DevSecOps vs DevOps: Understanding the Difference

According to Gartner report, by 2023, 80% of businesses that fail to embrace a contemporary security approach are likely to encounter heightened operational costs and reduced effectiveness in responding to cyber threats. This underscores a clear reality: businesses that don't stay abreast of modern security technologies are falling.

If concerns about security are compelling you to reevaluate your development approach, you're probably contemplating the choice between DevOps and DevSecOps. You're likely also exploring strategies to integrate security practices into your software delivery workflows seamlessly.

What is DevOps?

In 2021, 83% of IT decision-makers emphasized the importance of implementing DevOps practices to get higher business value.

DevOps is an approach that seamlessly combines development and operations teams, creating a collaborative environment where everyone has a stake in the product's life cycle. It unites people, processes, and tools into a cohesive force focused on automating release cycles.

DevOps principles and practices empower teams to introduce new application features while seamlessly incorporating feedback into ongoing projects. By integrating DevOps practices into the development cycle, developers gain greater control over product infrastructure, with a laser focus on optimizing software performance.

Automation

It involves streamlining labor-intensive tasks like testing, deployment, and software updates through automated processes. The impact is profound – it doubles productivity, effortlessly detects and remedies bugs, and injects a new level of efficiency into development.

Furthermore, automation is a potent weapon against human errors in the software delivery process. It can seamlessly handle essential tasks, such as installing security updates across your entire environment, from workstations to servers and software components, ensuring everything remains up-to-date without constant human intervention.

Collaboration

DevOps thrives on collaboration, creating a dynamic partnership between IT and software development departments. This collaboration is built on sharing ideas and providing continuous feedback.

Integration

Continuous integration (CI) is a linchpin of DevOps. It revolves around automatically developing and rigorously testing code whenever a contributor changes the version control system. CI empowers DevOps engineers to seamlessly merge these code changes into a central repository, automating testing.

How it works?

Let's explore these essential DevOps practices and understand how they reshape the software development lifecycle.

Continuous Integration (CI)

This practice guarantees that the most up-to-date version is readily available to developers. By eliminating the bottlenecks associated with integrating code, CI fosters a smoother and more collaborative development environment.

Continuous Delivery and Continuous Deployment (CD)

They optimize the release process, increasing efficiency and reducing the margin for error. CD ensures that software updates are consistently and reliably delivered to end-users, enhancing the user experience.

Microservices

Instead of building monolithic applications, DevOps encourages breaking them down into smaller, self-contained services. This modular approach enables flexibility, scalability, and agility in application development, allowing teams to innovate and deploy more efficiently.

Infrastructure as Code (IaC)

It streamlines infrastructure provisioning and management, making it more consistent, repeatable, and adaptable. With IaC, you can treat your infrastructure like software, enabling swift adjustments to meet evolving needs.

Understanding DevOps is best achieved through concrete examples. So, let's visualize how DevOps transforms the traditional software development lifecycle:

1. Build the software or application.
2. Rigorously test the application, addressing any bugs or issues.
3. Release the application to gather feedback.
4. After weeks or months of feedback accumulation, plan the next iteration of the software for release during a separate release window.

What is DevSecOps?

DevSecOps, an abbreviation for Development, Security, and Operations, a combination of development, security, and operations, underscores the significance of embedding security measures within the software development life cycle to safeguard the software's integrity.

It's no longer merely about risk avoidance and regulatory compliance; instead, it's about integrating security right from the outset to maximize its impact on application development and delivery. This involves fostering collaboration among development, operations, and security teams to ensure that software is not only delivered efficiently but also securely and in compliance with regulations.

The primary goal of DevSecOps is to identify and tackle security concerns during the early stages of development. By doing so, it significantly reduces the likelihood of security breaches and non-compliance issues cropping up later in the process.

DevSecOps equips you with the capability to pinpoint and rectify security vulnerabilities in the early stages of development. By implementing DevSecOps practices and tools like static code analysis, container security, and dynamic application security testing (DAST), you can integrate security testing seamlessly into your CI/CD pipeline.

How it works?

