The Top DevSecOps Tools Worth Considering

DevSecOps tools integrate security practices within the DevOps process, ensuring robust protection throughout the software development lifecycle. These tools automate security checks, streamline compliance, and mitigate risks, making them essential for modern development teams.

Hackers are constantly on the lookout for software vulnerabilities to exploit. DevSecOps tools can help software developers ensure the products they launch are making threat actors take pause and help them avoid a major attack, like the one SolarWinds went through in 2020.

In this article we’ll explore:

• What DevSecOps tools are.
• How tools for DevSecOps processes help.
• The different categories of DevSecOps tools.
• Examples of today’s best DevSecOps tools.

What are DevSecOps Security Tools?

DevSecOps tools integrate security into the DevOps pipeline, automating security checks and ensuring continuous protection throughout the software development lifecycle. These tools encompass various categories, such as:

• CI/CD (Continuous Integration/Continuous Delivery): These tools help developers test changes to code, and make it easier to update applications with new features.
• SAST (Static Application Security Testing): These tools assist with static code analysis, and use security signatures to identify vulnerabilities in code.
• DAST (Dynamic Application Security Testing): Using a black box approach, DAST is used to find vulnerabilities in an application, validate inputs and outputs, detecting authentication issues, and more.

These all help cover different aspects of security.

The rise of sophisticated cyber threats has made DevSecOps tools fundamental in modern development. 

By embedding security practices from the outset, these tools help teams detect and address vulnerabilities early, maintain compliance, and reduce risks, ultimately leading to more secure and reliable software releases. Without these tools, executing a robust DevSecOps approach would be more challenging and less effective.

How Tools for DevSecOps Methods Help

DevSecOps tools streamline the integration of security within the software development lifecycle, ensuring that security checks are seamlessly incorporated from the beginning. This integration minimizes manual efforts and reduces the likelihood of human error, such as security misconfigurations, which cause 35% of all cyber incidents.

These tools enhance the effectiveness of DevSecOps methodologies by automating repetitive tasks and providing real-time feedback, allowing teams to address vulnerabilities promptly. As a result, projects face fewer security issues and maintain higher quality standards throughout their development.

Top ways DevSecOps tools help execute DevSecOps methods:

• Automate security testing and vulnerability scanning
• Reduce configuration mistakes
• Prevent code injection errors
• Avoid missed compliance requirements
• Reduce the need for specialized in-house hires

The Different Categories of DevSecOps Tools

DevSecOps encompasses a broad range of tools, each designed to address specific aspects of security within the software development lifecycle. Understanding the different categories of DevSecOps tools is crucial for integrating comprehensive security measures into your DevOps process. 

Each category plays a unique role, from automating security tests to managing infrastructure configurations, ultimately enhancing the security posture of software projects.

Continuous integration/Continuous Delivery (CI/CD)

CI/CD tools are designed to automate the build, test, and deployment processes to ensure that continuous integration and delivery goals, a hallmark of DevOps methods, are easily met. 

They automate the detection and resolution of CI/CD issues early, reducing the amount of manual labor and subsequent errors. 

With the CI/CD tools on hand, collaboration among development teams increases, accelerating release cycles, and improving software quality.

SAST Tools

Static Application Security Testing (SAST) tools analyze source code for vulnerabilities early in the development process. They are used to identify security flaws before the code is deployed, ensuring that issues are fixed at the source. 

By providing developers with immediate feedback, SAST tools:

• Reduce the cost and effort of remediation
• Enhance code quality
• Bolster overall security in the DevSecOps workflow

DAST Tools

Dynamic Application Security Testing (DAST) tools test running applications for security vulnerabilities by simulating attacks in real-time. 

They are used to identify issues such as SQL injection and cross-site scripting while the application is operational. 

These tools help developers understand how their applications perform under attack, providing insights to fix vulnerabilities before they can be exploited, thus ensuring robust security throughout the software lifecycle.

Container Security Tools

Container security tools ensure the security of containerized applications by scanning images for vulnerabilities, monitoring runtime behaviors, and enforcing compliance policies. They are used to protect the entire container lifecycle, from development to deployment. 

These tools provide visibility into container activities, detect and prevent potential threats, and secure the container environment, thereby maintaining the integrity and security of applications within the DevSecOps framework.

IAM Tools

Identity and Access Management (IAM) is a foundational element to any cybersecurity and risk management program. IAM tools can be used to manage user identities and control access to resources within a software program. They are used to enforce security policies and ensure that only authorized users can access sensitive information.

These tools facilitate:

• Centralized user management
• Role-based access control
• Multi-factor authentication
• Access monitoring and auditing

IAM tools enhance a project’s security posture by embedding the established rules for preventing unauthorized access, and align with the software’s IAM framework.

Compliance and Governance Tools

Compliance and governance tools ensure that applications and infrastructure meet regulatory and policy requirements. This could include regulatory programs such as HIPAA, GDPR, PCI DSS, SOX, and others.

