If you haven't already become familiar with DevSecOps, then it's probably safe to say that you're not in the software industry. But it is something you need to become familiar with, especially if your enterprise is developing applications in-house or outsourcing this task to others. Why? Well, we will go into further detail below.
What Is DevSecOps?
DevSecOps is short for Development, Security, and Operations. It is used as a means to integrate security earlier into the lifecycle of application development. This is important, as applications, especially web apps, can leave companies exposed to data breaches. With DevSecOps, application security is shifted to the beginning of the software development cycle, and any flaws in the system can be discovered earlier. Fixes can then be made, resulting in time and cost savings for the company.
When a breach defense is integrated into the application, attackers can be kept at bay, as they will have a harder time trying to gain access to the application and the rest of the system and network. This is good news for those companies who are already susceptible to hacking attempts, and who need that extra network security to protect them from a data breach.
Why DevSecOps Matters?
Cybercrime is more prevalent than ever, with studies suggesting computers and networks are attacked by hackers every 39 seconds. These criminals are endlessly changing tactics to breach the companies they target, so older security models just won't do. DevSecOps is one way to thwart hacking attempts, as it bridges the gap between IT and security infrastructure to ensure code can be safely delivered.
The Benefits Of DevSecOps
DevSecOps offers two main benefits:
Reduced Security Vulnerabilities
With businesses becoming increasingly reliant on digital ecosystems, it is often impossible for their software developers to check for vulnerabilities late in the development cycle. With an integrated DevSecOps approach at the beginning of an application's lifecycle, bugs can be detected earlier, and these can be remedied before work begins on the rest of the modules.
Increased Time and Cost-Efficiency
Time and money are wasted when it is later discovered a script or component is vulnerable to attack. By taking the DevSecOps approach, there will be no need to start a project from scratch or to delay processes, as better preparations can be made.
Other Benefits Include:
- An ability to respond to change quickly.
- Better quality assurance testing.
- Greater speed and efficiency for the security team.
Putting Security First
To minimize the risk of a data breach, you need to put security first in your application development. You can do this with DevSecOps when working on your applications in-house.
You need to check for this when outsourcing too. And to improve endpoint security, you should check that the vendor has incorporated the DAST (Dynamic Application Security Testing) methodology when scanning for flaws in your application development. This is one way to protect PII (Personally Identifiable Information).
By focusing on application security, vulnerabilities can be exposed and remedied, and no delays will be made during the development cycle. The early intervention of DevSecOps is vital, so continue your research into its importance to learn more.