Developer’s Insight from the US Department of Defense

DevSecOps

A Comprehensive Guide to Agile, Secure, and Efficient Software Development

The Department of Defense (DoD) has always been at the forefront of technological innovation, and its approach to software development is no exception. Recognizing the need for speed, security, and efficiency in developing software applications, the DoD has embraced DevSecOps — a philosophy that integrates development (Dev), security (Sec), and operations (Ops) into a single, unified process. The DoD’s DevSecOps playbook is a comprehensive guide that outlines the department’s approach to implementing this philosophy.

The DevSecOps Philosophy

At its core, DevSecOps is about breaking down the silos that traditionally exist between development, security, and operations teams. By integrating these functions, organizations can develop and deploy software more quickly, while also ensuring that security is baked into the process from the start. This is particularly important for the DoD, which must balance the need for rapid innovation with the need to protect sensitive information and systems from cyber threats.

The DevSecOps playbook outlines several key principles that guide the DoD’s approach. These include:

• Continuous Integration/Continuous Delivery (CI/CD): This is a practice where developers integrate their code into a shared repository frequently, usually several times a day. Each integration is then automatically tested and built, allowing teams to detect problems early. Once the build is tested, it is continuously delivered to the staging or production environment.
• Automated Testing: To ensure that software is free of defects, the DoD advocates for automated testing. This involves using tools and scripts to automatically execute tests, reducing the time and effort required for manual testing.
• Infrastructure as Code (IaC): This is a practice where infrastructure is managed and provisioned through code, rather than manual processes. This allows for consistent and repeatable deployments, making it easier to manage and scale infrastructure.
• Monitoring and Logging: To ensure that applications are performing as expected, the DoD recommends continuous monitoring and logging. This involves collecting and analyzing data about application performance, user behavior, and other key metrics.
• Security and Compliance: Given the sensitive nature of the DoD’s work, security and compliance are critical. The playbook emphasizes the need for continuous security practices, such as threat modeling, security assessments, and compliance checks.

Implementing DevSecOps

Implementing DevSecOps is not a one-size-fits-all process. It requires a cultural shift, as well as changes to processes and tooling. The playbook outlines several key steps in this process:

• Assessing Current State: Before implementing DevSecOps, organizations need to assess their current state. This involves understanding existing processes, tools, and capabilities, as well as identifying gaps and areas for improvement.
• Building a Cross-Functional Team: A successful DevSecOps initiative requires a cross-functional team that includes representatives from development, security, and operations. This team should work together to define goals, identify challenges, and develop a plan for implementing DevSecOps.
• Selecting and Implementing Tools: There are many tools available that support DevSecOps practices. The playbook recommends selecting tools that support automation, collaboration, and integration. Once tools are selected, they need to be properly implemented and configured.
• Training and Upskilling: To effectively use DevSecOps tools and practices, teams need to be properly trained. This may involve formal training programs, as well as ongoing learning and development opportunities.
• Iterating and Improving: DevSecOps is not a one-time project, but an ongoing process of improvement. Teams should continuously monitor their progress, gather feedback, and make adjustments as needed.

The Sum of Knowledge and Practice

The DoD’s DevSecOps playbook provides a comprehensive guide for organizations looking to implement DevSecOps practices. By integrating development, security, and operations, organizations can develop and deploy software more quickly, while also ensuring that security is baked into the process from the start.

The playbook emphasizes the importance of continuous integration and delivery, automated testing, infrastructure as code, and continuous monitoring and logging. It also outlines steps for implementing DevSecOps, including assessing the current state, building a cross-functional team, selecting and implementing tools, training and upskilling, and iterating and improving.

While the playbook is tailored to the needs of the DoD, its principles and practices are applicable to any organization looking to improve its software development processes. By following the playbook, organizations can achieve the speed, security, and efficiency that are the hallmarks of DevSecOps.

In conclusion, the DoD’s DevSecOps playbook is a valuable resource for any organization looking to implement DevSecOps. It provides a clear roadmap for integrating development, security, and operations, enabling organizations to deliver high-quality software at speed, without compromising on security.