairs.

Minimizes Disputes: It may seem somewhat counterintuitive at first, but there are fewer issues and disputes when security measures are incorporated from the beginning and not just added on at the end. Because they are there from the start, the security can make the necessary changes, adapt the coverage, and address the needs in a more efficient fashion while minimizing potential disputes compared to asking for changes after the systems have been completed.

By going a step at a time, the disputes become smaller, less frequent, and easier to manage. Plus, in most situations by the time the process has reached the end, mutual agreement has been reached.

In addition, the built-in security controls that are established from the start and built on during the production process. This leads to greater security, if only because any disputes are handled quickly, any issues are addressed in a timely manner, and any disruptions are minimized. While it is true that it is a more time-consuming process, once the new system has been put into place, the employees trained, and the security accepted, it does proceed at a fairly good clip.

Plus, the DevSecOps mindset makes it easier to cooperate with security changes down the road. By handing security at all levels, new advances in technology or simple upgrades to security systems are put into place easier and with fewer disruptions. There will still be a dedicated team that understands the business, uses the proper tools to locate any flaws, conducts proper testing, and sees it through to the end product. But the end result is not only worth it when finished, but also in reduced costs when it goes online.

It’s not easy to incorporate the DevSecOps system when DevOps has been dominant. This requires a change in the way the process is performed and means that a slower, more deliberate approach will need to be taken. However, once in place, the new mindset will lead to a better cooperative system where business operators work side-by-side with those who make security decisions and use the appropriate tools in the process.