The DevOps workflow is a well-structured process designed to streamline software development and delivery. It encompasses the following key steps:

1. Cross-functional teams and stakeholders collaborate to devise a development strategy that places security at the forefront.
2. During this phase, developers write code with a vigilant focus on security controls. Verification practices such as unit tests, code reviews, static code analysis, and pre-commit hooks ensure security remains paramount.
3. CI/CD tools build and subject the code to various security practices, including static application testing and component analysis.
4. A comprehensive test suite is executed in this stage, scrutinizing the minimum viable product. Dynamic application security testing (DAST) is employed to scan for flaws, addressing common threats such as SQL injection, code injection, cross-site scripting, buffer overflows, and more.
5. The focus shifts to the runtime environment's infrastructure, detecting configuration management issues and evaluating static configurations of dynamic infrastructure setups.
6. In the final stage, the testing artifact is deployed to the production environment. Attention turns to the live user environment, emphasizing differences between the staging and production setups.

DevSecOps Components

The distinctive feature of DevSecOps lies in its approach to embedding security at every critical juncture within the CI/CD cycle, rather than relying solely on a single set of security tests after development. To facilitate a comprehensive DevSecOps implementation:

Shifting Security to the Left

'Shifting security left' translates to moving security tasks and considerations to the initial phases of the development cycle. This proactive approach ensures that security protocols are in place before the software advances too far in its development, minimizing the risk of vulnerabilities cropping downstream.

This strategic shift mitigates the likelihood of security breaches and issues emerging late in the development process, providing an invaluable layer of protection. The development cycle doesn't merely proceed when the application meets its specifications; it progresses when the codebase attains a state of robust security.

Accuracy

A study conducted by CISCO, encompassing respondents from across the globe, revealed a concerning statistic—77% of participants received security notifications and vulnerability alerts from their existing security tools that were, in fact, false positives. These erroneous alerts indicate malicious activity when there is none.

Achieving a nearly 100% accuracy rate necessitates conducting exhaustive security tests aimed at eliminating both false positives and false negatives. False negatives occur when a tool fails to identify a legitimate threat. Having precise information empowers the IT team to diagnose and rectify issues swiftly.

Key Differences Between DevOps and DevSecOps

Emphasis

DevOps places a premium on accelerated software development. In contrast, DevSecOps endeavors to seamlessly integrate security into the DevOps landscape and the broader software development arena. Its mission is to ensure that engineers craft code that is both secure and compliant, thereby mitigating downtime and safeguarding against data loss. DevSecOps naturally prioritizes manual processes such as change management and meticulous code reviews, distinguishing it from its predecessor.

Philosophy

DevOps is a holistic cultural approach, while DevSecOps represents a distinct mindset. The foundational tenets of DevOps revolve around:

• Facilitating open communication between development and operations teams
• Championing automation to expedite delivery
• Elevating project transparency for all stakeholders.

However, these principles, while relevant to security, are not the central focal point of DevSecOps.

DevSecOps, in essence, revolves around incorporating cybersecurity seamlessly into the ongoing software development cycles. This entails ensuring that your toolkit is well-equipped, enabling your team to work swiftly, efficiently, and securely. It's also about embracing automation wherever feasible, ensuring that every facet of your organization can keep pace with the rapid evolution of technology.

Security within the development lifecycle

One of the key distinctions between DevOps and DevSecOps lies in their approach to security integration. As previously mentioned, security takes center stage at every phase in DevSecOps, commencing from the inception of a project.

With this approach, the focus is on initiating application security measures right from the inception of the build process, rather than waiting until the end of the development pipeline. Developers should create code with security as a fundamental consideration, addressing the security aspects DevOps may inadvertently overlook.

In contrast, DevOps follows an incremental approach to development and updates, with security considerations typically reserved for the final stages of the software development process. Security checks serve as the culminating step in the DevOps development pipeline, occurring just before the release of software or applications.

Security by design, not an afterthought

The most resilient applications are those for which security was a foundational consideration from the outset. DevSecOps practices exemplify this principle by ensuring that security isn't an afterthought but a core element of application development and operations.

