How many DevSecOps tools do you use daily? If you’re like 35% of developers, it’s probably too many for your liking. Building a DevSecOps toolchain is key to making DevSecOps a success and reaping all of its benefits. However, knowing where to start with so many different tools and processes can be overwhelming.

This article will help you demystify the concept of the DevSecOps toolchain and provide a roadmap for building a toolchain that works for you. We'll cover the different categories of tools you should consider and how to assess and improve your current processes. 

Debunking the DevSecOps toolchain

The concept of a DevSecOps toolchain can be misleading, as it suggests that there is a single tool or set of tools that can address all security concerns throughout the software development process. 

In reality, the DevSecOps toolchain comprises a range of tools specific to each stage of the development process, from code creation to deployment. These tools help to identify and mitigate security risks and are essential for ensuring the security and stability of your software.

There is no one-size-fits-all solution for DevSecOps. Different tools are needed for different stages of the development process, and the tools that a company chooses to implement will depend on its specific needs and resources.

Some standard tools in the DevSecOps toolchain include static code analysis tools, web application scanning, and infrastructure-as-code scanners. Let’s explore them in more detail. 

Categories of DevSecOps tools

DevSecOps tools can be broadly categorized into the following categories.

Static Application Security Test

Static Application Security Testing (SAST) is a type of security testing that analyzes your code for vulnerabilities and other issues without executing the code. SAST is typically performed during development and can help you catch issues early on before they become more significant problems. It also provides detailed information about the vulnerabilities found, including the specific lines of code where they occur.

One example of a SAST tool is Bandit. Bandit is a Python-specific tool that checks for various security issues, including insecure use of subprocesses and os calls, hardcoded passwords, and more. 

Dynamic Application Security Testing

Dynamic Application Security Testing (DAST) is a type of security testing that analyzes your application for vulnerabilities and other issues while the app is running. DAST is typically performed after the application has been deployed in a real-world environment, and it tests not only the application but also any third-party integrations or dependencies. 

One example of a DAST tool is OWASP ZAP (short for Zed Attack Proxy). OWASP ZAP is an open-source tool that can scan web applications for various vulnerabilities, including cross-site scripting (XSS) and SQL injection. 

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Note that while DAST can be considered black box security testing (a type of testing that doesn’t look at the internal workings of a system), this isn’t always the case. When authenticated, DAST can also be grey box and white box. ​​ 

‍Open-source vulnerability scanning (SCA)

Open-source vulnerability scanning tools are a type of security tool that helps you identify vulnerabilities and other issues in your open-source dependencies. These tools typically work by identifying the dependencies your code is using and determining whether they introduce any known vulnerabilities or issues. 

Some examples of open-source vulnerability scanning tools include OSV-Scanner and Trivy. Jit can help you easily integrate open-source vulnerability scanning tools into your development process, making it easier to identify and fix vulnerabilities in your open-source dependencies.

Infrastructure-as-code (IaC)

Infrastructure-as-Code (IaC) is a practice that involves using code to manage and provision your infrastructure. It can include everything from servers and storage to networks and load balancers. 

Using code to manage your infrastructure ensures that your environments are consistent and that changes are predictable and controlled. Infrastructure code can serve as documentation for your environment, making it easier for new team members to understand how things are set up. Multiple people can seamlessly work on the same infrastructure codebase using version control and other tools.  

Some examples of IaC tools include Terraform, CloudFormation, and Ansible. Some open-source tools can also help you scan your infrastructure code for issues, such as Checkov and KICS. 

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Observability and monitoring

Observability and monitoring tools are essential to any DevSecOps toolchain. These tools help you understand what's happening in your system, identify issues as they arise, and take corrective action promptly. 

Using such tools, you can better understand what's happening in your system and get notified when something goes wrong. Real-time alerts allow you to take corrective action before issues have irreversible consequences. With tools like distributed tracing, you can identify the root cause of bugs and fix them more quickly without impacting the app’s functionality.

How to adopt a DevSecOps toolchain

If you're looking to improve the security and stability of your software, adopting a DevSecOps toolchain is a great place to start. But how do you begin? We'll break down some essential steps.

Accessing your current processes

Before improving your security processes, you must understand where you stand. Assess and audit your current processes to identify weaknesses and areas for improvement. This assessment will give you a baseline from which to work and allow you to prioritize your efforts. Some things to consider when accessing your current processes include the following:

• How are security concerns addressed in your current strategy?
• Are there any bottlenecks or inefficiencies in your current plan?
• Are there any security tools or practices that you're currently not using but might be beneficial?

By answering these questions, you'll better understand your current security posture and be better equipped to make improvements.

Automate, automate, automate

Once you have a handle on your current processes, the next step is to start automating as much as possible. Automation can help you streamline your security processes and make them more efficient. Some benefits of automation include the following:

• Reducing the risk of human error
• Allowing you to scale your security efforts more easily
• Freeing up your team to focus on more critical tasks

There are several different ways you can automate your DevSecOps process, from using tools like Jenkins to automate your build and deployment process to using tools like Terraform to automate your infrastructure management. The key is identifying the areas where automation can have the biggest impact and starting there.

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Create a security plan that works for you

There are many different categories of tools to consider, each of which serves a different purpose. Consider your team's strengths and weaknesses and the types of applications you're working on when determining which tools to adopt. Jit offers a customizable platform that allows you to choose the tools that best fit your needs, so you can effortlessly implement continuous security into your CI/CD pipeline. 

Adopt the right tools: Embrace the Power of DevSecOps with Jit

A DevSecOps toolchain can do miracles for the security and stability of your software. Following the steps outlined in this guide, you can build a DevSecOps toolchain that works for your team and will help you deliver better software. Whether you're just starting out or looking to take your security efforts to the next level, Jit can make integrating and managing your security tools a breeze. Don’t just take our word for it. Start building your toolchain today and see the benefits for yourself.