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.

Author: Julia Kanaikina

DevSecOps, the abbreviation for Development, Security, and Operations, aims to incorporate security practices into the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC). Automation, particularly security automation, plays a pivotal role in achieving this goal, numerous benefits being provided, such as accelerated development and deployment, enhanced collaboration, and heightened security. The present article explores the concept of DevSecOps automation and its integration within the SDLC delving into the intricacies of each stage and the various tools and methodologies employed.

Introduction

DevSecOps, an evolutionary step forward from the traditional DevOps approach, focuses on integrating security within the software development process. The successful implementation of DevSecOps automation necessitates utilization of various security automation tools, technologies, and practices throughout the SDLC. Security automation and security testing are fundamental parts of this process. The following stages detail these components and their application at each step of the software development process.

1. Planning and Analysis

• Threat Modeling: a systematic process to identify, quantify, and address potential security threats within an application. Utilization of specialized tools such as Microsoft’s Threat Modeling Tool, OWASP’s Threat Dragon, or securiCAD by foreseeti facilitates this endeavor. The process encompasses the evaluation of assets, trust boundaries, and potential attack vectors, as well as the application of threat intelligence and data flow analysis.
• Risk Assessment: a crucial practice in identifying and prioritizing vulnerabilities, employing frameworks and standards like CVSS (Common Vulnerability Scoring System), FAIR (Factor Analysis of Information Risk), or NIST SP 800-30 to assess and rank potential risks. Analyzing the likelihood and impact of vulnerabilities, teams can develop effective remediation strategies and prioritize resources based on risk severity.
• Security Requirements: defining and documenting security specifications during the initial planning phase, including access control, data encryption, and secure communication protocols. Incorporating security standards such as ISO/IEC 27001, NIST SP 800-53, or CIS Critical Security Controls ensures adherence to industry best practices and compliance with relevant regulations. Moreover, the application of Privacy by Design principles safeguards users’ data and privacy.
• Asset Inventory: compiling a comprehensive inventory of software and hardware assets, including their configurations and dependencies, is crucial for maintaining an accurate understanding of the system’s architecture.

2. Design and Architecture

• Secure Design Principles: adherence to best practices such as the OWASP Top Ten Proactive Controls, the SANS 25 Most Dangerous Software Errors, or the MITRE ATT&CK framework emphasizing data minimization, least privilege, and defense-in-depth strategies. The principles guide the development of robust secure applications by promoting a proactive approach to threat mitigation.
• Architecture Analysis: evaluation of application architecture to identify potential security flaws, utilizing security automation tools like OWASP’s Dependency-Check, Sonatype’s Nexus Lifecycle, or Snyk for analyzing third-party dependencies and uncovering potential vulnerabilities. This analysis also includes the use of threat modeling methodologies such as STRIDE (Spoofing, Tampering, Repudiation, Information Disclosure, Denial of Service, and Elevation of Privilege) or PASTA (Process for Attack Simulation and Threat Analysis) to assess the application’s attack surface.
• Security Patterns: implementation of established security design patterns, such as the Singleton Pattern, the Factory Pattern, or the Principle of Least Privilege, to bolster application security. The patterns can be complemented by architectural patterns like Microservices, Serverless, or Containerization which provide additional security benefits by isolation, scalability, and enhanced deployment flexibility.

3. Development and Implementation

• Secure Coding Practices: ensuring developers adhere to secure coding standards, including OWASP’s Secure Coding Practices, CERT’s Secure Coding Standards, or SEI’s Coding Standards. Following these guidelines developers can prevent vulnerabilities resulting from common coding errors, such as improper input validation, insufficient error handling, or insecure data storage.
• Static Application Security Testing (SAST): automated code analysis using tools like SonarQube, GitLab SAST, Veracode, or Fortify to identify vulnerabilities in source code. SAST tools perform deep code scanning, control and data flows analysis, and security flaws detection, such as SQL Injection, Cross-Site Scripting (XSS), or Insecure Deserialization. Integrating SAST into the development process enables early vulnerability detection and remediation, thus reducing potential risks.
• Software Composition Analysis (SCA): analysis of open-source components and libraries utilizing tools such as WhiteSource, Black Duck, or Snyk to identify known security vulnerabilities. SCA tools examine an application’s dependencies, detecting outdated or insecure components, and providing actionable insights to remediate identified issues. Regular updating dependencies and monitoring for security advisories help maintain a secure and up-to-date application environment.
• Infrastructure as Code (IaC) Security: employing IaC tools like Terraform, Ansible, or Chef to automate infrastructure provisioning and configuration while integrating security checks using tools like Checkov or Kics. Incorporating security into IaC enables teams to enforce consistent security policies and configurations, thus enhancing the overall security posture of the application environment.

