Enhance data security in software development with DevSecOps. Learn key strategies and tools to protect sensitive data throughout the development process.
Now more than ever, data security is paramount. Software developers play a crucial role in ensuring the protection of sensitive data. The biggest threat that a data breach poses to your business is its financial implications, giving you unforeseen expenses in data, downtime, lost business, lost wages, and even regulatory fines. This blog explores the concept of DevSecOps and highlights key strategies and tools that software developers can employ to enhance data security in their development processes.
IBM’s report revealed that the global cost of a data breach amounts to $4.35 million, putting the per-record cost at $164. Depending on how long it takes companies to identify and contain a breach, costs can balloon even more. In 2022, the average time it took for companies to manage data breaches was 9 months (about 277 days), which cost them an additional $1.12 million. According to the 2022 Data Protection Trends report by Veeam, the average cost of downtime is $88,000 per hour, or $1,467 per minute. Depending on the industry the business belongs to, the cost can vary. For example, downtime costs in the auto industry sit around $22,000, while large industrial manufacturers lose $10,000 to $250,000 per hour. This doesn’t even factor in the reputational damage that the breach costs the company.
DevSecOps is all about introducing security in the earlier phase of the application or software development cycle and using continuous integration, continuous delivery, and continuous deployment pipelines (CI/CD), which help minimise vulnerabilities. Mainly focusing on securing applications and automating security in the DevSecOps process.
For software developers, this means shifting their mindset to prioritise security alongside development and operations. By doing so, they can proactively address vulnerabilities and mitigate risks related to data security in order to meet business objectives related to security and compliance.
Software developers should consider security in the initial stages of development. Implementing secure coding practices, conducting threat modeling, and performing security reviews can help identify and address vulnerabilities early on. Integrating automated security testing into the development process allows software developers to identify and remediate security issues in real time. Techniques such as static code analysis, dynamic application security testing (DAST), and interactive application security testing (IAST) can help detect vulnerabilities efficiently.
Developers also need to ensure proper configuration management, which is vital for data security. They should establish strict access controls, regularly update software and libraries, and adhere to secure configuration guidelines to minimise the risk of exploitation. Following secure coding practices, such as input validation, output encoding, and proper error handling, helps prevent common security vulnerabilities like injection attacks, cross-site scripting (XSS), and buffer overflows.
Static Analysis Tools - Tools like SonarQube, Veracode, and Checkmarx analyse source code to identify security flaws and provide recommendations for remediation.
Vulnerability Scanning Tools - Automated tools such as OpenVAS and Nessus can scan systems and applications for known vulnerabilities, helping software developers detect and address security weaknesses.
Container Security Tools - As containerisation gains popularity, tools like Docker Security Scanning, Clair, and Twistlock help identify vulnerabilities in container images and monitor their security. DevOps heavily relies on containerisation and microservices for efficient application development and deployment, with Docker being the most widely used container technology.
Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) Tools: SIEM tools like Splunk and ELK Stack enable centralised logging and real-time monitoring, allowing software developers to detect and respond to security incidents promptly.
The field of cybersecurity is constantly evolving, and software developers must stay updated on the latest threats, vulnerabilities, and best practices. Continuous learning through training programs, attending security conferences, and engaging in security communities allows software developers to enhance their skills and adapt to emerging security threats. For other best practices regarding preventative software maintenance, click here.
In an era where data breaches and cyber threats are prevalent, software developers must embrace the principles of DevSecOps to ensure data security throughout the development process. By implementing key strategies and utilising appropriate tools, they can proactively address security risks and protect valuable data assets.
