devops vs devSECops ,why is the latter important ?

In today's rapidly evolving technological landscape, cybersecurity has become a significant concern for companies, especially those dealing with sensitive data. One of the primary targets of cybercriminals is the software development process. As a result, organizations have had to incorporate security into their software development processes. DevOps and DevSecOps are two approaches to software development that address this issue. In this blog post, we will explore the differences between DevOps and DevSecOps, and why the latter is crucial in today's cyber threat landscape.

What is DevOps?

DevOps is a software development approach that emphasizes the integration of development and operations teams to automate the software development lifecycle (SDLC). The primary objective of DevOps is to enable organizations to develop, test, and deploy software faster, more reliably, and efficiently. DevOps tools and practices include continuous integration, continuous delivery, and continuous deployment, among others.

What is DevSecOps?

DevSecOps is an extension of the DevOps approach that incorporates security into the software development process. DevSecOps aims to integrate security into every phase of the software development lifecycle, from design and development to deployment and maintenance. DevSecOps involves integrating security practices, tools, and policies into the DevOps workflow, enabling organizations to develop secure software that can withstand cyber threats.

Difference Between DevOps and DevSecOps:

1. Integration of Security:?The primary difference between DevOps and DevSecOps is the integration of security. DevOps primarily focuses on the integration of development and operations, while DevSecOps emphasizes the integration of security into the development process. DevSecOps seeks to incorporate security into every phase of the software development lifecycle, from design and development to deployment and maintenance.
2. Security Testing:?DevOps focuses on continuous testing and integration to ensure that the software functions as intended. DevSecOps takes this a step further by incorporating security testing into the development process. Security testing ensures that the software is secure and can withstand cyber threats.
3. Skillset:?DevOps typically involves development and operations teams working together. DevSecOps requires additional skills in security and compliance. Organizations that adopt DevSecOps need to hire or train security professionals to ensure that the development process is secure.
4. Compliance:?DevOps does not necessarily focus on regulatory compliance, while DevSecOps aims to ensure that software development meets compliance requirements. DevSecOps seeks to incorporate compliance into every phase of the software development lifecycle.
5. Collaboration:?DevOps emphasizes collaboration between development and operations teams. DevSecOps extends this collaboration to include security teams as well. This collaboration ensures that security is not an afterthought, but a fundamental aspect of the software development process.

Examples & Evidence:

Example of DevOps:?A software development team uses DevOps to automate their SDLC. They use tools like Jenkins, Git, and Docker to integrate code changes, run automated tests, and deploy updates to production. However, security is not a priority, and they only test for vulnerabilities in the later stages of the development process.

Example of DevSecOps:?A software development team uses DevSecOps to integrate security into their SDLC. They use the same DevOps tools but also incorporate security tools like SAST (Static Application Security Testing), DAST (Dynamic Application Security Testing), and IAST (Interactive Application Security Testing) to identify and address security issues at every stage of the development process. They also collaborate with security teams to ensure that security measures are implemented from the outset.

Evidence for the Importance of DevSecOps

Increased Cyber Threats

The cyber threat landscape is constantly evolving, with cybercriminals finding new ways to exploit vulnerabilities in software systems. According to a report by IBM, the average cost of a data breach is $4.24 million, highlighting the need for organizations to take cybersecurity seriously. By integrating security into the SDLC, DevSecOps enables organizations to develop software that is less vulnerable to cyber threats.

Compliance Requirements

Many industries, such as healthcare and finance, are subject to regulations governing data privacy and security. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in severe consequences, including fines and legal action. DevSecOps helps organizations meet compliance requirements by incorporating security into the SDLC, ensuring that security measures are implemented from the outset.

Cost Savings

Addressing security issues in the later stages of the SDLC can be expensive and time-consuming. According to a study by NIST, the cost of fixing a security issue increases by a factor of 30 as the software moves through the development process. By integrating security into the DevOps workflow, DevSecOps enables organizations to identify and address security issues earlier in the process, reducing the cost of addressing security concerns later in the development process.

Improved Collaboration

DevSecOps involves integrating security into the DevOps workflow, encouraging collaboration between development, operations, and security teams. This collaboration ensures that security is not an afterthought, but a fundamental aspect of the software development process. By working together, teams can identify and address security issues earlier in the process, reducing the likelihood of security incidents occurring.

why we should implement devops or devSECops ?

1. Faster Time-to-Market:?DevOps and DevSecOps can help organizations release software faster and more frequently by streamlining the software development process and eliminating inefficiencies. This can help organizations stay competitive and respond to changing market conditions more quickly.
2. Improved Quality:?By automating processes and implementing testing at every stage of the SDLC, DevOps and DevSecOps can help improve the quality of the software being developed. This can help reduce the number of bugs and issues that are found in production, leading to a better user experience and greater customer satisfaction.
3. Increased Collaboration:?DevOps and DevSecOps encourage collaboration between different teams involved in software development, including development, operations, and security. This can help break down silos and improve communication, leading to better outcomes and a more efficient development process.
4. Greater Efficiency:?DevOps and DevSecOps can help organizations automate repetitive tasks, reducing the time and effort required for manual processes. This can help organizations save time and resources, freeing up staff to focus on more strategic tasks.
5. Better Security:?DevSecOps ensures that security is integrated into every stage of the software development process, rather than being an afterthought. This can help identify and address security issues earlier in the process, reducing the likelihood of security incidents occurring.

Conclusion

In conclusion, DevOps and DevSecOps are both important approaches for organizations to consider when developing and deploying software. While DevOps focuses on streamlining the software development process and improving efficiency, DevSecOps ensures that security is integrated into every stage of the process. By implementing DevOps and DevSecOps, organizations can achieve faster time-to-market, improved quality, increased collaboration, greater efficiency, and better security.

At digiALERT, we understand the importance of implementing robust cyber security measures to protect your business from cyber threats. As a leading cyber security company, we help our clients implement DevSecOps approaches to ensure that their software development processes are secure and efficient. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help you achieve your cyber security goals.