4. Testing and Validation

• Dynamic Application Security Testing (DAST): automated testing of running applications employing tools like OWASP’s Zed Attack Proxy (ZAP), Burp Suite, Acunetix or AppSpider to detect vulnerabilities. DAST tools simulate real-world attacks, such as SQL Injection, Cross-Site Scripting (XSS), or Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF), testing the application’s resilience and identifying security weaknesses during runtime. This form of security testing plays a vital role in securing applications.
• Interactive Application Security Testing (IAST): combining SAST and DAST approaches utilizing tools like Contrast Security, Seeker, or HCL AppScan to identify vulnerabilities and code execution paths. IAST tools monitor applications during runtime analyzing data flows, HTTP requests, and responses and providing real-time feedback to developers. The approach enhances the accuracy of vulnerability detection and facilitates rapid remediation.
• Penetration Testing: conducting simulated attacks on the application leveraging tools like Metasploit, Nmap, or Cobalt Strike to identify and address security vulnerabilities. Penetration testing methodologies, such as the Open Web Application Security Project (OWASP) Testing Guide or the Penetration Testing Execution Standard (PTES), provide a structured approach to security testing ensuring comprehensive coverage of potential threats.
• Fuzz Testing: employing advanced testing techniques like fuzz testing using tools such as AFL, Peach Fuzzer, or Boofuzz to identify potential vulnerabilities in the application. Fuzz testing involves sending large volumes of random, malformed, or unexpected input data to the application aiming to trigger unintended behavior, crashes, or security vulnerabilities.
• Compliance and Security Audits: conducting regular audits to ensure compliance with relevant regulatory standards, such as GDPR, HIPAA, or PCI DSS, and adherence to security best practices. Leveraging tools like OpenSCAP, Nessus, or Qualys Policy Compliance simplify the audit process and help organizations maintain a secure and compliant application environment.
• Security Test Driven Development (STDD): integrating security testing into the development process with a focus on writing security test cases alongside with functional test cases. This approach promotes a security-focused mindset enabling developers to address potential vulnerabilities as they arise during development.

5. Deployment and Monitoring

• Continuous Integration and Continuous Deployment (CI/CD): streamlining the development and deployment process leveraging tools like Jenkins, GitLab CI/CD, or CircleCI to ensure consistent and secure application updates. Integrating security tools such as SAST, DAST, or SCA into the CI/CD pipeline enhances the security posture by automating vulnerability detection and remediation throughout the development lifecycle.
• Security Information and Event Management (SIEM): aggregating and analyzing log data from various sources employing tools like Splunk, LogRhythm, or IBM QRadar to identify potential security incidents. SIEM tools provide real-time monitoring, advanced analytics, and incident response capabilities enabling organizations to detect, investigate, and respond to security threats effectively.
• Runtime Application Self-Protection (RASP): incorporating security measures directly into the application runtime utilizing security automation tools to detect and prevent attacks in real-time. RASP solutions monitor application behavior, identify malicious activities, and take appropriate actions, such as blocking the attack or alerting security personnel, providing an additional layer of protection against known and unknown threats.
• Vulnerability Management and Patch Management: regular scanning the application and its infrastructure for vulnerabilities and applying necessary patches, leveraging tools like Tenable Nessus, Rapid7 InsightVM, or Ivanti Patch Manager. A robust vulnerability and patch management program minimizes the window of opportunity for attackers to exploit known vulnerabilities and helps maintain a secure application environment.
• Incident Response and Forensics: developing and maintaining a comprehensive incident response plan, incorporating digital forensics tools like Autopsy, EnCase, or X-Ways Forensics, to effectively address security incidents. A well-prepared incident response strategy enables organizations to swiftly detect, contain, and remediate security breaches minimizing potential damages and facilitating the recovery process.
• Network Security Monitoring (NSM): implementing network monitoring and intrusion detection systems using tools like Suricata, Snort, or Zeek to detect and respond to security events at the network level. NSM tools analyze network traffic, identify suspicious activities, and provide insights into potential threats facilitating rapid incident response and remediation.

