It is often the case that there is no intersection between security modules and DevOps in a manner that is convenient. Naturally, security is an integral part of an organization, but the way we introduce its tenets at every crucial part of the DevOps process has been difficult to achieve since its inception. Usually, due to a general lack of expertise in the matter, the implementation of security becomes unbalanced, which hampers the speed and agility of the environment. The solution lies in partnering with the right team to lay out the security measures intelligently. Here’s how you can achieve this:
1. Implement latest policies
Your governance policies must be updated throughout the evolution of your company. While most codes of conduct remain omnipresent and intact within every company, some behavior control is specific to each company’s unique set of IT protocols. These codes of conduct must be properly followed throughout the entire pipeline to ensure there is zero leakage of data. Creating a transparent governance system also provides the engineers with the opportunity to openly share their concerns over anything that may seem fishy within the company. Many people overlook this aspect of security for being non-technical and moralistic, but enforcing and fostering such an environment in DevOps leads to long-term benefits.
2. Integrate DevSecOps
Optimally-secured DevOps requires collaboration from multiple paradigm internal functions to ensure that the security measures are implemented at all stages of the development cycle. Development, design, operation, delivery and support all require equal care and maintenance, and DevSecOps ensure you that you achieve this balance. DevSecOps is embedded throughout the DevOps workflow for balanced governance, and it renders cybersecurity functions such as IAM, privilege management, unified threat management, code review, configuration review and vulnerability testing. In such an environment where security is properly aligned with DevOps, you are able to attain a higher profit margin while minimizing costly recalls and post-release fixes.
3. Ensure vulnerability management
Systems should be thoroughly scanned and assessed to ensure there is security adherence at developmental and integration levels in a DevOps environment. The task of such an assessment is to inform the team of all the possible loopholes in the processes before production begins. Penetration testing is a great tool that helps track down weaknesses at these levels so that a prompt response can patch these issues.
4. Implement Automation
Human intervention increases the chances of errors in intricate tasks such as IAM, privilege management, unified threat management, code review, configuration review and vulnerability testing. It is best that you automate these processes in order to get more time to run security tests on your already refined product, while also minimizing system downtime and reducing vulnerabilities. Automating security protocols helps by not only increasing the speed of your testing and management, but also by improving your profits significantly.
5. Perform device testing
We often forget that the machine on which systems are working also need to be constantly checked for their performance, both in terms of efficiency and security. You cannot perform securely even if you have a software with top-tier security features if the machine on which it is loaded is malfunctioning. Ensure that these devices throughout the entire DevOps cycle are constantly being validated in accordance with your security policies.
6. Segment the networks
A continuous network flow might keep things easy and straightforward, but going this route will also make it easier for cybercriminals to access your servers. This problem is easily addressed by ensuring there is limited access on your application resource server. You can segment the networks so that no one error is spread throughout the DevOps environment, while also ensuring that no hacker has full access to all the data spread on the network.
7. Improve privileged access management
Admin controls provide a window in taking control of the data. The higher number of people have control over it, the more anarchy there is at handling the systems. Therefore, in an agile DevOps environment, try to minimize administrative privileges on various machines wherever possible because the more accessed a data point is, the more prone it is to security threats. Instead, you can store private and sensitive data on only a few local machines because apart from improving your security, doing so also makes it easier to manage. From this point on, you can monitor the legitimacy of your security in the aforementioned environment.
Conclusion
When paired smartly, Security and DevOps culminate in a productive intersystem. The tenets for reducing errors includes the identification of errors and scope of errors, limiting access to the network, ensuring there is minimal access, as well vulnerability management. The focus in DevOps must be more on the prevention of error rather than rectification of it. The tips outlined above help you achieve exactly that.
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