This approach invites security experts to the decision-making table right from the inception of app development. Their insights and guidance are woven into the very fabric of the application. The outcome is nothing short of security by design. Instead of retroactively identifying vulnerabilities with post-release security measures, which can impede software rollouts or necessitate recalls, the DevSecOps ethos integrates security as an innate feature of critical application frameworks and functions.

Collective responsibility

In DevOps, the relationship between DevOps teams and security teams can vary, from indifference to outright friction if DevOps teams don't appreciate the importance of recommended security practices or see them as obstacles. A recent ESG study revealed a concerning fact: 27% of respondents admitted that their application development and DevOps teams avoid collaboration with their cybersecurity counterparts due to concerns that it might slow them down.

DevSecOps takes it a step further by dismantling longstanding departmental barriers. These organizational "silos," where each department manages data and applications independently, not only create immediate challenges but also point to deeper issues related to visibility and sharing crucial information.

DevSecOps initiatives level the playing field by establishing a framework that includes shared solutions, data, and security protocols that all teams can use throughout the software delivery lifecycle. While there may be variations in how these resources are applied to different processes, introducing shared resources that seamlessly integrate into a unified workflow addresses the challenges associated with silos more broadly.

Seamless integration

Both DevOps and DevSecOps advocate for streamlining processes through automation. For DevOps, automation is the backbone for simplifying design, testing, and deployment processes, ultimately accelerating application development.

Likewise, integrating application security earlier in the software development journey empowers teams to identify, rectify, and proactively address application vulnerabilities during pre-production and in the production environment. This integrated approach enables teams to reliably automate vulnerability detection and security measures within a continuous delivery workflow, ensuring that robust security practices are seamlessly incorporated into development and operations.

Contrasting skillsets

The methodologies of DevOps and DevSecOps differ based on the skillsets required. In DevOps, the primary concern revolves around developing and maintaining software solutions. DevOps teams leverage tools and methodologies to manage the development process efficiently. Conversely, in DevSecOps, the primary focus is on the security of the software.

In DevOps, teams concentrate primarily on the technical aspects of software solutions, while in DevSecOps, their paramount concern is security. DevSecOps teams profoundly understand cybersecurity issues and employ various coding practices to identify and rectify security-related issues. They leverage tools that automate the tracking and managing security issues, streamlining the security integration process.

Similarities DevOps between DevSecOps

Automation

Automation is a cornerstone shared by both DevOps and DevSecOps, facilitating the enhancement of operational efficiency and process streamlining. Both methodologies champion automation in software development and deployment, leading to accelerated release cycles and more dependable code deployments.

Yet, while both are committed to infusing security into every development stage, DevSecOps goes the extra mile by introducing security protocols tailored to safeguard sensitive data and thwart potential security breaches. In essence, while DevOps and DevSecOps exhibit resemblances, the pronounced security focus of DevSecOps sets it apart as a comprehensive approach to software development.

For instance, automations can:

• Automatically build and configure servers whenever code changes are deployed, eliminating manual interventions.
• Conduct regular security audits to detect vulnerabilities without the need for manual assessments.

Active Monitoring

Active monitoring forms an integral part of both DevOps and DevSecOps, encompassing the vigilant oversight of the software development process. This includes the surveillance for errors, potential security threats, and the continual assessment and optimization of performance. Such unwavering scrutiny ensures seamless and secure operations for developers and end users alike.

DevOps: Monitoring is integral to detecting issues with applications and infrastructure, ensuring smooth operations.

DevSecOps: Active monitoring takes a proactive stance in detecting and responding to security threats. It's an essential aspect of securing systems in real-time.

Collaborative Culture

Central to DevOps and DevSecOps is a culture of collaboration, instrumental in realizing development objectives such as swift iteration and deployment without compromising the safety and security of the application environment. These methodologies advocate for the convergence of erstwhile siloed teams, whether encompassing development and IT operations or extending to development, IT operations, and security. This collaborative ethos enhances visibility across the application's lifecycle, from initial planning to continuously monitoring application performance.