Conclusion

Successful integration of security automation within the SDLC results in a secure, efficient, and streamlined software development process. Leveraging appropriate tools and methodologies at each stage of the SDLC organizations can effectively address security concerns and reduce the risk of vulnerabilities in their applications. The solution ultimately leads to enhanced reliability, increased customer trust, and improved overall software quality.

Moreover, embracing DevSecOps automation not only bolsters the security posture of software applications but also fosters a culture of collaboration and shared responsibility among development, security, and operations teams. This symbiotic relationship encourages knowledge sharing, facilitates faster remediation of security issues, and results in a more resilient software ecosystem. The use of security testing ensures a robust and secure application.

About IBA Group’s Security for CI/CD Service

At IBA Group, we specialize in providing Security for CI/CD service, ranging from consulting to implementation and ongoing support. Our team of experienced professionals is well-versed in the latest Security testing tools, technologies, and best practices, and is committed to helping organizations seamlessly integrate security into their software development process. By leveraging our expertise in security automation, clients can unlock the full potential of security testing automation and reap the numerous benefits it offers.

If you are interested in learning more about our Security for CI/CD service or would like to discuss how we can help your organization enhance its security posture, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Our team of dedicated experts is eager to assist you in navigating the complexities of Security Testing automation and ensuring the successful integration of security within your CI/CD pipeline. Together, we can build secure, resilient, and high-quality software applications that stand the test of time.

Author: Julia Kanaikina

DevSecOps is a seamless blend of software development, security, and operations, designed to integrate these different realms into a harmonious cycle of continuous delivery. However, the process of integrating security into DevOps is unique for each case and comes with specific obstacles. In this article, we aim to share IBA Group’s experience gained during the implementation of a DevSecOps solution in one of our projects. We will shed light on how we managed to overcome significant barriers and successfully implement an effective DevSecOps approach. This article is part of IBA Group’s DevSecOps series, and if you are interested in delving deeper into the topic, you can read the first article and the second article in our DevSecOps series.

Challenges of SAST Integration into the CI/CD Pipeline

Static Application Security Testing (SAST) integration plays a vital role in the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC), and it is a fundamental component of CI/CD security as it detects significant vulnerabilities in an application prior to deployment to production, when the remediation costs of vulnerabilities are comparatively low. Based on the customer requirements, we chose SonarQube as a SAST tool, a renowned platform for continuous inspection of code quality. SonarQube has a great capacity to detect bugs and security vulnerabilities. However, SAST integration into the CI/CD pipeline exposed us to an array of challenges hidden before.

Addressing Vulnerabilities and Bugs Discovered by SonarQube

The introduction of SonarQube led the project management team to an unexpected revelation – a massive volume of vulnerabilities and bugs hidden within the project. The team found themselves at a standstill, as fixing these issues impeded further development and caused significant time delays. At that point, continuing product development had a higher priority than stopping and fixing vulnerabilities in the code. Moreover, project management did not want to be completely blocked by found vulnerabilities in the code. To address this, we proposed a quick and short-term solution: we decided to run SonarQube without failing the pipeline automatically so that it does not block the build, but the team is aware of vulnerabilities.

