DevSecOps stands for development, security, and operations, while DevOps is short for Development and Operations. Both are methodologies for developing and designing code and software.
Before we look at the differences between DevSecOps and DevOps, let’s first discuss how they are similar
How are DevSecOps and DevOps Similar?
DevOps and DevSecOps are similar in several ways, primarily because DevSecOps is essentially an extension of the DevOps philosophy. Here are some of the key similarities:
- Microservices
DevOps and DevSecOps build applications of smaller services. This allows the teams to tackle smaller parts of the project increasing overall efficiency. This efficiency is a priority of DevOps and continues over to DevSecOps.
- Collaboration
DevSecOps and DevOps are collaboration systems. While their teams may operate differently, both rely on teams to collaborate to meet goals. Without collaboration, the goals of the management systems discussed below fall apart. Collaboration is the backbone of both of these development systems.
- Consistent Monitoring
DevOps and DevSecOps are rooted in consistent checks to catch issues in their infancy. This active monitoring keeps security high and errors low. The focus of the monitoring differs, but both employ consistent monitoring to push their goal forward. Monitoring is like checking the pulse constantly. It allows the teams to know the “health” of the project.
Now let’s look at the differences.
What is the Difference Between DevOps vs DevSecOps?
- Goals
The goal of DevOps is to reduce communication gaps between teams. DevOps combines the development and Operations teams in collaborative efforts to achieve the goal of the project. Typically the operation team works on existing systems while developers create new systems. DevOps has the teams work in tandem to combine new and old systems for the betterment of the project.
The goal of DevSecOps is security. It is a regenerated version of DevOps that prioritizes security from the beginning instead of it being an afterthought. This allows problems to be curbed before they spin out of control.
- Security
Security is the focus of DevSecOps. DevSecOps utilizes threat modeling to show where security issues may pop up. Security testing is also automated in DevSecOps allowing it to be more closely monitored.
In DevOps, security is more of a background element. It is handled as a separate element and is not seamlessly integrated like the processing of coding and communication.
- Use of automation
Both use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to automate certain development steps. They each use them for their own purpose and the utilization of automation is different. AI employs algorithms to perform actions.
AI completes code and anomaly detection for DevOps. Changes to code are released automatically eliminating the need to stop the process to communicate. The changes are logged and teams can access them streamlining the process.
AI is responsible for automated security checks for DevSecOps. Automating security integrates it seamlessly into every process of DevSecOps. Security is the top priority and the responsibility of security lies with all teams.
- Point of view
DevSecOps always sees through the lens of application security first. Nothing can be done until all points of the application are secure. This lens causes all teams to have a singular focus.
The point of view of DevOps engineers is to be on the same page. Communication without fail is the lens through which they operate. All teams are important to development and all must work equally toward the team goal.
- Management
DevSecOps employs incident management to minimize security issues. Security in DevSecOps is a trend throughout the whole entire system as it is seamlessly integrated into every part of the processes.
Code management is the focus of DevOps. Code can be written and managed at the same time. This makes this process lightning-fast. Infrastructure is seen as code and this makes up the building blocks of DevOps.
- Integration
DevSecOps seamlessly integrates security measures. Collaboration brings security. This is a derivative of DevOps. DevSecOps builds on DevOps by adding the security element.
For DevOps, collaboration brings communication which allows for the simultaneous processing of code. Both code delivery and code deployment are simultaneous processes that are integrated into the processes of DevOps.
- Feedback
Both rely on feedback for different purposes. The purpose of feedback in DevSecOps is to ensure security and further the security e measures. The feedback in DevOps is to ensure proper communication for seamless and simultaneous processing of code.
Which is better? DevSecOps or DevOps?
With most tech operations, it depends on the purpose. Because DevSecOps takes its cue and beginnings from DevOps, it can be seen to be the updated version with the addition of security. DevSecOps may be the best route because security is built into every stage. If security is less important, DevOps’ rapid development style may also be a good call.
