Development Security Operations Framework

A security-first approach to software development that integrates security practices within the DevOps process. This framework emphasizes security automation, continuous security testing, and vulnerability management throughout the software development lifecycle, making security a shared responsibility across development, operations, and security teams.

JurisdictionTechnical Standards
CategoryTechnical Standards
StatusActive
Latest development

Analysis

Key Requirements

The Development Security Operations (DevSecOps) Framework emphasizes integrating security practices throughout the software development lifecycle. Key requirements include:

  • Automated security testing: Implement continuous security testing and vulnerability scanning throughout the CI/CD pipeline. NIST Special Publication 800-218 recommends automating security checks to identify vulnerabilities early.
  • Shared responsibility model: Security becomes a shared responsibility across development, operations, and security teams. The DoD Enterprise DevSecOps Fundamentals emphasizes this collaborative approach.
  • Security as code: Implement security controls and policies as code, enabling version control and automated enforcement. OWASP DevSecOps Guideline recommends this practice for consistent security implementation.
  • Continuous monitoring and feedback: Establish real-time monitoring of applications and infrastructure to detect and respond to security threats quickly. NIST SP 800-137 provides guidance on information security continuous monitoring.
  • Secure software supply chain: Implement controls to ensure the integrity and security of third-party components and dependencies. The SLSA Framework offers guidelines for securing the software supply chain.

Compliance Challenges

Organizations often face several challenges when implementing DevSecOps:

  • Cultural resistance: Shifting to a security-first mindset can face resistance from teams accustomed to traditional development practices. A Synopsys study found that 48% of organizations struggle with this cultural shift.
  • Skill gaps: Many organizations lack personnel with the necessary skills to implement DevSecOps effectively. Gartner research indicates that by 2023, 90% of software development projects will claim to be following DevSecOps practices, but only 40% will actually have security integrated into their pipelines.
  • Tool integration: Integrating security tools into existing DevOps pipelines can be complex and time-consuming. A GitLab survey found that 37% of developers consider toolchain integration a significant challenge.
  • Balancing speed and security: Maintaining development velocity while implementing comprehensive security measures can be challenging. Forrester research shows that 43% of security decision-makers struggle to keep pace with development teams.

Implementation Best Practices

To successfully implement DevSecOps, organizations should:

  • Automate security testing: Integrate automated security testing tools into CI/CD pipelines. The OWASP DevSecOps Maturity Model provides a framework for implementing security automation.
  • Implement Infrastructure as Code (IaC): Use IaC to define and manage infrastructure, enabling version control and automated security checks. Terraform and AWS CloudFormation are popular IaC tools.
  • Conduct regular security training: Provide ongoing security training for all team members. SANS Institute offers comprehensive security awareness training programs.
  • Establish metrics and KPIs: Define and track security metrics to measure the effectiveness of DevSecOps practices. The DevSecOps Days community provides guidance on relevant metrics.
  • Implement a vulnerability management program: Establish a process for identifying, prioritizing, and remediating vulnerabilities. NIST SP 800-40 offers guidelines for vulnerability management.

Recent Updates

Recent developments in DevSecOps include:

  • Executive Order on Improving the Nation's Cybersecurity: Issued on May 12, 2021, this order emphasizes the importance of secure software development practices. White House Executive Order
  • NIST Secure Software Development Framework (SSDF): Updated in February 2022, this framework provides a set of fundamental, sound practices for secure software development. NIST SP 800-218
  • CISA Zero Trust Maturity Model: Released in June 2021, this model provides guidance on implementing zero trust principles in DevSecOps environments. CISA Zero Trust Maturity Model

Related Regulations

DevSecOps practices often intersect with other security and compliance regulations:

  • GDPR: The General Data Protection Regulation requires organizations to implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to ensure data protection. Official GDPR Text
  • HIPAA: The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act requires the protection of sensitive patient data, impacting healthcare software development. HHS HIPAA for Professionals

Industry Impact

The adoption of DevSecOps practices has significant impacts across industries:

  • Healthcare: Healthcare organizations are adopting DevSecOps to protect sensitive patient data and comply with regulations. HIMSS DevSecOps in Healthcare article explores this impact.
  • Government: Government agencies are increasingly adopting DevSecOps to improve cybersecurity posture. The U.S. Air Force's DevSecOps Initiative demonstrates this shift in the public sector.

Sources

Recent developments

  • — Analysis of DevOps managed services for 2026 describes a “security synthesis” where security operations are bundled into managed DevOps offerings, effectively externalizing parts of organizations’ development security operations frameworks to specialized providers.[7] (source)
  • — Coverage of 2025 web security threats notes that standards like **PCI DSS 4.0.1 Section 6.4.3** now mandate continuous monitoring of scripts accessing payment data, pushing organizations to integrate continuous security monitoring into their development and deployment pipelines as a formalized operational framework.[6] (source)
  • — Industry analysis on “The Future of DevSecOps” highlights a move from simple “shift-left” to **“shifting smart”**, embedding security controls, testing, and policy checks throughout the development lifecycle as part of more mature development security operations frameworks.[8] (source)
  • — DevSecOps experts predict in 2025 a **“shift everywhere”** model where security is integrated across the entire build pipeline, with reusable templates and automated authorization, effectively maturing organizational development security operations frameworks.[1] (source)
  • — NIST released the initial public draft of **SP 800-218r1, Secure Software Development Framework (SSDF) v1.2**, updating its core secure development framework that underpins many DevSecOps and development security operations practices.[5] (source)

Read the full guide to Development Security Operations Framework

Related regulations

Put it into practice

Browse all regulations · Compliance deadlines · Latest updates