DevSecOps extends the DevOps concept to include aspects of software security. The artificial word is made up of the individual terms development, security, and operations. It is a holistic approach that takes security into account in all phases of the software lifecycle and integrates it into the processes.
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What is DevSecOps?
DevSecOps is a made-up word made up of three letters each of the three terms Development, Security, and Operations. “Dev” stands for development, “Sec” for security, and “Ops” for operations. It is a concept that extends the DevOps idea to include the aspects of software security.
The complete lifecycle of software, from development to deployment and operation, is taken into account by the holistic approach and supplemented by aspects of cyber security. Holistic processes and the use of automation are intended to close existing gaps and ensure better collaboration between the operations, development, and security teams.
In contrast to classic development and operational processes, in which software security is only taken into account in subareas, for example when an application is transferred to operation, it is a fundamental component in all phases in DevSecOps. All teams involved in the processes are jointly responsible for cyber security. The interdisciplinary approach ensures rapid, agile development of secure, high-quality software and its secure operation.
DevOps – the basic concept for DevSecOps
DevSecOps was created on the basis of DevOps and adds the aspects of software security to the integrated operation and development approach. The DevOps concept attempts to address the weaknesses of the classic software development processes by ensuring that the development and operations processes are interlinked. This requires closer cooperation and coordination of the previously separate operating and development teams.
With pure DevOps, development and deployment processes become more agile and faster, but cybersecurity is still considered separately. This leads to subsequent delays or insecure software. DevSecOps aims to address this shortcoming by considering security as an integral part of processes at all stages of the software lifecycle.
DevSecOps methods and strategies
One of the most important strategies for addressing software security is automating processes and security functions. It ensures that security measures are taken into account at all stages. For example, automated, systematic scans can be used to uncover security issues during programming and fix them immediately.
Automated processes include, for example, source code control, version management (code repositories), release automation, CI/CD processes (continuous integration, continuous delivery processes), testing, monitoring, operational management and more.
Advantages through DevSecOps
By bringing together development, operations, and cyber security, the DevSecOps concept offers numerous advantages such as:
- High agility and speed in developing and deploying new software without compromising software security and stability.
- Fewer problems in live operation and higher software availability.
- Compliance with high security standards.
- Security issues are identified and resolved early in the development process. No increased effort and costs due to subsequent work on software security.
- Improved collaboration between the teams involved in the processes.
- Short release cycles become feasible.
- Flexible implementation of requirements that change at short notice.
- Best suited for modern cloud native technologies and container- or microservice-based applications.
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