How do I move from DevOps to DevSecOps?
Moving from DevOps to DevSecOps isn’t just about introducing new tools or processes; it’s about integrating security into every aspect of your software development life cycle. Here’s how you can make the transition:
Embrace a security-first mindset: The first step is to shift your mindset. In the world of DevSecOps, security isn’t just a trend, it’s a lifestyle. It’s time to make security your new mantra, and that starts with a shift in mindset. Everyone on the team, from developers to operations, needs to live and breathe security.
Integrate security from the start: Begin integrating security measures from the inception of the project. This includes threat modeling during the design phase, secure coding practices during development, and regular security testing methods throughout the entire lifecycle of the project. Don’t wait until the end to think about security. Start from the get-go. This means baking security into the design phase, coding with security best practices, and conducting regular security checks throughout the project lifecycle.
Automate security checks: Leverage the power of AI and other security automation tools to conduct regular security checks. This not only increases efficiency but also ensures that security is consistently maintained at every stage of the development process.
Adopt a collaborative approach: Just as DevOps emphasizes collaboration between development teams and operations teams, DevSecOps extends this collaboration to include security teams. This means that all teams need to work together, share information, and coordinate their efforts to ensure the security of the final product.
Implement continuous monitoring and feedback: Continuous monitoring is a key aspect of both DevOps and DevSecOps. However, in DevSecOps, this monitoring extends to include security aspects. Regular feedback and reviews can help identify potential security issues early and ensure that they are addressed promptly.
Invest in training and education: To successfully transition to DevSecOps, your team members may need additional training in secure coding practices, threat modeling, and using specific security tools. This will ensure that everyone has the skills and knowledge they need to contribute to the security of your projects.
Remember, transitioning to DevSecOps isn’t a sprint, it’s a marathon. It requires continuous effort, learning, and a commitment to prioritizing security. But with these steps, you’ll be well on your way to mastering DevSecOps, ensuring your projects are not just efficient, but secure as well.
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FAQ:
- Can DevSecOps replace Agile?
No, DevSecOps isn’t a replacement for Agile; instead, it’s a powerful ally. Agile is a flexible, collaborative approach that aims to deliver value quickly and efficiently, while DevSecOps integrates security into every stage of the full software development lifecycle process.
They’re not competitors, but rather complementary forces. Think of Agile as the guiding framework for your team’s work, and DevSecOps as the security-conscious mindset that enhances this work.
So, rather than replacing Agile, DevSecOps can supercharge it, ensuring that your fast, efficient software is also secure. It’s not an either-or situation, but a perfect partnership for delivering high-quality, secure software.
- Is DevSecOps part of cybersecurity?
Absolutely! DevSecOps is like the secret agent in the world of cybersecurity. It’s not just part of cybersecurity; it’s a game-changer.
While traditional cybersecurity practices often involve adding security measures after the development process, DevSecOps shakes things up by integrating security right from the get-go.
It’s like having a bodyguard who doesn’t just react when trouble arises but is constantly on the lookout, ensuring that security is woven into every stage of the software development process.
So, in the grand cybersecurity family, DevSecOps is the proactive cousin who’s always one step ahead, making sure that security isn’t just an afterthought, but a fundamental part of the whole operation. So, yes, DevSecOps is not just part of cybersecurity, it’s redefining it!
- What are the disadvantages of DevSecOps?
While DevSecOps is a powerful approach to secure software development, it’s not without its challenges. The transition can be a bit like learning a new dance, with a steep learning curve as your team gets to grips with new tools and a security-first mindset.
Balancing the need for speed in DevOps with thorough security checks can also be a tricky tightrope walk. Plus, while everyone on the team takes responsibility for security in DevSecOps, not everyone may have the expertise needed, which could lead to potential oversights.
Change can be daunting, and there might be some resistance to the new steps. But with practice and patience, these hurdles can be overcome, leading to a more secure and efficient development process. So, while the dance of DevSecOps may have a few tricky steps, it’s a dance worth learning!