How DevSecOps Can Improve Cloud Security

As cloud computing gains prominence, safeguarding our systems becomes imperative. This is where DevSecOps comes into the picture — an approach that integrates security seamlessly into every facet of the software development lifecycle.

According to Emergen Research, the DevSecOps market is anticipated to reach $23.42 billion by 2028, boasting an impressive CAGR of 32.2%. This forecast underscores the critical role DevSecOps will play in securing cloud environments against evolving cyber threats.

However, DevSecOps is about more than just security. It embodies collaboration, innovation, and adaptability. Breaking down the silos between development, operations, and security teams fosters an environment favorable for open communication and the exchange of ideas. This dynamic environment generates new concepts and enables quick adaptation to the organization’s ever-changing needs.

In this article, we’ll explore DevSecOps and its potential to revolutionize organizational practices. We’ll explore how DevSecOps can help us build robust, secure, scalable cloud architectures. Having said that, let’s get started!

Understanding DevSecOps in Detail

DevSecOps is the combination of three disciplines — Development, Security, and Operations — through automation.

The Development team is responsible for building and iterating on both new and existing software applications, encompassing:

• Custom and enterprise applications developed for specific, singular purposes.
• API-powered interfaces facilitating seamless connections between applications and bridging the gap between new services and legacy systems.
• Applications that may leverage open-source code, accelerating the development journey.

Operations takes charge of managing the software’s functionality across its entire life cycle, including:

• Vigilantly monitoring system performance.
• Fixing network and infrastructure issues.
• Conducting rigorous tests, following updates and alterations.
• Fine-tuning the release processes of applications.

On the Security front, the focus lies on employing tools and methodologies to architect and build applications that protect against vulnerabilities. This includes preventing, identifying, and responding to security threats, all while adhering rigorously to compliance measures as per industry standards.

Unlike traditional security practices that treat security as a separate phase, DevSecOps embeds security considerations from the very beginning of the development process. This means that security is not viewed as an isolated function but as an integral part of each stage, including planning, coding, testing, and deployment.

Leading companies like Cisco/Duo have embraced this approach, focusing on efficiency and integration to minimize obstacles and frustrations for developers. They have shifted their attention to the early stages, identifying security requirements from the outset and making security a top priority from day one.

The Current State of Cloud Security

The 2022 survey on the state of cloud data security conducted in partnership with Gartner gave some eye-opening insights — What’s surprising is that more than 90% of the organizations surveyed admitted they’re struggling with keeping their data secure. This is due to various factors, making the whole cloud security situation quite challenging.

It’s like the traditional ways of doing things just don’t cut it anymore. With the ever-increasing use of cloud technology, it’s clear that cloud security needs to step up its game to tackle the new problems that come with it.

Let’s take a look at some of these challenges:

1. Visibility and Tracking Challenges

When companies adopt Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) apps and the Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS) model, they often protect data and assets that aren’t entirely under their control. Cloud providers usually don’t give customers full control over the infrastructure, which can lead to a lack of visibility and control in terms of security.

2. Broader Targets for Attacks

Cyber threats tend to gravitate toward organizations using public cloud environments. These environments can be more susceptible to zero-day attacks, malware, and account takeovers, especially if robust security solutions aren’t in place.

3. Keeping Up with Workload Changes

The dynamic nature of provisioning and decommissioning cloud assets can make them tricky to protect, especially when there’s a need for rapid scaling and agility.

4. Dealing with Complex Setups

Many organizations opt for hybrid and multi-cloud setups due to their various benefits. However, managing security in these environments can be a bit of a juggling act. It requires security tools and solutions that can seamlessly work together.

5. Managing Privileges and Security Keys

With numerous users accessing cloud assets, it’s not uncommon for access or privileges to be granted somewhat loosely. This can lead to security risks, especially when using SaaS apps. If keys and privileges are handed out without caution, it can expose sessions to various security threats.

6. Avoiding Compliance Slip-Ups

While major cloud providers often boast about their compliance with various security standards, including NIST 800–53, PCI 3.2, and GDPR, cloud breaches can lead to non-compliance with legal and regulatory requirements. This could result in hefty fines, lawsuits, and serious damage to a company’s reputation. It can also compromise the trust of customers, investors, and business partners.

