In the fast-paced world of modern software development, security is no longer an afterthought but an integral part of the process. DevSecOps is not just about adding security to the DevOps pipeline; it’s a mindset that strives to make security an inherent part of every stage of the software development life cycle. In other words, it’s about shifting left – moving security practices to the earliest stages of development rather than tacking them on at the end. The significance of DevSecOps lies in its ability to enhance software security, reduce vulnerabilities, and increase the speed of development. It empowers organizations to build and deploy secure software with agility, ensuring that security is no longer a bottleneck or a separate process but an integral part of the entire development cycle.

CSPM plays a vital role in DevSecOps by providing a framework for securing cloud assets, infrastructure, and applications. Modern CSPM integrates seamlessly with DevSecOps practices to ensure that security is not compromised in the rush to deliver software quickly. By automating security checks and policy enforcement in the cloud, CSPM bridges the gap between security and development teams, making the entire process more efficient and secure.

Speed and security go hand in hand when it comes to DevSecOps. Manual security checks and cumbersome, error-prone processes are not sustainable. This is where workflow automations come into play. Workflow automations in DevSecOps encompass the use of tools, scripts, and pipelines to automate repetitive and time-consuming security tasks. It ensures that security practices are consistent and reliable, and also don’t slow down the development and deployment of software. Automating security checks, compliance audits, asset discovery, and incident response not only speeds up the development cycle but also reduces the likelihood of human error, ensuring that security is not compromised.

In this chapter, we’ll delve into the various ways DevSecOps teams can leverage workflow automations to improve their security posture. We’ll explore the significance of DevSecOps and its role in modern software development. You’ll gain a deep understanding of how CSPM fits into the DevSecOps landscape and why it’s a crucial component. We’ll also delve into the need for workflow automations in DevSecOps, covering the challenges and benefits of automation in ensuring both speed and security. By the end of this chapter, you’ll have a clear understanding of the core concepts, tools, and best practices that underpin successfully integrating workflow automations into your DevSecOps processes. This knowledge will empower you to build a more secure and efficient software development pipeline.

We will cover the following main topics:

  • Understanding DevSecOps
  • Key automation concepts
  • Workflow automation in CSPM
  • Implementing workflow automations
  • Case studies and best practices
  • Security and compliance in DevSecOps automation
  • Future trends and emerging technologies

Let’s get started!

Understanding DevSecOps

As we discussed in the introduction, DevSecOps is an approach to software development and IT operations that emphasizes integrating security practices into every stage of the software development life cycle. The term “DevSecOps” is derived from three key components: Development (Dev), Security (Sec), and Operations (Ops). It represents a cultural and procedural shift in the world of technology that seeks to make security a shared responsibility and a fundamental part of the software delivery process:

Figure 17.1 – DevSecOps (https://images.idgesg.net/images/article/2018/01/devsecops-gartner-image-100745815-orig.jpg)

Let’s take a look at the key elements and principles of DevSecOps:

  • Security as a culture: DevSecOps promotes a culture where security is not just the responsibility of a dedicated security team but is embraced by everyone involved in the software development and deployment process. It encourages a shared sense of responsibility for security, from developers to operations personnel.
  • Shift-left approach: The traditional approach to security involves checking for vulnerabilities and addressing them late in the software development cycle. DevSecOps advocates for a shift-left approach, meaning security considerations are brought forward to the earliest stages of development. This helps in identifying and addressing security issues at a stage where they are easier and more cost-effective to fix.