Wizeline

DevOps is a software development strategy. It is developed to produce and release quality software at high speed. It is focused on agile methodologies, automation, and continuous integration / continuous delivery (CI/CD).CI/CD pipelines contain system access, codebases, and environment configurations. It makes the pipeline vulnerable. There are a few steps that can improve the security of this pipeline. Here are the steps the DevOps team can set up the pipeline securely. 1)  Scan dependencyThe dependency scanning can identify issues in your tools as well as within your projects.  The scanning tools can create inventories of dependencies and check these against known vulnerabilities and versions. Make sure your dependencies are scanned and are up to date. In case if you are using multiple versions of dependencies, one can consider reducing your dependency.2)  Container scanningScan the container; it means to scan the container in which your pipeline services and applications are tested, deployed, or developed. This step needs to performed periodically throughout your development process.  It is a good practice to scan any master images you may be building environments from.  It is much easier to fix vulnerabilities at the source than addressing issues while deploying containers.3)  End-points protectionDevOps pipelines have a number of sensitive endpoints. From build servers to repositories to developer workstations, they all have loopholes.  Deploy endpoint protection by empowering them with next-generation antivirus endpoint protection systems.  They should also include endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools that help security teams to identify any suspicious activity on an endpoint. 4)  Static Application Security TestingStatic Application Security Testing can scan code in a white box testing process.  It can help you find issues related to logic, syntax, complexity, and vulnerable methods. The tools can provide real-time insight to problems on a line by line basis directly from your code editors. While using tools, make sure it does not interfere with developer workflows and display only relevant, clear results.5)  Runtime ProtectionTry to implement runtime protections to protect against those threats you have not yet identified.  Make sure the protection you apply has strong access control and verify the users have the minimum necessary privileges.  To further enhance the security level, deploy applications with the RASP (Runtime Application Self-Protection) tool. It is an automated tool you can use to secure applications during runtime. It acts as a security framework inside your apps, continuously scanning traffic, and blocking suspicious activity. 6)  Implement IDS (Intrusion Detection System (IDS)Use the IDS or Intrusion Detection System. It can analyze traffic for unusual activity, based on predefined rules and policies, and alert security teams to suspicious activities. IDS in the DevOps pipeline ensures that only validated users are accessing your code.  Users can also set up a system for alert whenever there is an alteration in environment images, configurations, and deployment settings. 7) Segment networks It involves grouping application servers and resources into separate units.  It will help you to reduce the number of potential access points for attacks. 8) Pipeline Monitoring Use a centralized monitoring tool. Without centralization, unusual incidents and issues are likely to be missed. The pipeline monitoring tool helps you to aggregate log data and alerts.  9) Secrets management Make sure the embedded credentials are removed from code, files, scripts, service accounts, tools, cloud platforms, and so on. 10) Security tools for DevOpsThere are few tools that could help to strengthen your DevOps pipeline security,LogRhythm SIEMVenafi Trust Protection PlatformCharles ProxyOWASP Zed Attack Proxy (ZAP)OSSECCheckmarx AppSec AcceleratorDevOps security in the early phase of the product lifecycle ensures that security spans through every part of application and systems development.