There is a great deal of similarity between DevOps and DevSecOps. The only difference being that the latter has security features integrated from the start to the end of the DevOps pipeline. Development companies are gradually recognizing the importance of DevOps of an integrated approach for addressing security concerns at every stage of progression. It is not feasible to make a sudden transition from DevOps to DevSecOps. A high-level evaluation of DevOps solutions is necessary for creating a comprehensive and unique strategy for incorporating security measures into all of them.
Evolving from DevOps services to DevSecOps
The process may not be the same for all businesses. However, you can get a decent overview of the course of action to follow.
● Documentation and Evaluation
To start things, you need to examine your current DevOps practices and document it such that it showcases your existing approach. Things will get better as you delve into the details. Over the next several steps, you can use this documentation to identify opportunities that will let you integrate improved security practices.
● Develop the right mentality
Like DevOps solutions, it will be wrong to consider DevSecOps as a collection of practices and processes. There are underlying principles that should be meticulously adhered to for reaping desired results. Your team leaders and the staff must comprehend the philosophy as they incorporate it into their work.
DevSecOps need to encompass security into requirements, in the designs, in the code, and in the deployment stages too. Proper mitigation of security issues needs to be at the top of your priority list, and you have to make sure that they are not compromised at any stage of the SDLC. At the same time, you have to address the goals of improving development speed and quality of the finished product.
● Uncovering the vulnerabilities
Vulnerability scanning is one of the important steps when it comes to securing the software product that is being developed. At every stage of the delivery pipeline, the developers have to scan the code to uncover inherent vulnerabilities as the code is written and before its deployment.
Several processes and tools can be implemented for the purpose. However, it can be approached as deemed ideal for the given situation. The procedures and tools can be incorporated in a way that is specific to the needs of your team. You have to make sure that the scanning is carried out proactively and none of the vulnerabilities is overlooked.
● Runtime Protection
It is another security process that a DevOps service provider will consider while making transit to the DevSecOps approach. Runtime protection necessitates that you secure your software from external threats when you start or run an application. This consideration is inclusive to the entire stages of the pipeline and not just in the deployment phase. Thus, you will get enough time to figure out the impending weaknesses and bring about gradual improvements. There are several tools, approaches, and processes that can help you. However, it all comes down to the final consideration of what is best for your organization.
● Service Providers
Your company may want to use a dozen DevOps solution providers. Some of them may host your data while others will be directly integrated into the final product. Hence, you must keep a close eye on all of them and select the providers wisely. The security vulnerabilities need to be assessed in-depth and effective solutions need to be chalked out. If the impending vulnerabilities are brought to light at the earliest, the flaws could be rectified early. A methodology could be formulated for counteracting them and design quick responses accordingly.
It is imperative to consider service meshes and container orchestration. They work well as layers of protective insulation standing amidst the outside world and your product. When properly implemented, they can help you with better protection through the development process.
● Improved procedures and rules
One of the difficult things to address is determining priorities when two or more goals are conflicting with one another. You have to understand how much time employees are spending on addressing security issues at various stages of the development process. Besides you have to ascertain the accessibility of employees to applications at different stages of the development process.
You have to take important decisions for your organization and administer rules along with procedures that the team needs to abide by. It can turn out to be a time-consuming affair as far as formal documentation is concerned. Things may seem complex in the beginning, but in the end, this approach will make your organization much more consistent.
● Adapting and Learning
Making a transition from DevOps to DevSecOps is not an overnight affair. Patience has to be the order of the day. The implementation of new standards and practices has to be gradual. Being consistent in your efforts holds the key and proper alignment of priorities will reduce the complexities of the transition.
Conclusion
To make a transition from DevOps to DevSecOps mandates total involvement of all internal stakeholders. Proper communication is indeed the most important thing for departments to eliminate all separation and silos. Equally important are code assessment and constant feedback at all stages for ensuring the success of DevSecOps.
You have to ensure that code audits are carried out daily. Written processes and documentation have to be maintained to assist development teams in the future. The transition from DevOps to DevSecOps is nothing less than a cultural change. You cannot make it overnight. Teams must understand the significance of security and encourage its development if the organization wishes to release configurations at increased frequency and efficacy.
Author Bio :
A problem solver and a project manager. I am responsible for managing large scale project teams comprising of full stack developers solving complex technological challenges. Adept with Amazon, Azure and Google Cloud & infra platforms. Experience of working with 10+ Backend + Front End technologies. Evangelist for lean methodologies and continuous improvement of process, people and technology.
