What is DevSecOps?
DevSecOps is an approach to software development where security is integrated into every phase of the DevOps process. Instead of security being "bolted on" at the end of a project, it is baked in from the very beginning. DevSecOps automates security checks and makes everyone on the team responsible for security.
Why Learn DevSecOps?
- Growing demand: Companies are looking for people who understand both DevOps and security
- Higher salaries: DevSecOps engineers are among the highest-paid IT positions
- Fewer incidents: Shift left security reduces the number of security issues in production
- Faster releases: Automated security tests do not slow down development
- Compliance: Easier compliance with regulatory requirements (NIS2, GDPR, PCI-DSS)
Fun Fact
If you learn just the first two DevSecOps modules (Security Essentials and Introduction to DevSecOps), you will have more security knowledge than 80% of engineers who do not specialize in security.
Prerequisites for DevSecOps
What you should know before you start:
- DevOps basics: CI/CD pipeline, Git, Docker, cloud basics
- Linux command line: Basic terminal usage
- Programming: At least one language (Python, JavaScript, Go)
- Networking basics: TCP/IP, DNS, HTTP/HTTPS
Security prerequisites - not required!
If you do not have a security background, that is perfectly fine. DevSecOps courses typically start with security fundamentals, so you will learn everything you need from the ground up.
DevSecOps Learning Path
Recommended Learning Path
1. Security Essentials
Security fundamentals
- Types of security attacks
- OWASP Top 10
- Security in Layers (Defense in Depth)
- Common vulnerabilities (SQL injection, XSS, etc.)
2. DevSecOps Fundamentals
Introduction to DevSecOps
- What is DevSecOps and why it matters
- Shift Left Security
- Security automation
- The role of a DevSecOps engineer
3. Application Security
Securing applications
- SAST - static code analysis
- SCA - dependency analysis
- DAST - dynamic testing
- Container security
4. Infrastructure Security
Securing infrastructure
- Cloud security (AWS/Azure/GCP)
- IAM and access management
- IaC security (Terraform)
- Network security
5. Platform Security
Securing platforms
- Kubernetes security
- Service mesh (Istio)
- Secrets management
- Policy as Code
Key DevSecOps Tools
Semgrep / SonarQube
Static analysis of source code to detect vulnerabilities.
- Detection of security flaws in code
- Custom rules
- CI/CD integration
Snyk / Dependabot
Analysis of third-party dependencies and their vulnerabilities.
- CVE detection
- Automated fix PRs
- License compliance
Trivy
Scanning Docker images and Kubernetes manifests.
- Image vulnerability scanning
- IaC scanning
- Secret detection
GitLeaks / TruffleHog
Detection of secrets and credentials in code.
- Pre-commit hooks
- CI/CD scanning
- Git history scan
How to Implement DevSecOps - Step by Step
- Start simple: Add secret detection to your CI/CD (GitLeaks)
- Add SAST: Semgrep or a similar tool
- Add SCA: Dependabot or Snyk for dependency scanning
- Container scanning: Trivy for Docker images
- Centralize findings: DefectDojo or a similar platform
- Define policies: What blocks the pipeline versus what is just a warning
- Measure and improve: Track metrics, reduce the number of findings
Tip for Getting Started
Do not try to do everything at once. Add one tool, let the team get used to it, then add the next. Gradual implementation is more successful than a big bang approach.
Next Steps
After reading this guide, we recommend:
- Learn the OWASP Top 10: Our article on OWASP Top 10
- Understand Defense in Depth: Security Best Practices
- Set up your first scan: SAST - Static Analysis
- Secure your pipeline: CI/CD Security
- Need help with implementation? Consulting for companies - new projects, existing infrastructure, and startups