Top 5 DevSecOps Best Practices to Enhance Data Security and Privacy

Facing a new unprotected database every other day is a common sight if you work in cybersecurity . The one that rescues you from the struggl...

Facing a new unprotected database every other day is a common sight if you work in cybersecurity. The one that rescues you from the struggle and helps you build better and secure software is a small but powerful niche called DevSecOps.

The DevOps approach has slowly gained momentum and is now a critical process to build better code and secure data. When implemented correctly, DevSecOps can be the best answer to secure codes and the security process.

DevOps rests on the three pillars of velocity, automation, and constant improvement. It works on the principle that security cannot be plugged into software or a process separately. Security should be on every step and phase of the software development process.

One of the main approaches is integrating the security team with the already existing DevOps team, which can flag security issues in the initial stages. This paves the way for the developers to transition towards security by design model.

If you already have DevOps in your hand and looking for ways to implement security, then you are in the right place.

Top 5 DevSecOps Best Practices to Enhance Data Security and Privacy

Here are some of the ways how you can use DevSecOps to enhance data security.

1. Automation is a Key

One of the main credos of DevOps is velocity and speed. In an environment that calls for continuous integrations and deployment, the key is how fast the codes are developed and sent for production. The only way to introduce security in this flow without disrupting the speed is by adopting automated processes.

You have to take up security tests and controls in the early stages of the development lifecycle. Organizations can push new codes for production every hour of the day. To keep up with that, you can employ automated systems.

2. What is Your Code Dependency?

Using third-party software components gives rise to many security vulnerabilities. Most developers do not have the time to review codes or read the documentation in their open-source libraries. So this becomes one of the fundamental requirements for DevSecOps.

One of the rudimentary steps of DevSecOps is to check the code dependency. OWASP utilities will help you ensure that there are no vulnerabilities in the code that you use. It scans your code and the dependent open-source library and finds the discrepancies.

3. Know Your Limit

When you introduce any new tools to identify potential threats as part of the development flow, it becomes a main component of DevSecOps. When introducing such tools, always think small. 

You should turn on security checks one by one instead of taking up a load and creating additional issues for the developers. There are high chances for clashes between security professionals and developers when it comes to implementing security. So it is always better to start small.

4. Identify Which Tools Work for You

With so many tools emerging, it is important that you keep a list of factors in your mind before you choose one. Integration is the foremost factor. Only when a security product can be integrated into the pipeline without much hassle will it help secure data effectively.

The other main factors are accuracy and speed. The more positive outcomes you get in a shorter span, the sooner the process completes the cycle.

5. Threat Modeling

Before you move to DevSecOps, it is recommended to do risk assessments and threat modeling. This will help your security organization know more about the types of threats, their sensitivities, the existing protection controls, and any gaps if present.

These assessments will help you identify major and minor flaws in your application’s design that the other security practices may have missed.

With the number of DevSecOp tools and practices continually increasing, there is still no solid agreement about its definition. Yet, with the growing need for integration and speedy cycles, it is high time you incorporate it into your enterprise.