These types of tools are used to automate compliance checks and generate reports, ensuring adherence to standards. Compliance tasks these tools are used for include:

• Continuous compliance monitoring
• Automated audit reporting
• Policy enforcement
• Risk assessment

By maintaining compliance and governance, development teams can avoid legal issues, build trust with clients, and ensure their systems adhere to industry standards.

IaC Security Tools

Infrastructure as Code (IaC) security tools help manage and secure infrastructure configurations written as code. They are used to scan and validate IaC templates, ensuring they adhere to security best practices. 

By automating security checks, these tools prevent misconfigurations and vulnerabilities in cloud environments, ensuring that a software’s infrastructure is both secure and compliant.

Secrets Management Tools

Secrets management tools securely store and manage sensitive information such as API keys, passwords, and certificates. They are used to control access to secrets, ensuring that only authorized applications and users can retrieve them. 

These tools protect against unauthorized access and reduce the risk of secrets exposure, enhancing the overall security posture of the software development environment within the DevSecOps framework.

Infrastructure Security Tools

Infrastructure security tools monitor and secure the underlying systems where applications run. They are used to detect and mitigate threats, ensuring the security of servers, networks, and other infrastructure components. 

These tools provide:

• Real-time monitoring and alerts
• Threat detection and prevention
• Automated incident response
• Compliance reporting

Endpoint Security Tools

Endpoint security tools protect the devices a software will sit within or be run from such as computers, smartphones, and tablets from cyber threats. They are used to monitor and secure endpoints against malware, phishing attacks, and unauthorized access incidents. 

These tools ensure that all endpoints comply with security policies and provide features like antivirus protection, intrusion detection, and threat intelligence. By safeguarding endpoints, these tools help maintain the overall security of the software development environment.

The Best DevSecOps Tools List: 5 Tools You Need to Know

Jenkins

Overview:

Jenkins is a DevSecOps open source tool. It’s an automation server that automates the CI/CD pipeline, ensuring efficient code integration and delivery. 

Key features:

• Extensive plugins: Supports various plugins for integration.
• Pipeline as code: Define and manage CI/CD pipelines using code.
• Use case: Automates the entire CI/CD pipeline, from code integration to deployment, reducing time to market and improving software quality.

SonarQube

Overview:

SonarQube is an open-source platform for static application security testing (SAST) that helps detect code vulnerabilities and ensure code quality. 

Key features:

• Code analysis: Identifies security flaws early in development.
• Immediate feedback: Provides developers with actionable insights.
• Use case: Enhances code quality and security by integrating into the CI/CD pipeline, allowing for early detection and remediation of vulnerabilities.

OWASP ZAP

Overview:

OWASP ZAP is a dynamic application security testing (DAST) tool that identifies security vulnerabilities in web applications during runtime. 

Key features:

• Real-time testing: Simulates attacks on running applications.
• Issue identification: Detects vulnerabilities like SQL injection.
• Use case: Helps developers understand application performance under attack, providing insights to fix vulnerabilities before exploitation.

HashiCorp Vault

Overview:

HashiCorp Vault is a robust secrets management tool that securely stores and manages sensitive information such as API keys and passwords. 

Key Features:

• Secure storage: Controls access to sensitive data.
• Access management: Ensures only authorized users can retrieve secrets.
• Use case: Protects against unauthorized access and secrets exposure, enhancing overall security posture.

Aqua Security

Overview:

Aqua Security is a comprehensive container security solution that protects containerized applications from development to production. 

Key Features:

• Vulnerability scanning: Scans images for vulnerabilities.
• Runtime protection: Monitors and secures container activities.
• Use case: Ensures the security of containerized applications throughout their lifecycle, maintaining integrity and compliance.

Tips to Select the Right DevSecOps Tools

Choosing the right DevSecOps tools isn't as easy as it may seem. With numerous options available, it's crucial to select tools that fit your specific needs and skill sets. Using the wrong tools can lead to security gaps, inefficiencies, and increased risks.

To make the right choice, consider these tips:

• Assess your needs: Identify your specific security requirements and development processes to choose tools that align with your goals.
• Evaluate compatibility: Ensure the tools integrate well with your existing systems and workflows.
• Consider scalability: Select tools that can grow with your project and handle increasing workloads.
• Check for support and community: Opt for tools with robust support and an active user community for troubleshooting and advice.
• Consult a cybersecurity expert: Engage with a cybersecurity professional to get tailored recommendations and ensure your choices enhance your security posture effectively.

Move Forward with the Right DevSecOps Tools

Selecting the right DevSecOps tools is essential for securing your development processes. Assess your needs, ensure compatibility, and consult a cybersecurity expert. Silent Sector can provide the expertise you need to choose the best tools for your organization. 

Our team will help you navigate the complexities and enhance your security posture. Ready to take the next step?

Contact Silent Sector today for tailored support and advice on your DevSecOps journey.