Samuel Ogbonna details how cybersecurity and DevOps teams can enhance collaboration by embedding security throughout the DevOps pipeline, sharing actionable best practices and communication strategies.

How Cybersecurity Teams Can Work Better with DevOps

Author: Samuel Ogbonna

Introduction

DevOps teams aim for rapid software delivery, but security often struggles to keep pace when treated as a separate function. This article explores how organizations can move from a checkpoint security mindset to integrating security (DevSecOps) at every stage of the development pipeline, ensuring cooperation without sacrificing speed.

The Need for Security in DevOps

  • Definition: Security in DevOps (DevSecOps) means embedding security checks and controls throughout the development and operations process, not just at the end.
  • Benefits: Early vulnerability detection, reduced rework, heightened accountability for security across all roles, and improved compliance.

Common Challenges in Cybersecurity/DevOps Collaboration

  • Communication Silos: Different tools, language, and metrics used by security and DevOps teams can delay responses and reduce collaboration.
  • Conflicting Priorities: Security teams focus on risk reduction and compliance, while DevOps teams prioritize speed and innovation.
  • Unclear Responsibilities: When ownership of issues is vague, alerts may be ignored or mishandled.
  • Skills and Awareness Gaps: Security teams may lack cloud-native skills, while DevOps may lack training in secure coding practices.

Best Practices for Integrating Security in DevOps

Define Shared Responsibilities

  • Clearly assign which team handles specific threats and tasks (e.g., security team monitors threats, DevOps manages container setup).

Cross-Train Teams and Appoint Security Champions

  • Provide training for both teams on each other’s tools and responsibilities.
  • Designate a “security champion” in each DevOps team to bridge gaps and translate requirements into actionable tasks.

Integrate Automated Security into CI/CD

  • Use automated code scanners (SAST/DAST), dependency checkers, and IaC scanners to identify issues during development, not afterward.

Unified Visibility and Tooling

  • Implement shared dashboards or incident/bug trackers for both teams to review alerts and metrics together.

Regular Communication Routine

  • Schedule joint meetings, incident reviews, and “security office hours” for improved understanding and prevention of finger-pointing.

Foster a DevSecOps Culture

  • Make security a shared value at all levels, celebrate security wins, and invest in ongoing education and certifications.

Continuous Improvement

  • Regularly track security metrics (e.g., number of incidents, response time) and revisit processes after problems to improve future outcomes.

Conclusion

By breaking down silos, clarifying responsibilities, leveraging automation, and fostering a DevSecOps culture, organizations can deliver secure software at speed. Regular review and adaptation of these practices help keep both DevOps and security teams aligned and effective.

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