Conventional security measures are inadequate in the contemporary DevOps landscape. Running security assessments only at the conclusion of the software delivery cycle (just before or after a service deployment) results in a burdensome process of identifying and rectifying vulnerabilities, leading to significant obstacles for developers. This impediment diminishes speed and jeopardizes production deadlines.
The increasing regulatory pressure to ensure the validity of all software components is a noteworthy development. Applications are constructed with a growing assortment of open source software (OSS) components and other third-party artifacts, each capable of introducing new vulnerabilities to the application. Malicious attackers aim to exploit these vulnerabilities, therefore endangering the consumers of the software.
Software remains the most neglected target for potential attacks that businesses encounter. Here are some pertinent statistics to ponder:
- Over 80% of software vulnerabilities originate from open source software (OSS) and third-party components
- Digital supply chain assaults are escalating in intensity, sophistication, and diversity. By 2025, at least 45% of organizations will have encountered one such attack. (Gartner)
- The worldwide cost of cyber attacks on software supply chains is estimated to exceed $80.6 billion by 2026, a steep rise from $45.8 billion in 2023. (Juniper Research)
The current state of threats, in conjunction with the drive for faster application delivery, mandates organizations to embed security throughout the software development lifecycle in a manner that promotes developer efficiency. This particular approach is formally recognized as DevSecOps.
The delivery of secure software– an outcome of a successful DevSecOps initiative– is a substantial undertaking. Achieving this necessitates significant cultural shifts across numerous functions to foster shared responsibility, collaboration, transparency, and effective communication. It also demands the appropriate array of tools, technologies, and the utilization of automation and artificial intelligence to safeguard applications at the pace of development. When implemented correctly, DevSecOps emerges as a pivotal catalyst in producing secure software.
Decoding DevSecOps
DevSecOps, an abbreviation for development, security, and operations, is a methodology in software development that integrates security procedures throughout the entirety of the software development lifecycle. It highlights cooperation and communication among development teams, security personnel, and operations teams to ensure that security is ingrained at every phase of the software development process.
Within the framework of software development pipelines, DevSecOps strives to “move security left”, essentially implying integrating security practices and tools early on in the development process. In essence, this involves integrating security into the software development process from the very beginning, rather than as a last-minute addition.
This approach significantly simplifies the identification and resolution of security vulnerabilities at an early stage, aiding in meeting regulatory requirements. It’s vital to acknowledge that DevSecOps is founded on a culture of collaboration and collective responsibility. It eliminates barriers and promotes cross-functional teamwork towards the common objective of crafting more secure applications at a swift pace.
Key Principles for Delivering Secure Software
Formulating and executing a robust DevSecOps program means your organization is proficient in operating a secure delivery platform, identifying software vulnerabilities, prioritizing and addressing these vulnerabilities, halting the release of insecure code, and guaranteeing the integrity of software and all its components. The subsequent sections offer detailed insights into the elements and essential capabilities required to establish an effective DevSecOps practice.
Cultivate a Collaborative Environment With Security as a Shared Responsibility
The success of any DevSecOps practice fundamentally depends on its stakeholders, hence before embarking on acquiring, configuring, and deploying new tools and technologies,
If your organization is involved in the development, distribution, or utilization of software (which applies to virtually every conceivable organization today), every employee has a role in the overall security posture– not just those holding positions related to ‘security’. At its core, DevSecOps upholds a culture of shared responsibility, where a collective security-oriented mindset governs the effectiveness of DevSecOps processes and aids in making informed decisions when opting for DevOps platforms, tools, and security solutions.
Mindsets are not transformed overnight, yet alignment and a sense of security ownership can be achieved through the following measures:
- Prioritizing regular internal security training tailored to DevSecOps, inclusive of developers, DevOps engineers, and security engineers. The significance of addressing skills gaps and requirements shouldn’t be underestimated.
- Encouraging developers to incorporate secure coding methodologies and resources
- Involving security engineering in application and environment architecture, design evaluations. Identifying and resolving security issues early in the software development lifecycle is always more efficient.
Eradicate Silos and Foster Constant Collaboration
Given that DevSecOps results from the convergence of software development, IT operations, and security, breaking down silos and promoting continuous collaboration is essential for success. Organizations primarily focusing on DevOps and neglecting a formal DevSecOps framework often witness security entering as an unwelcome disruptor.
Instances where process modifications or tools are abruptly imposed (instead of being mutually selected and implemented) invariably lead to friction within development pipelines and unnecessary burdens on developers. For example, security may mandate additional security checks without considering their placement in the pipeline or the workload required to handle scanner output and rectify vulnerabilities, tasks that are eventually delegated to developers.
- Enhancing collaboration and operating as a unified DevSecOps team involves:
- Formulating and agreeing on a set of quantifiable security objectives, such as average time for remediation and the percentage reduction in CVE alert instances.
- Involving software developers and DevOps teams in the evaluation and acquisition processes for new security tools
- Ensuring no single functional entity serves as a gatekeeper in the DevSecOps processes
- Iteratively refining tool selections and security practices to enhance developer productivity and speed
Embed Security Early in the Process
Implementing shift-left security is a pivotal step in securing application code during its progression through development pipelines. This endeavor involves integrating security practices at an early stage of the software development lifecycle, commencing with the initial coding stages and extending throughout the entire development and deployment lifecycle. By shifting security assessments to the left, organizations can uncover and address vulnerabilities in the nascent stages, thereby reducing the risk of security breaches and ensuring secure application delivery.
Effectively implementing shift-left security entails incorporating and coordinating various security scanners within development pipelines. Different categories of application security tests are imperative for DevSecOps teams to adopt and employ in order to detect and mitigate vulnerabilities at various points in the software development lifecycle. The techniques leveraged by each security scanner type complement each other, collectively proving effective in identifying known security flaws before an application is launched.
Initiating the Journey
To delve into the essentials of secure software delivery, understand key stakeholders, and ultimately implement a highly efficient DevSecOps practice, consider acquiring the Definitive Guide to Secure Software Delivery. It offers a comprehensive breakdown of the tools, technologies, and processes necessary to deliver secure software swiftly and securely.
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