Mapping tools to SDLC phases

Every security tool has a role to play at different phases of the Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC). Here’s a breakdown:

• Plan: This is where you identify potential threats and define security requirements. Tools like Threat Modeling and setting up secure workflows play a crucial role here.
• Code: During coding, tools like SAST, Secrets Detection, and Open Source License Scanners ensure secure code quality and compliance.
• Build: In the build phase, Dependency Scanners and SBOM generation track vulnerabilities in your dependencies and components.
• Test: Automated tools like DAST, IaC Scanners, and API Security tools validate the security of your application and infrastructure before deployment.
• Release: Tools like Vulnerability Management Software assess any remaining risks, helping prioritize fixes.
• Deploy: CSPM tools and deployment-specific scanners ensure your cloud environment is secure and properly configured.
• Operate: Runtime tools such as RASP, WAF, Container Security, and Malware Detection continuously monitor and protect your application and infrastructure from live threats.

Integrating tools into CI/CD pipelines

DevSecOps tools thrive when integrated directly into CI/CD pipelines. Here’s how this looks in practice:

• Pre-commit Checks: Developers can use tools like SAST or Secrets Detection to catch issues before they even push code. For example, Git pre-commit hooks can scan for hardcoded API keys.
• Automated Scans During Pull Requests: CI pipelines can run SCA or Dependency Scanners on every pull request, ensuring no new vulnerabilities are introduced.
• Continuous Testing: During builds, tools like DAST or IaC Scanners can validate application and infrastructure security automatically.
• Deployment Safeguards: Tools like CSPM ensure cloud configurations remain secure, while SBOM tools verify that all dependencies are accounted for.
• Runtime Monitoring: After deployment, tools like RASP and Container Security keep an eye on live threats, offering immediate alerts and protection.

By embedding these tools directly into CI/CD pipelines, you not only catch vulnerabilities early but also ensure security doesn’t slow down development. Automated scans and real-time feedback make security a natural part of the process, not an afterthought.