What is DevSecOps? Why It's So Crucial For Government Agencies

A decade ago, DevOps was new and groundbreaking in the tech space. Departments once siloed turned into cohesive units, working together thanks to harmonious automation between software development and IT teams. The result? By using a DevOps approach, they could build, test, and release software faster and more reliably.

DevOps is now the standard in tech. But for many government agencies, this isn't the case. So how do you catch up to the standard and even get ahead of the curve in one undertaking?

Meet DevSecOps, an evolution beyond DevOps that emphasizes security at each step of development.

For years, security has been an afterthought in the DevOps process. Develop the software, implement it in a test environment, and check for security. With DevSecOps, this process gets even more efficient by integrating security at each step. Your systems are now stronger and even more secure.

The DevSecOps Path

When you adopt a DevSecOps approach, you intertwine three different departments—development, security, and operations—in to one seamless unit.

The unit then focuses on six key components:

• Automation – You’ll need to employ automatic security protocols in order to keep pace with your code delivery in a CI/CD environment.
  
  
• Code Analysis – Develop your code in small batches so vulnerabilities can be detected early.
  
  
• Shift Left – Ensure security is considered and involved in every step of the process, from inception to deployment.
  
  
• Compliance Monitoring – Guarantee that your operation is constantly mindful of compliance.
  
  
• Security Training – Make sure your IT and engineering personnel are trained with set guidelines for DevSecOps.
  
  

Automation Means Efficiency

DevSecOps sounds nice. But can it actually make your agency more efficient?

In most cases, the answer is a resounding yes. When you combine the processes of three different departments—development, operations and security—you naturally become a more effective unit.

But automation with DevSecOps goes further. It can:

• Help you transition from a continuous delivery operation to a continuous deployment system. No longer are you having to check updates and new tech before it’s deployed.
  
  
• Detect vulnerabilities in your system an automatically build a new environment with the necessary updates. You can then automatically redeploy without touching it.
  
  
• Automate the entire infrastructure, which gives you more freedom to interchange parts and attributes as you please without enduring a laborious, manual process.
  
  

How Do You Start?

For many customers, we find the biggest hurdle in adopting the DevSecOps process isn’t about its function. It’s about company culture and mindset.

DevSecOps is something your team must fully adopt. If some players aren’t aligned with that vision? The mission fails. It sounds simple, but it can be difficult in execution.

So when you’re implementing this new process, carefully think out your training regimen. Even managerial changes could be necessary for your agency to move forward.

Want to learn even more about DevSecOps?

Download our free eBook to learn how to navigate DevSecOps for yourself and your team.