DevOps and DevSecOps share many similarities, but they also have some fundamental differences that set them apart. DevOps, short for Development and Operations, is a set of practices and principles that aim to improve collaboration and communication between software development and IT operations teams. The primary focus of DevOps is to streamline the software delivery process, increase deployment frequency, and achieve faster time-to-market.

In contrast, DevSecOps integrates security into the DevOps methodology, making security considerations an intrinsic part of every stage of the software development life cycle. DevSecOps seeks to create a culture where security is not a separate entity but a shared responsibility among all teams involved in software development and delivery.

Here are the key differences between DevOps and DevSecOps:

  • DevOps emphasizes collaboration between development and operations teams, while DevSecOps extends this collaboration to include security teams
  • DevOps is primarily concerned with speed and agility, whereas DevSecOps places equal importance on security
  • DevOps assumes that security is the responsibility of a separate security team, while DevSecOps integrates security practices into every step of the DevOps pipeline

The DevSecOps life cycle

The DevSecOps life cycle is a structured approach that outlines how security practices are integrated throughout the software development and deployment process. It typically consists of the following stages:

  • Plan: In this initial phase, security requirements and considerations are incorporated into the project planning. Security experts collaborate with developers and operations to define security policies, standards, and objectives.
  • Code: During the coding phase, developers write code with security in mind. They follow secure coding practices, use libraries and frameworks with known security features, and conduct code reviews to identify and rectify security vulnerabilities.
  • Build: The build phase involves compiling the code and creating executable software. DevSecOps teams use automated security testing tools to scan the code for vulnerabilities, ensuring that the build process does not introduce security issues.
  • Test: This stage focuses on comprehensive security testing. It includes dynamic application security testing (DAST), static application security testing (SAST), penetration testing, and other security assessments to identify and remediate vulnerabilities.
  • Deploy: Security is maintained during the deployment phase by using secure configuration management and containerization techniques. Security policies and access controls are enforced, and continuous monitoring begins.
  • Operate: Continuous monitoring and real-time security assessments are vital in the operational phase. Any security incidents or anomalies are detected and addressed promptly.
  • Monitor and respond: DevSecOps teams monitor the system’s security, gather feedback, and respond to incidents in real time. Security experts work in tandem with development and operations teams to ensure that any vulnerabilities or threats are mitigated.