Complete Guide

to DevSecOps

September 2022 Field Guide

Codification © Understanding DevSecOps

Table of Contents
Introduction 1

What is DevSecOps? 2
Development 3
Operations 4
Security 4

How Does DevSecOps Differ From a More Traditional 5

DevOps Approach?
Why Do You Need DevSecOps? 6

Implementing DevSecOps in Your Organisation 7

Step 01: Planning & Implementation 8
Step 02: Development & Testing 8
Step 03: Operations and Deployment 8
Step 04: Scaling & Monitoring 8

Challenges in Implementing DevSecOps 9

Benefits of Adopting DevSecOps 10

DevSecOps Best Practices 11

Automation 11
Focusing on Efficiency 11
Threat Modelling 11
Secure Coding 11
Shift Left 11

Misconceptions About DevSecOps 12

Misconception #1 - You need heavily specialised developers 12
Misconception #2 - DevSecOps and Agile are interchangeable 12
Misconception #3 - DevSecOps is a product that can be bought 12

Considerations When Implementing DevSecOps 13

Conclusion 14
Codification © Understanding DevSecOps

Introduction
As part of the DevSecOps method, security testing and protection are built into
every step of creating and deploying software. DevSecOps is a similar concept to
DevOps in that it is as much about shared responsibility and culture as any particular
technology or method. DevSecOps aims to provide better software more quickly
while also improving the speed and efficiency with which production-level software
problems are found and addressed.

The subject of DevSecOps can be a handful to digest. In this guide, we will break
down each of those ideas in the parts that follow, so you can see how your company
can embrace DevSecOps more comprehensively.

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Codification © Understanding DevSecOps

What is DevSecOps?
Development, security, and operations are three distinct
disciplines that are connected tactically by DevSecOps.
The objective is to easily include security into your
continuous integration and delivery (CI/CD) workflow in
both development and operational settings (pre-production).
Let’s examine each discipline and how it contributes to
producing stronger, more secure software more quickly.

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Development
New software applications are created and improved by development teams. This
comprises:

Custom, internal applications created with a particular, focused goal in mind.

Links are powered by APIs that connect modern services to ancient systems.
Applications that use open-source code to hasten their development.

Modern development processes use Agile models, which emphasise continuous

improvement rather than sequential, waterfall-style steps. New apps or features
may generate operational problems or security vulnerabilities if developers operate
independently without taking operations and security into account. These issues or
vulnerabilities can be expensive and time-consuming to fix.

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Operations
Throughout the delivery and use life cycle of software, operations refer to the
methods for controlling its functionality, including: keeping track of system
performance, bug fixing, software testing, and mechanisms for software release
tuning.

DevOps, which combines basic operational concepts with development cycles,

has gained popularity in recent years because these two processes must coexist.
Siloed post-development operations can make it easier to find and fix bugs, but this
strategy requires engineers to fix software flaws before moving on. This complicates
the software’s route map.

Organisations can speed up overall efficiency by implementing operations

concurrently with software development processes.

Security
All the methods and tools required to create software that is resistant to attack,
to swiftly identify and address flaws (or actual breaches), and to construct secure
software are together referred to as security.

Application security has traditionally been addressed after development is completed

by individuals from the development and operations teams. The development
process and response time are slowed considerably by this compartmentalised
approach.

Security tools are likewise compartmentalised. Every application security test

focuses on that application and its source code. This makes it hard to understand the
firm’s security vulnerabilities or software risks in the production environment.

Organisations may synchronise the three most crucial steps in the development and
delivery of software by integrating application security into a unified DevSecOps
process from the beginning to the end.

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How Does DevSecOps Differ From a More

Traditional DevOps Approach?
Because each stage of the process—design, development, testing, and final
approval—is distinct and one stage may only begin after the previous one is finished,
traditional software development is frequently referred to as the waterfall technique.

In a majority of firms, the agile methodology, which divides a project into sprints,
has essentially supplanted waterfall. However, waterfall-style security testing is still
frequent and they are postponed till the end of a sprint! In fixing security issues,
this delay causes developers to change directions and go back in time. This “context
change” is time-consuming and prone to causing mistakes.

On the other hand, DevSecOps makes it possible for security testing to happen
automatically and smoothly throughout the same general period as other
development and testing.

To avoid spending time context-switching, developers can, for instance, execute

security tests in the development stage in close to real-time. They may also perform
security checks in close to real-time throughout production, allowing them to
identify any instances of vulnerabilities as soon as they are disclosed.

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Why Do You Need DevSecOps?

Over the past few years, the environment of IT infrastructure has changed
dramatically. Organisations wanting to thrive and grow through the usage of cutting-
edge apps and services have benefited greatly from the change to flexible cloud
computing platforms, shared storage and data, and dynamic applications.

