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The integrated software development approach known as DevOps is now standard practice, but all too often, security lags behind. There are a number of reasons for this, including challenges for communication between security and development teams, conflicting agendas and, most significantly, the time it takes to implement security measures.

However, some organizations have opted to use a DevSecOps approach, in which security becomes an integral part of the development and deployment process. Read on to learn about six specially designed tools that can help you implement DevSecOps.

What Is DevSecOps?

DevSecOps is the coordinated effort of personnel from development, security and operations departments to ensure that products are released efficiently and securely from the start. This model was developed to address vulnerabilities resulting from including security too late in the process of development, which led to longer production times, due to the need to rewrite flawed code, or worse, the release of insecure products.

When a DevSecOps model is implemented, operations and development teams are supplied with tools and processes to assist them when making security decisions. Meanwhile, the security team adapts these tools and processes in response to development and operations needs in order to maintain an agile work environment. The process of converting to a DevSecOps team isn’t easy but the use of the appropriate tools can help simplify collaboration between members.

Top DevSecOps Tools You Need to Know About

The best DevSecOps tools will integrate easily into your Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC), run quickly and provide accurate results, possibly even with recommendations for how to fix flaws. If a tool has to be manually run or requires a lot of follow-up work to extract useful information, it is not likely to be used.

DevSecOps tools typically fall into four categories, static (SAST), dynamic (DAST), interactive (IAST), or post-deployment (RASP) and a robust security strategy requires a combination of multiple types. The tools below are some of the most popular ones currently available and are a good place to start.

1. Continuum Security – IriusRisk and BDD Security

IriusRisk is a tool that allows the creation of threat models using a questionnaire-based system. Based on the information provided, it generates a model along with a list of potential security risks and recommended fixes. These risks can then be tracked, along with actions taken, to ensure that appropriate countermeasures are put into effect. Information from external sources can be easily imported into the tool and current status can be viewed through clear summary reports.

BDD Security is a free and open-source testing framework controlled using Gherkin syntax, for simplicity of use. Tests are run dynamically on specific functional and nonfunctional security requirements and are designed to run on a Continuous Integration (CI) server. The tool is language independent and it is easy to export test results to clear reports.

2. Immun.io

Immun.io is a RASP solution that is deployed within an application. The tool focuses on possible exploitations with real-time monitoring and protection. It can provide information on what type of attacks are occurring, where they’re coming from, and which exploits an attacker attempted or used successfully. Its limited focus and robust diagnostics help ensure that generated alerts are minimal but comprehensive.

3. Aqua Security

Aqua specializes in the security of applications in containers and their infrastructures and focuses on vulnerabilities related to application images and network access. It integrates with numerous infrastructures, including Kubernetes, to secure clusters at the lowest network level and control container activity in real-time using behavior profiles based on machine learning. Aqua allows CI/CD scanning to be automated through native plug-ins or a CLI tool.

4. Checkmarx

Checkmarx’s Software Exposure Platform is a five-piece system designed to cover the entire development lifecycle. Its components are connected and managed through a Management and Orchestration Layer, which allows easy tracking of scan results and modification of security policies.

• CxSAST analyzes source code using a “Best Fix Location” algorithm meant to address multiple vulnerabilities through the fewest points possible. It supports 20 languages and their frameworks.
• CxOSA scans an application for open source components, exposing those with known vulnerabilities, and outdated libraries. It supports all of the most common programming languages.
• CxIAST analyzes applications during run time through continuous monitoring.
• CxCodebashing assists in training developers to avoid security issues from the start by integrating with CxSAST and providing on the spot training on uncovered vulnerabilities and their fixes.

5. ThreatModeler

ThreatModeler is a tool for automating threat models that is available for use in public or private clouds. It offers bi-directional API for easy integration with CI/CD tools and makes use of reusable templates and built-in threat information and frameworks. Results from functional tests are centralized in a dashboard for comprehensive access and understanding.

6. CA Veracode

Veracode solutions were built specifically for DevSecOps purposes and include four main tools.

Static Analysis is a SAST tool that evaluates code quickly, alerts to potential vulnerabilities, and provides information on possible fixes. It supports over 23 languages and 75 frameworks.

Greenlight is an IDE that can be used to scan code for security flaws at any point in the build process. It provides near-immediate feedback and can be used to help educate developers on security risks while they work.

Software Composition Analysis (SCA) is a tool that assists in building a list of open source components used in your application and identifying known vulnerabilities that need to be addressed. Application scan results are saved and notifications can be set to alert as new vulnerabilities are discovered or the threat level of existing ones are upgraded.

Dynamic Analysis is a DAST tool that automatically scans individual applications or batches of applications to assess vulnerabilities created by third-party providers. It can be used with private as well as public IP addresses and URLs regardless of framework.

Wrap Up

Software security is not going to stop being a concern any time in the near future. DevSecOps teams are currently the best strategy for ensuring that products are released as securely and quickly as possible. The tools that are currently available can help established teams work more fluidly, as well as create a base from which growing teams can operate. However, not all tools will work for your needs, but with careful selection and integration, your team can see a boost in effectiveness and productivity, allowing them to release products with speed and confidence.