DevSecOps: Security is key

In a growing industry where organisations now heavily rely on technology, it is no surprise that the demand for better, more protective security has also increased. As a result of this technological demand, we have seen the introduction of DevSecOps (Development, Security and Operations) teams. Both DevSecOps and DevOps focus on the development and operations of code, applications and systems through the integration of both departments. However, what differentiates the two is that security is at the forefront of DevSecOps teams, with it being embedded into all processes and the code itself. Some may argue though, that if DevOps is done right, security should always be integrated even if it isn’t stated in the team name. 

DevSecOps teams were built to protect companies and their customers by keeping their technology safer and easier to update when needed. This practice integrates security initiatives at every stage of the software development lifecycle. The purpose is to not only generate a more efficient way of working but to deliver robust and secure applications across organisations. 

The demand

As the technology industry evolves, so do the requirements and compliances, meaning organisations must continuously adjust their measures to keep up to date and protect their business. In turn, the demand for DevOps teams has increased substantially in the last few years (you can find out more on this subject, visit our recent blog – The rise and challenge of DevOps teams).

Essentially, DevSecOps teams allow for a more dynamic working environment with the ability to focus on the areas that need developing. Combining the teams removes the siloes that may have formed between them and encourages an integrated building style – ultimately generating a higher level of efficiency and security. By incorporating security into the development lifecycle, systems are likely to be more secure and less vulnerable to cyberattacks as they are harder to break down. 

There are many cases in which businesses need to amend their technology; new systems, and security requirements, updated compliances, but the one thing that remains the same is that all systems must be in their best health to protect them against breaches. Combining development, security and operations departments allows them to work collectively with their ideas and protocols. One of the benefits of this structure is automation: by using their shared knowledge, the team can spot issues early and fix them before they develop further. This allows the team to automate audits, fixes and updates as required. 

Simplifying DevSecOps

By integrating all three departments within DevSecOps, organisations have a clear visibility of upcoming changes, allowing them to effectively manage adjustments as they arise. What may seem like a new term within the industry, has actually existed for a long time. Although not previously known as ‘DevSecOps’, Cloudhouse has been operating similar processes by integrating security into development for years.

Cloudhouse offers two solutions to ensure security is a key part of the development process. 

With Cloudhouse Guardian, your organisation’s systems are audited automatically, checking for unplanned changes and potential risks – and where needed, it will validate and verify your infrastructure’s compliance with industry-standard best practices and internal policy controls.

Many organisations have business-critical, legacy applications that can only run on less secure and unsupported operating systems. Cloudhouse Alchemy packages these applications and makes them portable, allowing them to be deployed onto the latest operating systems. This both retains the investment in the applications and continues the processes they support while gaining the protection included in these platforms.

For more information on how Cloudhouse can help your business, get in touch today.