Although DevOps applications have advanced significantly in terms of speed,

scale, and functionality, they frequently fall short in terms of strong security and
compliance. DevSecOps was included in the software development lifecycle to
unite development, operations, and security under one roof.

The best techniques to use malware and other exploits are continually being sought
after by malicious intruders and hackers. Consider the possibility that malware was
inserted into a program during the development process and went undetected until
thousands of users gained access to it. Particularly in a world where negative news
spreads quickly online, there would be significant harm done to both the customers
and the company’s reputation.

Any organisation engaged in the creation and distribution of applications must

give security the same weight as development and operations. Every developer
and network administrator develops and deploys apps with security in mind when
DevSecOps and DevOps are integrated.

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Implementing DevSecOps in Your Organisation

Implementing DevSecOps is a complex process, as you might
anticipate. We’ll now look at four steps needed to adopt
DevSecOps in your organisation. The following processes are
typically present, even though there aren’t any obvious, sequential
phases that act as a road map.

Step 01: Planning & Implementation

Step 02: Development & Testing
Step 03: Operations & Deployment
Step 04: Scaling & Monitoring

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Step 01: Planning & Implementation

Planning is the key to everything. For successful implementation, the plan must be strategic and
short. Simple feature-based summaries won’t do. The experts must also build threat models, user
designs, and acceptance test requirements.

The next step is development, and teams should begin by assessing the maturity of their current
procedures. It makes sense to compile information from several sources to offer direction. A
code review system should be established at this point since it promotes uniformity, a feature of
DevSecOps.

Step 02: Development & Testing

When it comes to development and building, automated build tools work well. The source code is
combined into machine code in such tools via a build script. Tools for building automation include
several potent capabilities. They have numerous available UIs in addition to a huge library of
plugins. Some libraries are capable of automatically identifying any that are weak and replacing
them with new ones.

The pipeline is then put through testing, where a solid automated testing framework instils sound
testing procedures.

Step 03: Operations & Deployment

IaC tools are typically used for deployment since they automate the procedure and quicken the
distribution of software.

Another critical phase is operation, and operations personnel routinely do periodic maintenance.
Zero-day vulnerabilities are terrible. Operation teams should therefore monitor them. DevSecOps
can use IaC tools to swiftly and effectively safeguard the organisation’s infrastructure while
preventing human errors from slipping in.

Stage 04: Scaling & Monitoring

Utilising potent, ongoing monitoring technologies is a crucial component of the process. They
guarantee that your security systems are operating according to plan.

Scaling also has a significant impact. With the introduction of virtualization, businesses are no
longer forced to squander money on maintaining massive data centres. Instead, they may simply
extend the IT infrastructure to handle any dangers that arise.

Some of the fundamental processes in any DevSecOps implementation are listed above. Your
project’s size and complexity will determine whether your road map includes any unusual extra
steps.

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Challenges in Implementing DevSecOps

DevSecOps implementation presents some challenges you must overcome.

People + culture

People and culture

You may need to retrain the members of your DevOps teams, so they are familiar with security
best practices and can use your new security tools. Your teams must realise that they are equally
responsible for the security of the software they develop and deploy as for its features, function,
and usability.
Security tooling

Security tooling
Another problem is finding the right security tools and integrating them into your DevOps
workflow. The less training and cultural change are required, the more automated and integrated
your DevSecOps tooling is with your CI/CD process.
Open source software

Open-source software

It’s not always the best idea to switch to an automated version of the security tools you’ve
been using for years. Why? Your development environment has probably seen a significant
transformation over the last few years. The average modern software programme is made mostly
of open-source code. Unfortunately, typical security methods were not created to identify
vulnerabilities in open-source software.

Similarily, modern cloud native programmes operate in containers that can swiftly
spin up and down. Even the technologies that now call themselves “cloud security”
can’t figure out how dangerous containerised applications are because they were
made for production environments.

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Benefits of Adopting DevSecOps

Your product sales can go up if you use DevSecOps. A DevSecOps approach can help
you increase your overall security. You may spot vulnerabilities very early on in your
workflow, which makes fixing them much simpler. The constant monitoring improves
your ability to find threats. The easier it is to sell something commercially, the more
secure it is.

When vulnerabilities are found early in the software development cycle, the expense
of remediating them can be greatly reduced. Having many teams collaborate on
security enhances responsibility. This makes it easier to develop quick and efficient
security response plans and more strong security design patterns.

Additionally, DevSecOps reduces the incidence of security bottlenecks. There is no

reason to hold off on doing security checks until the development cycle is complete.
The delivery of goods is accelerated for these two reasons.

DevSecOps plays a significant role in maintaining compliance with rules set by the
industry. One must handle data with particular caution in light of regulations like
the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Managers are given a complete
overview of these steps through DevSecOps, which improves the framework for
simpler compliance.

