1. About DevSecOps
DevSecOps (Development, Security, and Operations) is an approach that embeds security into every stage of the software development lifecycle (SDLC). It ensures that security is not an afterthought but a continuous process throughout the CI/CD pipeline. By automating security checks, organizations can identify vulnerabilities early, reduce risks, and deliver secure software faster.
Key Areas of Focus:
- Shift Left Security : Introducing security earlier in the SDLC.
- Automated Security Testing : Tools like SAST (Static Application Security Testing), DAST (Dynamic Application Security Testing), and SCA (Software Composition Analysis).
- Infrastructure as Code (IaC) Security : Securing cloud infrastructure using tools like Terraform and AWS CloudFormation.
- Container Security : Scanning Docker images and Kubernetes clusters for vulnerabilities.
- Compliance & Governance : Ensuring adherence to security policies and regulations.
Key Tools:
- CI/CD Pipelines : Jenkins, GitLab CI/CD, GitHub Actions.
- Security Testing : SonarQube, OWASP ZAP, Burp Suite.
- Container Security : Aqua Security, Anchore, Trivy.
- Cloud Security : AWS Security Hub, Azure Security Center, GCP Security Command Center.
2. Why Learn DevSecOps?
- High Demand : Organizations need DevSecOps professionals to integrate security into their DevOps pipelines.
- Career Growth : Lucrative salaries and opportunities in DevOps and cybersecurity.
- Critical Skill : Essential for delivering secure software in fast-paced environments.
- Certifications : Gain industry-recognized certifications like Certified DevSecOps Professional (CDP), AWS Certified Security, or Kubernetes Security Specialist (CKS).
- Real-World Impact : Help prevent breaches, reduce vulnerabilities, and ensure compliance with security standards.
3. Full Syllabus
Phase 1: Basics (Weeks 1–4)
- Introduction to DevOps
- What is DevOps?
- Key Concepts: CI/CD Pipelines, Infrastructure as Code (IaC), Monitoring.
- Tools: Jenkins, GitLab CI/CD, Docker, Kubernetes.
- Introduction to Security
- What is Security in Software Development?
- Key Concepts: Vulnerabilities, Threats, Risk Management.
- Common Vulnerabilities: OWASP Top 10.
- DevSecOps Fundamentals
- What is DevSecOps?
- Shift Left Security: Integrating Security Early in the SDLC.
- Benefits of DevSecOps: Faster Delivery, Reduced Risks.
- Version Control & Collaboration
- Using Git for Version Control.
- Collaborating on Code with GitHub/GitLab.
- Tools: Git, GitHub Actions, GitLab CI/CD.
Phase 2: Intermediate (Weeks 5–8)
- Automated Security Testing
- Static Application Security Testing (SAST): Analyzing source code for vulnerabilities.
- Dynamic Application Security Testing (DAST): Testing running applications.
- Tools: SonarQube, OWASP ZAP, Burp Suite.
- Infrastructure as Code (IaC) Security
- Writing Secure IaC Templates: Terraform, AWS CloudFormation.
- Scanning IaC for Misconfigurations.
- Tools: Checkov, Terraform Validator.
- Container Security
- Scanning Docker Images for Vulnerabilities.
- Securing Kubernetes Clusters.
- Tools: Trivy, Anchore, Aqua Security.
- CI/CD Pipeline Security
- Integrating Security Checks into CI/CD Pipelines.
- Automating Security Testing in Jenkins, GitLab, or GitHub Actions.
- Tools: Jenkins Plugins, GitLab Security Scanners.
Phase 3: Advanced (Weeks 9–12)
- Cloud Security
- Securing Cloud Environments: AWS, Azure, GCP.
- Tools: AWS Security Hub, Azure Security Center, GCP Security Command Center.
- Best Practices: Least Privilege, Encryption, Logging.
- Secrets Management
- Storing and Managing Secrets Securely.
- Tools: HashiCorp Vault, AWS Secrets Manager, Azure Key Vault.
- Compliance & Governance
- Ensuring Compliance with Regulations: GDPR, HIPAA, SOC 2.
- Tools: Open Policy Agent (OPA), Cloud Custodian.
- Threat Modeling
- Identifying Potential Threats in Applications.
- Tools: Microsoft Threat Modeling Tool, OWASP Threat Dragon.
Phase 4: Real-World Applications (Weeks 13–16)
- Building a Secure CI/CD Pipeline
- Integrate security tools into a CI/CD pipeline.
- Tools: Jenkins, GitLab CI/CD, GitHub Actions.
- Automating Security Tasks
- Write scripts to automate security tasks (e.g., scanning containers, testing APIs).
- Tools: Python, Bash.
- Incident Response in DevSecOps
- Responding to Security Incidents in CI/CD Pipelines.
- Tools: TheHive, Cortex XSOAR.
- Capstone Project
- Build a complete DevSecOps pipeline with automated security checks.
- Examples: Secure a web application, scan Docker images, or test Kubernetes clusters.
4. Projects to Do
Beginner Projects
- Set Up a CI/CD Pipeline :
- Use Jenkins or GitLab CI/CD to automate builds and deployments.
- Add basic security checks like linting.
- Scan Code for Vulnerabilities :
- Use SonarQube to analyze source code for vulnerabilities.
- Fix identified issues.
- Test a Web Application :
- Use OWASP ZAP to perform dynamic security testing on a web app.
- Document findings.
Intermediate Projects
- Secure Docker Images :
- Scan Docker images for vulnerabilities using Trivy or Anchore.
- Fix identified issues.
- Integrate Security into CI/CD :
- Add security tests (e.g., SAST, DAST) to a Jenkins or GitLab pipeline.
- Automate vulnerability reporting.
- Write Secure IaC Templates :
- Write Terraform templates and scan them for misconfigurations using Checkov.
- Fix identified issues.
Advanced Projects
- Build a Secure Kubernetes Cluster :
- Deploy a Kubernetes cluster and scan it for vulnerabilities.
- Tools: Trivy, Aqua Security.
- Automate Secrets Management :
- Use HashiCorp Vault to store and manage secrets securely.
- Integrate Vault with a CI/CD pipeline.
- Simulate a Security Incident :
- Simulate a breach in a CI/CD pipeline and practice incident response.
- Tools: TheHive, Cortex XSOAR.
5. Valid Links for Learning DevSecOps
English Resources
- freeCodeCamp :
- TechWorld with Nana :
- KodeKloud :
- OWASP :
- YouTube Channels :
Hindi Resources
- CodeWithHarry :
- Thapa Technical :
- Hitesh Choudhary :
6. Final Tips
- Start Small : Begin with simple projects like setting up a CI/CD pipeline to understand the basics of DevOps and security integration.
- Practice Daily : Spend at least 1 hour exploring DevSecOps tools and techniques every day.
- Focus on Certifications : Pursue certifications like Certified DevSecOps Professional (CDP), AWS Certified Security, or Kubernetes Security Specialist (CKS).
- Stay Updated : Follow blogs like OWASP , Dark Reading , or Medium for the latest updates.
- Join Communities : Engage with forums like Reddit’s r/devsecops or Discord groups for support.