In the world of DevOps, the concept of security is popularly known as DevSecOps. In a DevOps environment, security is considered to be a critical factor throughout the process.
Product development and deployment have changed with the adoption of DevOps, but still, the concept of security is considered to be the second prominence. So, to safeguard against the rising threat and cyber-attacks on organizations, security is treated as an integral part of the development process. This in turn has led to the inception of the DevSecOps job role. This is the most esteemed and rewarding job role that requires you to have ample experience in cybersecurity trends, profound technical knowledge, and a satisfactory amount of experience in DevOps.
What Involves Being a DevSecOps Engineer?
The job role of DevSecOps Engineer is similar to that of other IT security professionals. Both roles use many tools and techniques like risk assessment, threat modeling, and cybersecurity to detect and analyze the threats. However, there are certain key differences to consider when compared to a distinctive IT security job role.
In the DevOps environment, the concept of collaboration is considered to be the core practice adopted. DevOps Engineers and Security Engineers work hand in hand to ensure that all security threats are dealt with during the development phase.
Automation tools are used to identify the vulnerabilities, so DevSecOps engineers need to have a better knowledge of such tools. They should possess a thorough understanding of how security impacts each development phase and the services. Also, they should have the skills to play a team player with proficient communication skills.
Perks of Implementing the DevSecOps Approach
Implementing DevSecOps within the organization gives security to the applications. DevOps security implementation ensures that security is the major focus in the development activities.
Considering this approach, organizations develop more confidence in developing the applications and also strengthen the overall brand of the organization and also improve customer loyalty.
When the security concept becomes an essential part of the development process, DevSecOps provides several key benefits to the organization. Here are a few of them:
- Better ROI in the prevailing security infrastructure.
- Enhanced operational efficiencies.
- Fast recovery in case of security accident.
- Early identification and correction of code susceptibilities.
- Improved collaboration and communication amongst the team members.
- Concerning quality control testing, there is the increased use of automation.
- Quick response to changes in customer requirements.
Essential Components of the DevSecOps Approach
Here is a list of essential components of the DevSecOps approach:
- Code analysis: The codes are delivered in small pieces so that any vulnerabilities can be easily recognized and resolved.
- Change management: The change management process enhances the efficiency and speed of the process and determines whether the changes made are good or bad.
- Compliance training: This training requires you to get ready for the audit at any instance.
- Threat investigation: This component in the DevOps approach assists you to identify the threats in the process along with the code update and respond quickly to them.
- Vulnerability assessment: Recognizes the latest vulnerabilities with the code analysis and how quickly they could be resolved.
- Security training: It requires you to train the team with a set of guidelines.
Essential Skills for a DevSecOps Engineer
DevOps security professionals need to have technical proficiencies and familiarity with DevOps culture. Additionally, they also need to have a keen interest in cybersecurity and up-to-date knowledge of threats and trends. Take a review of the main skills required for a DevSecOps engineer:
Risk Management Techniques and Threat Modeling
The above-mentioned skills can be easily acquired through the DevSecOps job role. These professionals can also take up courses to gain ample knowledge of automation tools, DevOps principles, and programming languages.
- DevSecOps are responsible for software development, recognizing the security threats, and configuring the network infrastructure, so DevSecOps engineers should have up-to-the-minute details of cybersecurity threats and the latest software. They should also possess knowledge of the implementation of risk assessment techniques and the latest security best practices.
- It is the responsibility of the DevSecOps professional to come up with customized tools for security purposes in DevOps. The professionals should be well-versed in at least one of the programming languages like Java, PHP, Python, Ruby, and Perl so as to collaborate competently with other teams within the organization. They must also possess knowledge of AWS, Docker, Kubernetes, and how to implement developer tools such as GitHub and Dependency management.
- There are various configuration management tools such as Chef, Puppet, and Ansible with each having different functions and configurations. Having sufficient knowledge to operate these tools will indeed make your life simpler. On the other hand, it’s equally important to keep track of your requirements prior to choosing tools.
- DevOps Security Engineers should possess proficient communication skills to teach the team various concepts like scalability, automation, and security. Having excellent communication skills helps to deliver the message in an efficient manner. Investment in communication skills will pay off in the long run for the organization as well as for individuals.
- DevOps Security Engineer should be aware of the complexities due to risk assessment. They must update their skills on cybersecurity threats and up-to-date best practices. Having prior experience as a non-DevOps security engineer indicates future success in the same domain.
Qualification and Professional Experience
- Individuals aspiring to get into DevOps Security Engineer should learn the basics of security principles.
- This job role requires sufficient experience and knowledge of programming languages and automation tools.
- The job role requires individuals to have technical degrees such as engineering or computer science.
- Getting certifications from Cisco, CompTIA, and Microsoft will help you to get into this role even without having a technical degree.
- It’s also preferable to get accredited DevOps certifications by DevOps Institute like DevOps Foundation, DevOps Leader, DevSecOps Engineering, Continuous Delivery Architecture, and more. They provide a solid understanding of DevOps and other security methods in general.
Salary Insights of a DevSecOps Engineer
Considering the salary structure graph from Nauvoo, DevOps Security Engineer salaries have witnessed a rise indicating the demand for professionals in that particular domain.
The average remuneration of a DevOps Security Engineer in The United States is $140,133/year. The budding professionals in the field earn approximately $78,000. On the other hand, experienced professionals earn up to approximately $205,000.
DevOps Engineer Salary in various regions across the US.
| Region | Salary |
| Texas | $175,000 |
| New York | $175,000 |
| Illinois | $165,750 |
| California | $160,000 |
| Washington | $151,125 |
| Pennsylvania | $150,000 |
| Massachusetts | $132,500 |
| Georgia | $131,625 |
| Virginia | $130,000 |
| Colorado | $125,628 |
Conclusion
DevSecOps is just not about implementing a framework, it’s all about implementing a new developmental approach to the entire organization in preventing and alleviating threats/attacks. The process will take some time and can have some hurdles in the process. Once the shifting process is complete, then implementing security at each phase is indeed very simple. The process encourages every security professional to be proactive in the workplace.
The demand for DevOps security professional job roles is growing. If you are aspiring to take your career forward in the security domain, then DevOps security engineer is the apt choice for you. Before you proceed ahead, take time to assess your skills, experience, and knowledge.
A DevOps Security Engineer is the most demanding and exciting job in the market. Taking the relevant DevOps certification courses will help you to come out /become an esteemed DevOps Security Engineer in the organization.
Some of the popular DevOps certification courses that professionals can take up are:
