Whether you own a startup or an MNC, keeping your application and customer data safe from security threats has become more important than ever. Delivering software without adequate security checks can take a big toll on your business' health, from huge regulatory fines to financial loss and severe reputational damage. This is why more and more organizations are integrating the DevSecOps strategy into their workflow.
DevSecOps is an acronym for Development, Security, & Operations. It's the process of integrating security into all the stages of software development.
As per DevOps.com, 30% of organizations have fully implemented DevSecOps practices in their development process. If you're also planning to kickstart your journey of implementing DevSecOps, the first important step is to build an effective DevSecOps Strategy. A robust and solid DevSecOps strategy can do wonders for your organization and employees.
Keep reading this comprehensive blog to learn the following:
- Importance of DevSecOps strategy
- Key components of DevSecOps strategy
- Tips for building an effective DevSecOps strategy
- What is the key to the implementation of DevSecOps?
- Conclusion
Importance of DevSecOps Strategy
Security vulnerabilities can result in grave financial costs and bring your business to a halt.
As per the latest report by IBM, the global average cost of a data breach in the year 2021 was nearly USD 4.24 million. Implementing the right DevSecOps strategy can save you and your organization from all the adverse effects of security incidents.
DevSecOps follows a security-first and always-on approach. The right strategy at the right time can yield fruitful results for any organization. This includes:
- Fast and secure delivery of software
- Open communication between the teams
- Better productivity
- High customer satisfaction
- Getting ahead of the competition
Key Components of DevSecOps Strategy
DevSecOps strategy involves the role of every team from development to security and operations to delivering reliable solutions. However, before you start making a DevSecOps plan, you must know its main components.
Communication
Building an effective DevSecOps strategy is a team task. Everyone in the team is responsible for security, backed by solid leadership. An effective strategy bridges the communication gap between developers, the security pros, and the operations teams. Security teams get familiar with DevSecOps practices while your development team learns about security code and potential threats and fosters a security mindset
Automation
Automation is one of the most vital parts of a successful DevSecOps strategy. It's required at every stage of the software development lifecycle from planning to design, code review, development, testing, and auditioning.
It integrates security tools within the development process and prevents security vulnerabilities. Apart from that, automation makes it easier to achieve DevSecOps business goals. It increases the efficiency and speed of development, security, and operations teams.
Some popular DevSecOps tools are Gerrit and Arachni.
Security
Application security is a critical element in any DevSecOps strategy. Security enablement teams should check and configure all security tools to ensure the smooth working of the system. Furthermore, all workstations and servers should undergo regular security monitoring checks.
Testing
Integrating static application security testing (SAST) and dynamic application security testing (DAST) tools keeps security on pace with development. Automated testing can identify and safeguard your organization from real-world security vulnerabilities like cross-site scripting, SQL injection, etc. Moreover, it can scan source code, ensure passwords, and dig apps for coding errors.
Tips on Building an Effective DevSecOps strategy
From increasing your product sales to improving overall security and delivering software faster, the right DevSecOps strategy offers many benefits. However, one mistake while drafting a strategy can be a roadblock for your organization.
Herein, we share a few tips to draft a DevSecOps strategy effectively.
Guide your team
When it comes to creating a DevSecOps strategy, one of the main hurdles most organizations face is reluctance. DevSecOps is a complete cultural change. Most likely, people would not be adaptive to new changes. To avoid this, we recommend educating development, security, and operation teams about the cultural shift and benefits of DevSecOps.
Let developers take the lead
Developers are known for their creativity. Move out of their way and let them take the lead. Give them all the necessary tools they need to succeed. This way, they will put all their efforts and skills into developing a source code, thus delivering a high-end product faster.
Conduct security audits
Security audits are necessary to know the system's current state, identify security issues, and explore opportunities. Use both the internal and external resources to analyze the existing system.
Automate tasks
The saying, "automation is the future, not fear." fits perfectly well here. According to SG Analytics Pvt. Ltd, 57% of companies implement automation in their business functions.
Automating the business functions can speed up project delivery and increase customer satisfaction. Moreover, it ensures the smooth implementation of the DevSecOps strategy.
What is Key to the Implementation of DevSecOps?
With the sudden rise in cybercrimes more than ever, application security has become the top concern for most organizations.
Are you wondering how to integrate security practices without compromising speed and agility? Well, DevSecOps is the solution for sustainable security. For the successful implementation of DevSecOps, follow the below-mentioned tips.
Understand the cultural change
The main goal of DevSecOps is to implement security controls throughout software development and infrastructure. This is a significant cultural change. Ensure that IT operations, development, and security teams understand this cultural shift while clearly communicating all the benefits associated with DevSecOps.
Use of the agile methodology
Implementing agile practices into the DevSecOps strategy helps you deliver products faster and frequently.
Implement automation
As mentioned above, automation is a critical part of DevSecOps that keeps the software development process running smoothly. From finding flaws to faster software releases, it offers many perks.
24/7 monitoring
Last but not least, integrating a 24/7 continuous monitoring system identifies security vulnerabilities, scales the IT infrastructure, and saves time and money.
To know more about DevSecOps, click here.
Takeaway
It goes without saying that implementing DevSecOps without any well-defined strategy can result in security breaches and other cumbersome problems.
Having a precise and focused DevSecOps strategy is essential for the success of your business. Moreover, it will help you achieve scalability, reliability, collaboration, fast delivery, and security.
Planning to implement a DevSecOps strategy into your organization? Confused about where to start? Get on board with Everable. We offer multiple solutions to upskill your team on DevSecOps
For more information, book a free demo.