Secure DevOps (DevSecOps)

Secure DevOps—also known as DevSecOps—refers to the integration of security considerations into the entire software development lifecycle, from planning and development to deployment and operations. The goal is to treat security not as a downstream step, but as a systematic part of every phase of software creation and delivery.

The term DevSecOps combines Development, Security, and Operations, representing both a cultural and technological shift. Teams work collaboratively, automate security checks within Continuous Integration/Continuous Deployment (CI/CD) pipelines, and address vulnerabilities early in the process.

Key practices in a DevSecOps approach include:

·        Automated security scans during the build process

·        Static and dynamic application security testing (SAST & DAST)

·        Security policies as code (Policy as Code)

·        Integration of vulnerability management into development environments

·        Use of verified, secure container images

The main benefit of DevSecOps lies in the early detection of security issues, making fixes more efficient and less costly. It also improves overall software quality and facilitates compliance with regulatory requirements.

Challenges primarily stem from cultural change: security must be recognized as a shared responsibility across all teams—not just the job of the IT security department. Therefore, training, clear processes, and the right tools are essential for successful implementation.