Differences Between DevOps and DevSecOps

Our digital environment is in a constant state of flux as new variables are added daily. New technologies come to the fore, dominate for a while, and then go obsolete. In this rapidly developing world, change is a constant and innovation is the key to staying in the game. DevOps is one such innovation that intends to inculcate development and operations into a seamless bounded philosophy that returns with efficient development of software. 

DevOps can play an important role in the Internet of Things (IoT) deployment. IoT devices and applications involve a complex ecosystem of hardware, software, and networking components that must work seamlessly together to provide a cohesive user experience. DevOps has proven to be a game changer and companies such as JFrog are at the forefront of this revolution. 

DevSecOps broadens the parameters of the existing DevOps environment by adding security as a key aspect. This inherent focus on security forms the key difference between the two philosophies. By extension, DevSecOps is supposed to fill the gaps present in the DevOps environment by removing vulnerabilities and mitigating any risks involved in the process. However, it is to each their own and the two philosophies have found their own suitors. 

DevOps – Streamlining Development:

DevOps is a philosophy that sets rules and procedures for the development of software while keeping IT operations in the loop to improve the efficiency of software delivery. The sole purpose of this amalgamation of two different processes is to fill the gaps that exist between software development and IT operations teams. It coordinates the two unique processes which act in close coordination to get the most positive results.

DevOps involves the use of automation, monitoring, and testing tools to streamline the software development process and ensure that software is released quickly and reliably. It emphasizes continuous delivery and deployment, which means that code changes are made in small increments and released to production frequently, rather than in large batches.

DevOps also involves a shift in mindset, with a focus on delivering value to customers as quickly as possible and using feedback to continuously improve products and processes. The goal is to create a more efficient and effective software development and delivery process that can respond quickly to changing business needs and customer requirements.

DevSecOps – Cybersecurity is the Key:

DevSecOps, as the name and the placement of ‘Sec’ in between Dev & Ops, suggests that security is the third parameter along with development and Operations, that must be included in the DevOps environment. Cybersecurity has become a serious concern for people on the internet and developers alike. Thus, DevSecOps integrates security with the existing philosophy of DevOps to come up with a holistic security approach.

DevSecOps emphasizes the importance of shifting security left in the development process, which means that security considerations are integrated into the earliest stages of the software development lifecycle. This involves implementing security practices such as code analysis, vulnerability scanning, and penetration testing as part of the development process, rather than waiting until after the software is developed to address security issues.

DevSecOps also emphasizes the importance of automation and collaboration between developers, security teams, and operations teams. It involves using automation tools to integrate security testing and monitoring into the development and deployment process, as well as fostering collaboration and communication between teams to ensure that security considerations are addressed throughout the entire software development lifecycle.

The goal of DevSecOps is to create a more secure and resilient software development process that can respond quickly to security threats and vulnerabilities, while also delivering software quickly and reliably. DevSecOps helps organizations achieve greater efficiency and security in their software products by layering security considerations at each level of the DevOps cycle.

Is Security the Only Difference Between the Two Sets of Rules?

The main difference between DevOps and DevSecOps is that while DevOps focuses on the integration of development and operations to streamline the software delivery process, DevSecOps adds an additional layer of security considerations to the mix.

DevOps emphasizes automation, coordination, and continuous delivery and deployment to create more efficient and effective software products. DevOps teams work to break down barriers between different phases of software development for the efficient rollout of the software. 

DevSecOps builds on this foundation by adding a focus on security considerations. It includes implementing security testing and monitoring as part of the development process, while at the same time, promoting communication amongst development, operations, and security teams.

The major difference between the two environments includes the addition of layered security considerations at each stage of the DevOps cycle. It helps companies meet stringent security requirements set by agencies and governments. However, the basic purpose of DevOps is to make software delivery more efficient and continuously improve over time. 

Adding an additional cycle of securitizing the process may jeopardize the speed of development. However, if you’re handling sensitive data, you must consider the additional security layers. In other instances, a laxer approach relying on DevOps can make your software delivery swifter and more efficient.