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DevSecOps Best Practices

Security must be incorporated into DevOps pipelines for organisations that seek to
bring together application developers, security teams, and IT operations. Instead
of adding security after development, the goal is to make it an integral part of the
software development process from the start.

The best practices listed below will ensure that the DevSecOps process goes
smoothly:

1. Automation 4. Secure Coding

Delivering software quickly is a key Secure coding creates flaw-resistant

component of DevOps, therefore adding software. Without a secure code, a
security shouldn’t undermine this goal. company’s confidential information may
You can ensure quick delivery of your be hacked. Your developers must have the
applications by integrating automated necessary skills, even if it costs time and
security controls and tests early in the money. Coding standards help developers
development cycle. write well-organized code.

Focusing on Efficiency

Shift Left

2. Focusing on Efficiency 5. Shift Left

Your workflows are only becoming more Shift-left testing is when you build security
secure. You can identify security flaws early into your apps from the outset. This helps
by employing technologies that can scan you uncover issues and address them
code as you develop it. sooner. Fixing issues early will be cheaper.
It’s a great field to study, yet it has issues.
Shifting left can hinder your DevOps
workflow. Even though it might be hard to
solve, using DevSecOps is a good idea in
the long run.
3. Threat Modelling

Exercises in threat modelling can help you

identify the weak points in your assets and
close any security control gaps.

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Misconceptions About DevSecOps

DevSecOps is no different from other popular jargon in that it has anti-patterns. Let’s
talk about certain widespread misunderstandings.
MIsconception

1. You need heavily specialised developers

Scripts should have all the components you need to create something from a single
command. Web server files, database scripts, and application software are all
included in this. The code should be automatically packaged and compiled into a
usable application by the CI processes.

2. DevSecOps and Agile are interchangeable

Agile is complemented by DevSecOps, but it does not replace it. For enterprises to
get the greatest possible financial benefits, these two must coexist. Agile encourages
teamwork and ongoing feedback. Contrary to DevSecOps, it does not cover the
delivery of software via QA, testing, and production. By providing approaches and
tools to support agile modifications, DevSecOps completes the picture.

3. DevSecOps is a product that can be bought

DevSecOps, such as release management and CI/CD tools, certainly needs to be

purchased. However, as DevSecOps is a methodology or a mindset, you cannot
purchase the full DevSecOps process. Collaboration across teams and an emphasis
on team accountability and ownership are things you can’t buy, but they make a
huge difference in your organisation.

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Considerations When Implementing DevSecOps

DevSecOps engineers are in great demand as more and more businesses come to
understand their importance. What will the top performers contribute?

A few additional skill sets are required for the job of a DevSecOps engineer.
DevOps ideas, techniques, and culture must be thoroughly understood.
Candidates ought to be well-versed in programming languages like Python, Java,
and Ruby. A skilled DevSecOps engineer will also be familiar with tools like Chef,
Puppet, Checkmarx, and ThreatModeler.

In addition, DevSecOps engineers should also understand the nuances of threat

modelling and risk assessment approaches. They also need to be knowledgeable
about current cybersecurity dangers, best practices, and other relevant software.
DevSecOps experience is ideal in terms of work experience. However, existing
expertise in traditional DevOps IT security might serve as a good predictor of future
DevSecOps success.

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Conclusion
Without a doubt, DevSecOps is redefining the way businesses approach security.
However, many mid and low-level firms are still hesitant to adopt DevSecOps for
several reasons, including a lack of understanding of what it is, an unwelcome change
in employee culture, financial limitations, and perhaps just the vagueness of the name.

The advantages that enterprises can gain from using DevSecOps, both technologically
and commercially, are quite exciting. Implementing DevSecOps will benefit your
company much in the long term, even though there will undoubtedly be some initial
difficulties. This is why working with a reputable solution provider like Codification
may help.

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Get in touch with Codification

Visit our website to learn more: www.codification.io/services

About Codification
Codification is a Cloud Native transformation consultancy, with a team of over 100 engineers,
consultants and business professionals distributed across the world. We were founded in 2019
in the United Kingdom. We have grown since then to have a presence in Europe, the Middle East
and Asia, serving leading multinational corporations, government institutions, global banks, and
industry giants with our consultancy and expertise.

Through our experience, we have noticed that visionary leaders want to transform their
organisations into technology companies to thrive in the new digital-first economy. Here,
businesses want to release software faster, improve quality and build a continuous improvement
culture where the best ideas win. At Codification, we establish the direction of a company’s
technological transformation journey and help implement new technologies and processes,
resulting in a modernised digital-ready organisation.

Codification United Kingdom

The Core
Bath Lane
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE4 5TF

Phone: +44 01670 223994

Web: www.codification.io/
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