DevSecOps isn’t just a trendy term anymore—it’s essential. With faster release cycles, open-source dependencies, and AI-generated code, security must keep pace with development.
The adoption of emerging technologies, ranging from containers and APIs to serverless and GenAI, is reshaping how teams build software. OpenText’s Application Security platform helps developers stay agile while keeping code and applications secure.
Here are seven DevSecOps best practices modern teams can follow, with real-world examples of how OpenText supports each one:
1. Shift security left with developer-centric tools
Integrating security early in the development lifecycle helps prevent vulnerabilities from turning into expensive problems.
Best practice: Embed security directly into developer tools and CI/CD pipelines to catch issues early.
Example: OpenText enables teams to utilize SAST tools directly within the IDE. With Security Assistant, developers get real-time scanning and contextual remediation guidance as they write code.
2. Use automation to maintain speed and consistency
Manual checks slow things down. Automated testing keeps security in step with rapid development.
Best Practice: Automate SAST, DAST, SCA, and infrastructure-as-code (IaC) scanning to improve speed and consistency.
Example: OpenText ScanCentral automates scans across environments and integrates with Jenkins, GitHub Actions, Azure DevOps, and other DevOps tools for continuous, efficient security checks.
3. Protect the software supply chain
Third-party components bring efficiency but also risk. With supply chain attacks on the rise, visibility and governance are critical.
Best Practice: Monitor and enforce security policies for open-source and third-party dependencies.
Example: OpenText Core SCA (formerly Debricked) and Open Source Select help teams manage open-source risk and support secure component selection. For more advanced governance, OpenText integrates with OEM solutions, such as Sonatype Nexus Firewall.
4. Make security testing part of the entire lifecycle
Security should run alongside development, not just at the finish line.
Best Practice: Use automated tools and contextual analysis to triage findings based on exploitability, severity, and business impact.
Example: OpenText ASPM supports risk-based prioritization by combining threat intelligence, exploitability data, and business metadata to help teams focus on what matters most.
5. Test APIs with the same rigor as applications
APIs are foundational to modern apps and increasingly targeted in attacks.
Best practice: Build API security testing into your SDLC and test for OWASP API Top 10 vulnerabilities.
Example: OpenText’s DAST and IAST tools support native API testing with dynamic fuzzing, authentication-aware scanning, and full OWASP API Top 10 coverage.
6. Use AI to reduce false positives and boost efficiency
False positives waste time and create friction. AI can help streamline the process.
Best practice: Leverage AI and machine learning to validate findings and provide clear remediation guidance in developer-friendly language.
Example: OpenText Application Security Aviator uses large language models to analyze SAST results and recommend fixes in plain language, enabling developers to act faster with greater confidence.
7. Measure, govern, and improve continuously
Without visibility, there’s no way to improve. Metrics and reporting also keep your AppSec program aligned with business goals.
Best practice: Establish governance frameworks and track key metrics with real-time dashboards.
Example: OpenText ASPM supports enterprise-wide AppSec posture management by integrating scan results, policy compliance, and developer engagement data into a single view.
Final thoughts
DevSecOps doesn’t have to slow you down. With the right tools and processes, it becomes part of how you build. OpenText provides teams with the visibility and automation they need to move quickly and stay secure.
By implementing these best practices, your team can deliver software that’s not only high quality but also secure from the start.
