Significance of DevSecOps for Cloud Native Applications

The Wake-Up Call: A Data Breach in a Cloud-First World

In today's cloud-first landscape, a major data breach is not just a setback; it's a siren call for organizations to reevaluate their security strategies. Think about this: a big company's cloud app gets hacked, leaking tons of data. This isn't just bad news; it's a loud wake-up call.

With cloud-native applications becoming the backbone of modern businesses, these breaches are stark reminders of the critical need for robust security practices in cloud environments.

Below are the 3 notable cyber attack trends on cloud applications in Q3 of 2023

  • The Cl0p ransomware group exploited a zero-day vulnerability in the MOVEit file transfer server application, which runs on Windows servers.

    The attack involved delivering a .aspx webshell to the server, leading to the theft of files from the server and connected Azure Blob Storage.

    Over 500 organizations and the data of 34 million individuals were compromised, marking it as one of the most significant threat campaigns of the year

  • Throughout 2023, there was a consistent increase in the prevalence of cloud infostealers targeting credentials from misconfigured or vulnerable cloud services.

    Notable examples include AlienFox, Legion, and TeamTNT Doppelgänger. These tools primarily targeted credentials for spam attacks, API keys, and secrets from services like AWS SES and Microsoft Office 365.

    TeamTNT Doppelgänger, in particular, showed a shift in focus from cryptocurrency mining to more credential harvesting and environment enumeration

  • StormWall researchers noted a 43% increase in attacks compared to Q3 2022.

    There was an 83% jump in multi-vector attacks, which target multiple protocols or system components.

    DDoS attacks aimed at web applications saw a 48% increase in Q3 2023 compared to the same timeframe in the previous year​

Understanding the Cloud-Native Ecosystem

Cloud-native applications aren't your average software. They're designed from the ground up to exploit the cloud's elasticity and distributed nature. These applications, often built as microservices, running in containers and orchestrated by systems like Kubernetes, demand a more integrated and agile approach to security.

Enter DevSecOps: The Non-Negotiable Security Backbone for Cloud Apps

This is where DevSecOps enters the picture. It's more than just a fancy term. In the world of cloud apps, it means making security a big deal from the get-go. Instead of slapping on security measures at the end, DevSecOps weaves security into every step, from building the app to running it.

It's an extension of the DevOps philosophy, which emphasizes collaboration, automation, and integration between developers and IT operations teams. DevSecOps adds a security layer to this by incorporating security practices and tools from the start of the development process, rather than treating security as a separate or final step.

How DevSecOps Benefits Businesses

DevSecOps enhances enterprise security by integrating proactive, automated, and collaborative security practices throughout the development lifecycle, accelerating time-to-market and ensuring compliance, while fostering a culture of security awareness and reducing costs and risks.

Benefits of DevSecOps

Success Stories of Implementing DevSecOps

  • Launched the Defense Enterprise DevSecOps Initiative (DEDSI) in 2018.

    Adopted the Enterprise DevSecOps Reference Design for a standardized framework.

    Achieved rapid and secure software development and deployment.

  • Established a dedicated security team to work with development and operations.

    Reduced software vulnerabilities through early identification and remediation.

    Awarded the DevSecOps Transformation Award in 2019.

  • Undertook a DevSecOps transformation following a significant data breach in 2013.

    Emphasized security as a shared responsibility and invested in team training.

    Utilized CI/CD pipelines for better security integration.

Takeaways

In summary, the adoption of DevSecOps isn't just a tactical move; it's a strategic imperative in the cloud-native world. The flexibility and dynamism of cloud applications demand a security approach that is equally agile and integrated.

For companies venturing into the cloud, DevSecOps is the beacon that guides them in navigating the complex terrain of cloud application development. It's a commitment to ensuring that their digital innovations are not only ground-breaking but also secure and resilient.


If you're looking to enhance the security of your applications, we're here to help. Our team specializes in integrating robust security measures to safeguard your digital assets. Feel free to contact us (connect@innowhyte.com) for expert guidance and tailored solutions that can fortify your applications against potential threats. Let's work together to ensure your digital security is top-notch.