How DevSecOps Helps Tackle Cloud Security Challenges

Cloud environments bring diverse and ever-evolving security challenges, ranging from misconfigurations to potential data breaches. In such cases, a proactive approach to security is paramount. With DevSecOps, security is seamlessly integrated into development and operations, allowing teams to anticipate and eliminate potential threats before they materialize.

Here’s how DevSecOps revolutionizes cloud security:

Fosters Open Communication and Transparency

DevSecOps creates a culture of open communication across teams and business units. It streamlines complex endeavors like cloud migration and security, ensuring all stakeholders remain informed and engaged.

While it takes time to establish DevSecOps practices, once in place, it becomes a robust shield against cloud security concerns.

Delivers Robust Security Cost-Efficiently and On Time

DevSecOps-enabled organizations proactively prevent security incidents rather than deal with their aftermath. By identifying and avoiding potential threats that affect the internal IT environment, businesses significantly reduce vulnerabilities.

Rapid and secure delivery means fewer iterations to address security issues, saving both time and resources. This streamlined process enhances customer trust and brand reputation.

Centralizes Data Storage and Utilization

The DevSecOps process suite allows teams to collect data from various sources and feed it back into the creative process. This facilitates rapid improvements to applications in development. By consolidating data insights, DevSecOps simplifies Continuous Integration/Continuous Deployment (CI/CD), leading to substantial time savings during product development.

Revamps the Builds and Testing Approach

Automation minimizes the impact of human error, fostering knowledge-sharing and teamwork among technical personnel. As a result, automatic compliance and container security checks are enabled when a DevSecOps security toolkit is used or when operational and developmental techniques are enhanced with security tools, thereby improving overall security posture.

How to Implement the DevSecOps Culture Successfully

Implementing DevSecOps comes with its set of challenges, as highlighted in the SANS survey. One of the primary issues stems from the existing silos in development, security, and operations teams. These silos exist due to different goals, roles, and responsibilities in each department, potentially leading to misalignment with the overarching objective of DevSecOps.

To effectively implement DevSecOps practices, it’s crucial to address people-related issues first. Once this foundation is laid, integrating tools and streamlining your pipeline becomes significantly more manageable. Here’s a step-by-step approach:

• Secure Stakeholder Buy-In: Align all stakeholders on shared goals, key performance indicators, and resource allocation. This collaborative approach reduces silos and strategically establishes an integrated DevSecOps program.
• Gain Management Support: Educate the leadership team on the significance of security investment and their backing. Demonstrate the potential costs of inadequate security investment, including data breaches, regulatory fines, damaged customer relationships, and negative publicity.
• Upskilling Employees: Provide comprehensive training on secure coding and fundamental security concepts. Build security champions within the developer community who can internally review applications, championing the cause of secure coding.
• Enhance Communication Channels: Foster clear lines of communication with defined responsibilities. Seek buy-in from all stakeholders before project initiation to ensure everyone is on the same page.
• Integrate Automated Security Testing: Embed automated security testing into the developer and operational tools. Automate the remediation process to streamline security protocols.

By prioritizing the human element in DevSecOps implementation, organizations pave the way for a smoother integration of tools and processes. This people-centric approach not only bridges the gaps between departments but also sets the stage for a more secure and collaborative work environment.

How TechBlocks Can Help You with Your DevSecOps Needs?

At TechBlocks, we have a mature and proven DevSecOps offering and solution accelerators. These have empowered many organizations to build the ideal culture, establish robust processes, and select and deploy the most effective tools and technologies for a successful DevSecOps strategy.

Our tailored approach enables organizations — much like yours — to scale and adopt DevSecOps best practices rapidly. This ensures the secure and swift delivery of application/product features, providing a solid foundation for your business to thrive.

The Final Word: Security is a Continuous Process

Security is a continuous process, not a one-off task. It’s an ongoing endeavor that must be integrated into the very fabric of your code. It requires the awareness and support of leadership to be truly effective.

In a world where infrastructure is defined as code, security, too, must be ingrained in the codebase. Just as a high-performance car requires the strongest braking system, integrating robust security controls is crucial to accelerate your application-delivery velocity.

Originally published at https://tblocks.com on October 30, 2023.