DevSecOps: Accelerate App Development Securely

Author: Julia Kanaikina

Are you struggling with the security of your applications while trying to keep up with the fast pace of software development? Do you find it challenging to ensure the safety and integrity of your software throughout its lifecycle? If yes, then DevSecOps might be the solution you need.

In the article, we will discuss what DevSecOps is, what problems it solves, and what benefits it can offer your organization.

What is DevSecOps and what problems does it solve?

DevSecOps embodies an approach that integrates development, security, and operations teams, emphasizing security adherence across the entire software development lifecycle (SDLC).

Security, traditionally, has often been treated as an afterthought addressed only once the development phase is complete. However, this approach can leave systems vulnerable to attacks as security flaws may be introduced early on in the development process and remain undetected until it is too late.

In contrast, the DevSecOps approach prioritizes security from the outset. By embedding security into every aspect of the development process, from planning and design to testing and deployment, DevSecOps seeks to minimize the likelihood of security issues arising in the code. This approach requires collaboration between development, operations and security teams with a shared focus on creating secure and resilient software.

To achieve this goal, the DevSecOps process relies on a range of best practices and tools. For instance, DevSecOps encompasses employing automated security testing tools, such as static application security testing (SAST) or dynamic application security testing (DAST), for early vulnerability detection during development. Additionally, incorporating secure coding practices, like OWASP guidelines, ensures that security aspects are embedded from the outset. Emphasizing continuous monitoring and feedback, DevSecOps enables prompt, efficient identification and resolution of security concerns.

The Importance of DevSecOps

The importance of DevSecOps lies in its ability to mitigate attack risks and data breaches, optimizing organizational resources. Enhancing software quality and dependability, it detects and rectifies vulnerabilities in early development stages. DevSecOps fosters security prioritization, yielding robust, trustworthy software.

What Benefits Do DevSecOps Offer?

The value of DevSecOps is evident in the benefits it provides to organizations, including:

• Enhanced Security.

By integrating security into the development process, organizations can identify and mitigate vulnerabilities early on, reducing the risk of attacks and data breaches.

• Faster Time to Market.

DevSecOps services ensure that security is not a bottleneck in the development process. This approach enables organizations to develop and deploy applications faster while maintaining the security of their software.

• Cost-Effective.

Fixing vulnerabilities early on is less expensive than dealing with them later. DevSecOps services help organizations identify and fix vulnerabilities early, reducing the cost of security.

• Improved Collaboration.

DevSecOps services promote collaboration between development, security and operations teams. This collaboration leads to better communication, shared responsibilities, and a more efficient development process.

Interesting Facts and Statistics about DevSecOps

• According to Gartner, by 2023, 90% of DevSecOps initiatives will have incorporated automated security testing and vulnerability remediation into their pipelines, up from 50% in 2020.
• Based on the research conducted by IBM, the typical expense associated with a data breach in the United States amounts to $8.6 million.
• In a survey conducted by GitLab, 63% of respondents reported that they had increased their investment in DevSecOps practices over the past year.
• Organizations that adopt DevSecOps practices can release software 2.6 times more frequently than those that do not adopt them. In addition, the same survey revealed that organizations that adopted DevSecOps practices could recover from downtime 24 times faster than those that did not adopt them.

How to Measure DevSecOps Success

To evaluate the success of a DevSecOps implementation, it is essential to measure its performance using specific metrics. In this article, we will discuss four key metrics to assess the effectiveness of a DevSecOps strategy: Deployment Frequency (DF), Lead Time for Changes (LT), Mean Time to Recovery (MTTR), and Change Failure Rate (CFR).

1. Deployment Frequency (DF). Deployment Frequency is the rate at which software is successfully released into production. This metric indicates how agile and efficient your DevSecOps process is. A higher DF suggests that your team can deliver new features, bug fixes and improvements quicker, leading to a more competitive and responsive product.
2. Lead Time for Changes (LT). Lead Time for Changes is the time it takes for a code change to go from commit to a deployable state. This metric measures the efficiency of your DevSecOps pipeline and the effectiveness of your team’s collaboration. A shorter LT implies that your team can quickly integrate changes and deliver value to customers. To measure Lead Time for Changes, calculate the time difference between a code change commit and the moment it becomes deployable in the production environment.
3. Mean Time to Recovery (MTTR). Mean Time to Recovery measures the time it takes for a system to recover from an interruption due to deployment or system failure. This metric is crucial in assessing the resilience of your DevSecOps process and the team’s ability to restore service quickly. A shorter MTTR indicates that your team can efficiently troubleshoot and resolve issues, minimizing customer impact.
4. Change Failure Rate (CFR). The Change Failure Rate is the percentage of changes or hotfixes that lead to failures after the code has been deployed. This metric reflects the quality of your team’s work and the effectiveness of your testing and monitoring processes. A lower CFR indicates that your team can deliver stable and reliable software updates.

Conclusion

DevSecOps benefits organizations by integrating security into every aspect of the development process.  Doing so provides enhanced security, faster time to market, cost-effectiveness, and improved collaboration. The DevSecOps cycle ensures that security is not an afterthought but an integral part of the entire development process. This approach to software development enables organizations to deploy applications quickly while maintaining their security posture. What does DevSecOps do? It empowers organizations to achieve their goals in a fast-paced world where security is a top concern.

If you are interested in learning more about DevSecOps services and how your organization can benefit from them, do not hesitate to contact us. Our team of experts can help you implement a DevSecOps solution that meets your needs and ensures the security of your applications.