Digital transformation has been the key for many companies in order to remain competitive in an increasingly saturated and demanding market. Currently, it may not represent a differential, but it still remains very important.

For companies operating in the IT sector, the need for continuous improvement is even greater, as changes happen at a frightening speed. In this scenario, the implementation of DevSecOps has gained strategic relevance.

So, what is DevSecOps, what is its function and where does it operate? Keep reading the article and we will answer each of these questions. Enjoy! 

What is DevSecOps?

The main goal of DevSecOps is to create an environment where security is an integral part of the development and operation process, not an afterthought. The term is the result of the joining of three words: Development, Security and Operations.

This approach seeks to integrate security into the software development lifecycle, from the initial phase to the operation phase.

Importantly, DevSecOps is not just a methodology, but a mindset shift. It’s a culture that fosters collaboration between development, security, and operations teams, encouraging shared responsibility and automation of security tasks.

Read also: What is process automation? Get to know its benefits and deployment basic steps

What is the role of DevSecOps?

In practice, the primary function of DevSecOps is to ensure that security is a priority at every stage of software development. This responsibility should be shared by all the teams involved.

The DevSecOps approach enables faster response to security incidents, reducing downtime and associated costs. In addition, it encourages early detection of vulnerabilities, allowing patches to be applied before attackers can exploit them.

Where does DevSecOps work?

In practice, DevSecOps acts—or should act—at every stage of the software development lifecycle. This includes:

• Planning: The DevSecOps team works in order to identify potential threats and risks, helping to define the security strategies that will be implemented.
• Development: Here, security is built into the code from the beginning. This means that vulnerabilities are detected and patched the moment they are introduced, not after the software has already been released;
• Testing: In the testing phase, the DevSecOps team uses a variety of tools in order to check if there are still security vulnerabilities left in the code. As an example, we have the complementary tools SAST and DAST, where the first is responsible for making a static evaluation (without system execution) in order to identify and assist in the correction of vulnerabilities at the code level, while the second does the validation from the execution of the software;
• Implementation: During the implementation phase, the DevSecOps team monitors the infrastructure in order to detect any suspicious activity, ensuring the security of the software in production;
• Operation and Maintenance: Once in the operation and maintenance phase, the DevSecOps team continues to monitor the environment in order to identify risks and increase security to respond to any threats that may arise. 

In summary, DevSecOps is a macro approach that acts at every stage of the software development lifecycle, ensuring that security is built into every process.

Like the content? Then, take the chance to also  read: Cloud Security: what it is, its importance and how to apply it in companies

6 Advantages of DevSecOps

In addition to the ways mentioned prior, it is important to reinforce the advantage of the DevSecOps approach. We have separated this into 6 areas:

1. Integrated Security: as stated above, DevSecOps allows the incorporation of security from the beginning of development, enabling the identification and early correction of vulnerabilities, minimizing risks;
2. Speed and Efficiency: the security integrated in the development process promotes greater speed and efficiency, avoiding rework in order to correct late security problems;
3. Rapid Incident Response: With all team members involved in security, the response to potential incidents is more agile, increasing the effectiveness of the response—and mitigating the damage.
4. Cost reduction: Despite the initial investment, DevSecOps can reduce costs in the long run by avoiding rework and preventing extremely dangerous security breaches for the business;
5. Continuous improvement: another point is the promotion of constant learning, adaptation and improvement of processes, resulting in better security practices by the DevSecOps methodology;
6. Culture of Shared Responsibility: By creating a culture where safety is everyone’s responsibility, DevSecOps fosters collaboration, communication between teams, and overall security effectiveness.

In short

More than ever, security is a primary concern for all businesses, regardless of their size or industry. The DevSecOps approach offers an effective solution to this issue, allowing organizations to integrate security into every stage of systems development.

While important, implementing a DevSecOps culture is not an easy task, as it requires a shift in mindset, the adoption of new tools and processes, and a constant commitment to continuous improvement.

However, the potential benefits—a faster response to security incidents, early detection of vulnerabilities, and reduced downtime and associated costs—make the effort worthwhile.

Also Read: Legacy Software Modernization: Why to Do It and Key Process Steps