Shift Left with DevSecOps

By Chris Zinn, Solutions Architect, Help AG  

Just a few years ago, organizations were still hesitant about embracing the cloud. Today, however, businesses of all sizes are either already using cloud technology or actively planning their move. Every digital transformation strategy involves the cloud in some way, whether it’s private, on-premises, or utilizing hyperscalers. The goal remains the same -cost optimization, increased performance, elasticity, and resilience. 

Misconceptions About Cloud Security  

A common mistake organizations make is assuming that the cloud is secure by default. It is crucial to understand the importance of the shared responsibility model – cloud providers are responsible for security of the cloud, while customers and consumers are responsible for security in the cloud. This means securing workloads and data should be a priority from day one or even day zero (before deployment). 

The Essence of DevSecOps 

DevOps was created to achieve business agility by merging development and operations teams, streamlining the process of software development and deployment. However, as cloud adoption became more widespread and security concerns increased, it became clear that security needs to be an integral part of this process. This realization led to the development of DevSecOps, which involves incorporating security teams alongside development and operations teams. With DevSecOps, security is no longer treated as an afterthought or a showstopper near the end of the development process. Instead, security is integrated from the beginning, enabling a unified approach to software development and deployment. This ensures that applications are secure by the time they reach the deployment stage. 

Day Zero Security in Cloud Environments 

Thinking about security from the very beginning of cloud planning is essential. There are four core pillars to consider- data security, network security, workload security, and identity security. These aspects must be considered regardless of the cloud service being used. Additionally, organizations should not overlook the deployment process and runtime in the cloud, including monitoring and analyzing signals to detect anomalous behavior. 

In a recent cloud assessment conducted by the Help AG cloud team for a cloud-native organization, our experts discovered 290,000 vulnerabilities including accounts with unused 90+ day permissions, shadow administrators, wildcard permissions, non-human identities with built-in roles, and accidental public access. 

With our remediation guidance, the organization managed to reduce the number of findings to around 27,000 in just 2-3 weeks. This example highlights the importance of thorough security planning when moving to the cloud. 

Cloud Security Posture Assessments: A Proactive Approach to Cloud Security 

Emphasizing the crucial role of cloud security posture assessments in maintaining a secure and resilient cloud environment, Help AG has developed a suite of services designed to facilitate secure cloud enablement. One such service is our comprehensive cloud security assessment which is specifically tailored to identify potential security risks in cloud configurations and spot deviations from recommended cloud security architectures. 

At Help AG, we believe that integrating cloud security with Cloud Security Posture Management (CSPM) offers a comprehensive approach to protecting business data and systems in the cloud. From compliant cloud migration and the implementation of corrective controls to the delivery of in-depth assessments, Help AG offers custom-tailored methodologies, technologies, and expertise, all aimed at meeting your specific performance requirements. 

As cloud technology becomes increasingly popular, organizations must prioritize security and adopt DevSecOps principles to ensure a smooth and secure transition. By understanding the shared responsibility model and considering the four core security pillars, businesses can greatly benefit from cloud adoption while minimizing risks.  

If you’re looking for guidance on cloud security, reach out to Help AG’s dedicated cloud team to help you navigate this new territory.