Iteration

Both models wholeheartedly embrace the iterative principles inherent to the agile methodology. This entails making progress in incremental steps and effecting improvements as the journey unfolds. The focus is on agile responsiveness, whether promptly addressing cybersecurity vulnerabilities or attending to customer satisfaction.

Transition from DevOps to DevSecOps

Transitioning may initially appear challenging, but it can be a smooth journey with the right approach. In this guide, we'll provide you with valuable insights and a checklist to facilitate a seamless transition.

Define Your Objectives

Take a moment to clearly outline your goals. What do you aim to achieve by embracing DevSecOps? Is it enhanced security, faster deployment, or heightened efficiency? Once your objectives are well-defined, you can formulate a strategic plan to attain them.

Collaborate with Developers to Prioritize Security

Developers often perceive security as an obstacle, particularly when introduced late in the development cycle. It's crucial to align teams with the principles of DevSecOps before implementing any process changes. Ensure that everyone comprehends the significance and advantages of early application security and how it impacts the development process.

Embrace the "Shift-Left" Approach

The concept of "shift-left," which entails shifting the responsibility for designing and implementing security as early as possible in the software development and system design stages, has proven pivotal in enhancing security. This proactive approach not only addresses immediate issues but also ensures long-term solutions.

As the name implies, this approach involves moving security checks, including testing, quality assessments, and performance evaluations, to the beginning stages of the software development pipeline. Rather than relegating security as an afterthought in the final phase of application development, it becomes an integral part of the entire process right from the start.

Select the Appropriate Security Testing Methods

Consider the following security testing techniques and choose the right combination for your needs:

• SAST (Static Application Security Testing): This technique delves into your code to pinpoint vulnerabilities and weaknesses proactively.
• DAST (Dynamic Application Security Testing): Emulating real-world hacking attempts, DAST helps uncover gaps and vulnerabilities in your application's defenses.
• IAST (Interactive Application Security Testing): IAST combines SAST's and DAST's strengths. It employs software instrumentation, either actively or passively, to monitor application performance and security.
• RASP (Runtime Application Self-Protection): RASP leverages real-time data from your application to detect and counteract attacks as they occur autonomously, without the need for manual intervention.

Establish Coding Standards for Your Team

Assessing code quality is a fundamental aspect of DevSecOps. By ensuring your code adheres to robust and standardized practices, your team will find it easier to implement security measures in the future. If you do not already have coding best practices, create a system for educating developers and ensuring seamless implementation of code changes.

Implement Inside-Out Application Security

Rather than attempting to defend an ever-expanding perimeter, it is advisable to safeguard applications running on distributed infrastructures from within. This internal security approach is more manageable for IT teams and enhances your overall security posture.

As per a recent Gartner report, organizations that fail to transition to a modern security approach will face increased operating costs and decreased responsiveness to cyberattacks by 2023. Those unable to keep pace with modern security technologies are falling behind.

Is it time to embrace DevSecOps methodologies?

Yes! Even for enterprises that don't currently have dedicated IT security teams, the transition is both feasible and beneficial. Adopting many of the strategies and policies discussed earlier can fortify your software production processes.

DevSecOps substantially enhances the security and reliability of your software without unduly extending development timelines or stretching company resources. The core objective is to deliver software that is not only secure but also of higher quality.

Regardless of your decision, it's crucial to remain vigilant about potential risks and continuously reassess your approach. This adaptability ensures successful software development for your team, aligning with your evolving needs.

FAQs

1. What is the main difference between DevOps and DevSecOps?

   DevOps primarily streamlines collaboration and communication between development and operations teams to expedite software delivery. In contrast, DevSecOps goes a step further by integrating security considerations throughout the entire development process, ensuring that security is not an afterthought but a proactive component from the outset.

2. Why is it important to integrate security into CI/CD pipelines?

   Integrating security into Continuous Integration/Continuous Deployment (CI/CD) pipelines is crucial because it allows organizations to identify and address security vulnerabilities early in the development process.

3. What are the benefits of adopting DevSecOps?

   Adopting DevSecOps brings several advantages, including enhanced application security, faster identification and resolution of security vulnerabilities, improved collaboration between teams, reduced risk of security breaches, and the ability to release software more confidently and reliably.