Flexible Approach and Incremental Vulnerability Resolution

As the second step, our DevSecOps team developed a more flexible solution. Recognizing the crucial security role and the necessity to maintain the speed of product development, we developed a plan to address the issues highlighted by SonarQube incrementally. We prioritized vulnerabilities based on their risk factor and impact on the project, fixing them in controlled batches. This allowed the team to keep development progressing while steadily reducing the threat landscape. Alongside, we conducted security coding training for the development team and provided rigorous manual code reviews to catch potential bugs before they became ingrained within the codebase.

Integration of Dynamic Application Security Testing (DAST)

Another type of testing that our team integrated into the customer’s software development lifecycle (SDLC) was Dynamic Application Security Testing (DAST) tool. DAST integration is crucial for ensuring the security and robustness of applications. The DAST tool is aimed at testing the application during the testing or deployment phase to identify vulnerabilities and weaknesses that may only occur during runtime. Initially, we integrated it only in the staging environment. At the same time, we faced a problem: the CI/CD pipeline slowed down by three times, which was unacceptable for the team. Thus, our goal was to achieve CI/CD with integrated security without compromising the speed.

Balancing Speed and Security in the CI/CD Pipeline

To achieve this goal, we decided to define the scope of the application that should be tested in the first place. Through a combination of code analysis, threat modeling, and vulnerability assessment, we managed to identify and prioritize the areas that demanded the utmost level of attention and could consequently lead to security breaches. The DAST tool was integrated into the CI/CD pipeline and configured to test only these specific parts of the application, so we were able to speed up the testing process. Furthermore, we developed other configurations for the DAST tool to cover other types of vulnerabilities. As a result, they could be run upon request or scheduled on a weekly basis, for instance, outside the CI/CD pipeline.

Fostering Organizational Awareness and Adaptability

However, dealing with technical issues was only part of the solution. The key to successful Security integration into DevOps lies in raising the awareness of business management. Security is not merely a technical concern but an organizational one. We held awareness sessions explaining the role of DevSecOps, its benefits, and the potential risks of not using it. Our efforts led to a better understanding of DevSecOps amongst business leaders causing their active involvement and support.

Embracing a New Working Model and Cultivating Change

SAST and DAST integrations into the CI/CD pipeline episode was just one facet of the multifaceted challenge we faced. Another significant hurdle that reared its head was the difficulty in adapting to a new dynamic working model. The key of DevSecOps lies in its ability to foster rapid, iterative development while ensuring continuous security integration. This represents a significant shift from traditional phase-based software development methods. As a result, our team found itself grappling with the challenges of changing gears midway through the project.

Customer’s team was used to designating phases for development, security, and operations but DevSecOps made us blur these lines. Unexpectedly, everyone had to wear multiple hats – developers had to think about security, and the operations team had to get involved in the early stages of development. This required not just a change in mindset, but also a shift in our practical approach.

However, the solution was not to return to our comfort zones, but in embracing the change and pushing our boundaries. We initiated comprehensive training programs for the team to better understand their new roles. Knowledge-sharing sessions were held where different teams could learn from each other. We turned to fostering a culture that welcomed change and encouraged continuous learning.

Initially, it was a struggle. But gradually, the team started experiencing the benefits of this integrated approach. Improved communication between the teams led to a better understanding and collaboration. Constant feedback cycle helped us identify and rectify problems much earlier in the development phase. As the result, security integration helped to promote a culture focused on continuous improvement, where security practices are regularly evaluated, updated, and adapted to emerging threats. With time, what seemed like a steep mountain became an easily navigable hill.

Growing as a Team and Achieving Organizational Resilience

This shared journey has not only enabled us to overcome the challenges we faced but has also facilitated the growth of our team and organization, enhancing our problem-solving abilities and fostering organizational resilience.

At IBA Group, we firmly believe that every challenge presents an opportunity for growth and learning. If you are seeking to implement DevSecOps into your development cycle, we are here to provide assistance. Our expert team, backed by extensive experience, is prepared to address any inquiries, challenges, or requirements that may arise on your DevSecOps journey. Let us combine our efforts and collaborate in creating secure and resilient software solutions together.

Keep in mind, the key lies not in finding a path without obstacles, but in harnessing the strength and expertise to navigate through them. This is the commitment that IBA Group guarantees to deliver.