Why development, security & operations will be the next cybersecurity priority

As cyber threats continue to advance, cyber insurance requirements must evolve accordingly to keep up with the intensified threat landscape. As a result, companies looking to take out new policies or renew their current policies may be faced with an expanded list of prerequisites for affordable coverage. These prerequisites have previously included cybersecurity measures like multi-factor authentication (MFA), anti-malware software, firewalls, and intrusion detection systems. More recently, privileged access management (PAM) has been added to the list of criteria required by cyber insurance companies, which will only continue to grow.

Looking ahead, it is likely that development, security and operations (DevSecOps) will follow in the footsteps of PAM and soon be a prerequisite for obtaining cyber insurance coverage. DevSecOps is a transformative approach that integrates security seamlessly throughout the entire software development lifecycle, from design to delivery. Unlike conventional security measures, DevSecOps is continuous and automated, allowing organizations to address cyber threats proactively. Organizations lacking DevSecOps practices may find themselves at a disadvantage when insurers scrutinize their security protocols.

Here we will explore the importance of prioritizing DevSecOps solutions, especially as implementation may soon become required to qualify for coverage. This article will also share actionable insights organizations can adopt to begin implementing DevSecOps practices.   

The urgency for DevSecOps solutions
For organizations that incorporate any form of DevOps, the urgency to adopt DevSecOps solutions is becoming increasingly important. While traditional DevOps practices focus on efficiency, they can inadvertently expose security vulnerabilities, particularly when it comes to privilege management. To support the ongoing cloud transformation, many organizations have turned to Privileged Access Management solutions. However, traditional PAM solutions often struggle to keep pace with the speed and scale of DevOps workflows.

DevSecOps integrates continuous and automated security measures throughout the software development lifecycle. Beyond conventional security practices, it has a unique ability to identify vulnerabilities related to access permissions management and offers a strong, proactive defense against potential threats, enhancing an organization’s overall security.

Unfortunately, many organizations have yet to implement DevSecOps practices because it is a newer discipline that presents unique challenges. They fear that it will impact agile development and slow down their systems. But the need to implement DevSecOps is not slowing down any time soon. If cyber insurers are going to begin making it a prerequisite for obtaining coverage, organizations must find ways to integrate it into their existing practices. Non-compliance could result in organizations being unable to secure or renew cyber insurance following a cyberattack.

Prioritization for future security
When navigating the complex landscape of cybersecurity and DevSecOps, it is important that organizations do not simply rush into buying new technologies. The best thing an organization can do is prioritize strategic steps and address DevSecOps systematically.

An effective starting point is extending PAM controls to manage DevOps secrets, and address security risks and challenges associated with privileged access in fast-paced DevOps workflows. Modern PAM solutions play a crucial role in overcoming these challenges without disrupting the development process. Some of the features these solutions offer include a high-speed vault, centralized secrets management, automation at scale, issuance of certificates, and just-in-time access to databases and cloud platforms. Prioritizing the extension of an organization’s existing PAM solutions can help them prepare for the challenge of solving the DevSecOps security problem.

This proactive prioritization not only fortifies an organization’s technological infrastructure, but also ensures better preparedness when cyber insurers increase their security requirements. Prioritizing DevSecOps is no longer just a best practice, it is soon becoming a prerequisite for organizations looking to obtain cyber insurance and protect themselves from cyber threats. A proactive approach to cybersecurity and DevSecOps must be every organization’s next cyber insurance priority.