The importance of application security (AppSec) cannot be overstated. However, traditional approaches to AppSec often create a tension between security and company growth, fuelling a shift towards a more holistic and seamless methodology.

This is where DevSecOps comes into play. It’s a paradigm that promises to integrate security into every phase of the software development lifecycle. To truly harness the power of DevSecOps, entities need to adopt strategies that handle business risks without stifling growth, eliminate the speed/security trade-off, and deliver on the DevSecOps promise.

So, what are the four best practices to help organisations achieve robust and effective DevSecOps strategies?

1. Eliminate friction: integrate and automate for unified DevSecOps

For DevSecOps to be truly effective, it must be seamless and frictionless. This means integrating security tests into the existing development workflows, ensuring that relevant tests are triggered automatically while avoiding redundant ones that could delay software delivery. Automation plays a critical role here. Organisations can maintain high-security standards without manual intervention by enforcing risk-based policies through automated processes, often introducing bottlenecks.

Integration and automation enable a unified approach where security becomes an inherent part of the development process. Automated tools can continuously scan code and flag vulnerabilities, and even provide automated fixes or recommendations. This reduces the manual overhead on developers and security teams, allowing them to focus on more complex tasks that require human intervention. The key is to ensure that security measures are not an afterthought but a built-in aspect of the development lifecycle.

2. Meet developers where they are: cultivate security capability

One of the cornerstones of a successful DevSecOps strategy is enhancing developers’ security capabilities. By embedding security insights directly into their workflows, businesses can preclude introducing new issues and expedite the remediation of existing ones. This involves providing developers with clear, prioritised security risk insights and detailed remediation guidance within their preferred integrated development environments (IDEs).

Real-time risk awareness tools can alert developers to potential issues as they write code, offering fix recommendations on the spot. This proactive approach mitigates risks early and cultivates a culture of security awareness among developers.

Additionally, offering tailored security training and secure coding education aligned with their projects, technologies and business needs can further empower developers. Companies can build a robust first line of defence against security vulnerabilities by meeting developers where they are.

3. Align people, processes and planning

DevSecOps is not just about tools and technologies; it’s about people and processes. Successful implementation hinges on the collaboration and cooperation of various roles within the firm. AppSec teams may own the security risk posture, but their effectiveness relies on the support and engagement of development and DevOps teams.

To avoid common pitfalls, it is crucial to identify each team’s priorities and success criteria in the DevSecOps process. Entities should define clear performance metrics and best practices tailored to each team’s responsibilities. Regular communication and alignment sessions can ensure that everyone is on the same page and working towards common goals. This holistic approach helps build a cohesive DevSecOps culture where security is seen as a shared responsibility rather than a siloed function.

4. Leverage platform-based AST that evolves with the business

Incorporating a SaaS-based application security testing (AST) platform can significantly streamline the DevSecOps process. Such platforms offer multiple analysis engines capable of securing both proprietary and third-party code, eliminating the need for redundant tools and complex implementations. By consolidating security testing under a single, centralised platform, organisations can enforce uniform policies, integrate seamlessly across continuous integration (CI) pipelines, and provide prioritised risk insights across all projects and tests.

This approach reduces complexity and costs and enhances scalability. As the business grows, a platform-based AST can evolve to meet new security challenges, ensuring that security measures keep pace with development needs. This adaptability is crucial for maintaining robust security without hindering innovation and growth.

Enabling effective, integrated DevSecOps is good business

Ultimately, integrating DevSecOps best practices is not just about improving security; it’s about driving business success. A well-implemented DevSecOps strategy can transform AppSec from a cost centre into a business enabler. By embedding policy-based automation and end-to-end visibility into risk and resolution, companies can streamline their development processes, reduce time to market, and boost overall product quality.

A new approach to AppSec through DevSecOps is crucial for modern businesses. By eliminating friction through integration and automation, cultivating security capabilities among developers, aligning people and processes, and leveraging adaptive AST platforms, companies can achieve a seamless and effective DevSecOps strategy. This protects against risks and fuels growth, making it an essential component of any forward-thinking company’s toolkit.

If you need help with your AppSec or would like to hear more about DevSecOps and how Altron Arrow can assist, contact our business development manager, Nkateko Malindi, at 083 211 0435 or [email protected].

About Altron Arrow
Altron Arrow is the leading distributor of electronic components in sub-Saharan Africa. Altron Arrow is a 50/50 joint venture partnership (established 1998) between Altron, South Africa’s JSE-listed premier multibillion-rand ICT group, and Arrow Electronics, a US$30-billion Fortune 120 Company that is a New York Stock Exchange-listed global distributor of electronic components and enterprise computing solutions.

Altron Arrow’s incredibly broad portfolio brings a unique vantage over the entire technology landscape to every conversation with every customer as we help them design, source, build and launch products that improve the quality of life for people and make the benefits of innovation more accessible to all.

The company is committed to excellence in distribution performance and customer service. With longstanding relationships with leading international manufacturers of electronic components and modules, Altron Arrow is favourably positioned to provide the African market with the world’s most sought-after components at highly competitive prices.

Altron Arrow is ISO9001:2015 certified with processes well documented and structured for compliance. For more info visit altronarrow.com.