DevSecOps: A Proactive Approach to Cyber Risk Management

Sep 13, 2023 · 4 mins read

DevSecOps, a portmanteau of Development, Security, and Operations, is an evolution of DevOps which represents an organizational culture and set of practices that synergize these three disciplines. This integration aims to deliver secure software faster through continuous collaboration, automated testing, and early identification and mitigation of security risks in the development cycle.

In common terms, imagine your organization’s software development process as constructing a high-rise building. Traditionally, each team (architecture, construction, security) works sequentially and often in isolation. This approach is akin to first letting architects design, then having construction workers build, and finally bringing in security personnel to safeguard the premises. The sequential process can lead to delays and potential oversights, as security considerations might conflict with the initial designs or construction work.

In contrast, DevSecOps is like having architects, construction workers, and security experts collaborating from day one, planning and working together at every stage. This collaboration ensures that the building (or software) is not only beautifully designed and robustly constructed but inherently secure from the foundation up. For the astute reader or savvy businessperson, this approach might seem like an obvious or strategy. Yet, surprisingly, the challenges and misalignments that DevSecOps resolves continue to plague the industry, underscoring the crucial need for this integrated, proactive approach in software development.

Indeed, study after study demonstrates the quantitative and qualitative benefits of adopting a DevSecOps approach. Most recently, IBM’s 2023 Cost of a Data Breach Report listed adoption of a DevSecOps approach as the number one factor associated with reduced data breach costs. Other thought leaders emphasize the role of automation, which partially explains the rise of Platform Engineering.

DevOps, DevSecOps, and Platform Engineering

The advent of DevOps marked a pivotal shift in the tech landscape, fostering a collaborative ethos between development and operations teams. This innovation aimed at shortening the development lifecycle, providing continuous delivery, and ensuring a high standard of software quality.

As cybersecurity concerns began to escalate, DevSecOps emerged, embedding security practices directly into the DevOps process. This integration allows for proactive risk management throughout the software development lifecycle, ensuring that security isn’t an afterthought but an integral part of the process from inception.

Concurrently, Platform Engineering evolved to facilitate and streamline the environment in which this rapid, secure development takes place. It focuses on creating robust, automated platforms that support the efficient deployment and scaling of applications.

Mitigating Risks with DevSecOps: Real-World Applications

Preventing Code Injection Attacks:

Code injection attacks, where malicious code is inserted into a software system, are both common and dangerous. DevSecOps mitigates this risk through automated scanning tools integrated directly into the development pipeline. For instance, in situations resembling the infamous 2011 Sony PlayStation Network breach—originating from a simple SQL injection—DevSecOps could employ tools like OWASP Zap during the development phase to identify and rectify such vulnerabilities well before deployment.

Averting Configuration Errors:

Misconfigurations, often overlooked, can lead to significant data breaches. A prime example is the 2019 incident involving First American Financial Corp, where a misconfiguration led to the exposure of 885 million records. DevSecOps proactively addresses this through Infrastructure as Code (IaC) and automated configuration management tools like Ansible, Chef, or Puppet. These tools enforce configuration policies and automate the deployment process, reducing human error and enhancing security.

Secure Handling of Third-Party Components:

The 2017 Equifax breach, which affected 143 million individuals, resulted from a vulnerability in the Apache Struts framework, a third-party component. DevSecOps mitigates such risks by implementing robust controls and validation processes for third-party components. Automated tools like OWASP Dependency-Check can be integrated to identify and update components with known vulnerabilities, thereby securing the application ecosystem.

Ensuring Compliance Automatically:

Non-compliance to regulatory standards can result in severe penalties and a loss of trust. DevSecOps embeds compliance checks into the CI/CD pipeline, enabling automatic validation of code against industry regulations. For instance, in the financial sector, tools like Chef InSpec can be used to enforce compliance with PCI DSS, SOX, or GLBA, ensuring that applications adhere to these critical standards from the onset.

Conclusion

Through these practical, automated, and integrated measures, DevSecOps not only anticipates but actively defends against the multitude of cybersecurity threats prevalent in today’s digital landscape. The approach is neither reactive nor piecemeal; it’s a comprehensive shield, meticulously crafted to safeguard organizations while promoting efficiency and compliance in the software development lifecycle.

Engage with our seasoned DevSecOps team today to see how we can help your organization automate and streamline delivery with builtin security. Contact Us