DevSecOps in Layman’s Terms
Ever since the evolution of DevOps to DevSecOps, we have had a clash of opinions due to different definitions and tenets regarding the same. However, it’ll be much better if we understand it and move further into exploring this field. I’ll be elucidating this topic in layman’s terms.
DevOps, as the name suggests, simply refers to the set of practices/tools/methodologies that are used in the IT industry to shorten the Software Development Life Cycle(SDLC) and provide high quality software. DevOps united the Developing and Operations teams by reducing the risk of conflicts to happen. Basically, DevOps practices are aimed at automating most of the manual tasks during software development phases. Hence, DevOps = Increased productivity.
DevOps has proven to be one of the most efficient tech to hold on. Although, there was something missing in this. Let’s take an example of a conventional software in the making. A well-made version is prepared by the united Dev and Ops teams and sent to the security team for running security checks to detect bugs or vulnerabilities. This takes significant time and the reports are sent back to the teams for reworking and fixing the issues detected. This not only slows down the SDLC but also delays the releases of newer versions to come. Security has now become a vital aspect of software nowadays and in software related to banking systems or ecommerce websites, vulnerabilities aren’t acceptable at all.
So now, we need something that ensures security norms but does not hinder the speed of software release cycles.
DevSecOps adds the security team into the automated union of Dev and Ops teams. This implies that now security checks will be automated and they’ll exist in the software development phase itself. No more waiting for security reports in the end, no more delay in software releases. All three teams will go hand-in-hand. The security checks could be run by automated scripts/tools which will reduce manual effort. Overall, we’ll receive continuous security management throughout the SDLC.
In a little unprofessional way, the evolution of DevOps to DevSecOps would mean that more tools(related to security and automation) will be added up to ensure a lower risk in security-related issues in the delivered software.
Benefits of DevSecOps: Understanding security as code, Faster release cycles, Prevents security bugs during production, Continuous security management throughout the SDLC.
Disadvantages of DevSecOps: The only disadvantage of DevSecOps that I see right now is the time and effort that’ll be required for the shift. The Security teams will have to learn and implement scripts & newer tools and even build their own. However, this might prove to be a cherry on the cake. As they say, Good things take time!
