Security in DevOps (DevSecOps): Integrating Security into the Development Pipeline

Abstract

DevSecOps represents the evolution of DevOps by embedding security practices directly into the development and delivery pipeline—shifting security from a gate at the end to a continuous, integrated concern across planning, coding, building, and deployment. This paper synthesizes the state of DevSecOps up to 2022, identifying key components: culture and collaboration across development, operations, and security; automation using Infrastructure as Code (IaC), Security as Code, and continuous security scanning; and governance via threat modeling, access control, and secrets management. Using insights from systematic reviews and empirical studies, we outline common challenges—such as cultural resistance, fragmented tooling, legacy systems, and lack of expertise—and mapped solutions like integrated security tools, developer-friendly security testing, and automated compliance pipelines. We propose a structured methodology for investigating DevSecOps practices: combining systematic literature review, empirical practitioner insights, and case study analyses to define workflows, assess benefits, and understand limitations. Key findings reveal that DevSecOps improves early vulnerability detection, maintains pipeline speed, and supports regulatory compliance when well implemented. We provide a workflow model incorporating threat modeling, security testing, prioritization, remediation, and monitoring within the CI/CD cycle. The advantages include faster feedback loops, reduced costs of fixing vulnerabilities, improved developer ownership, and auditability. However, drawbacks include increased complexity, training overhead, and possible tool fatigue. In conclusion, DevSecOps forms a pivotal step toward resilient software delivery, contingent on cultural alignment, tooling maturity, and leadership. Future research should explore longitudinal impact studies, scalable security tool integration, and explain ability in security automation.