DevOps vs DevSecOps: How are they different?

Software development is constantly trying to meet speed, efficiency and security demands. While DevOps has become a core tenet of streamlined delivery and collaboration between development and operations, the environment full of cyberthreats is forcing teams to think beyond speed and scalability.

DevSecOps is an evolution of the DevOps model that prioritises security at every stage of the pipeline. Just as DevOps emphasises automation, continuous integration, and rapid deployment, DevSecOps builds on these foundations by embedding security practices into the DevOps environment.

In this article, we explore the key differences between DevOps and DevSecOps. Whether you’re leading a DevOps team or already implementing DevSecOps practices, this guide will help you navigate the shift and understand what’s at stake.

What is DevOps? Definition

DevOps is a cultural and procedural approach that connects development (Dev) and operations (Ops) teams. It streamlines the software development cycle to deliver better software much faster than before. The basic goal of DevOps is to break down old organisational silos, boost collaboration, and reduce the feedback loop between product development and deployment.

The effects of implementing DevOps services include:

• faster delivery of business value,
• environment standardisation,
• overall improvement in the efficiency, predictability and security of the entire process.

Core DevOps principles

DevOps methodology is a set of interrelated practices that form a coherent and dynamic software lifecycle. Check out the list of DevOps principles in the table below.

How does DevOps work?

In practice, DevOps is implemented as an iterative cycle. Its phases include:

• planning,
• development,
• building,
• testing,
• releasing,
• deployment,
• monitoring.

Monitoring closes the loop and gives feedback for the next planning stage.

In the DevOps model, engineers take on more responsibilities than in traditional approaches – from writing code to testing, deployment, and operational oversight. The DevOps process relies heavily on automation. Repetitive and error-prone tasks like building, testing, and deploying apps are automated to minimise risk and improve consistency. This allows teams to focus more on delivering business value.

What does DevOps bring to companies?

According to Gartner, by 2027, up to 80% of companies worldwide will use DevOps at some level in their software development workflows. Why is DevOps gaining popularity so fast? Here are the top 5 reasons why companies are turning to DevOps.

1. Faster software delivery Automation and process optimisation in DevOps teams significantly speed up development cycles. This, in turn, enables more frequent and reliable releases of new features.

2. Better collaboration DevOps breaks down communication barriers and competency silos between development, operations, and security teams. Everyone takes responsibility for the project and strives towards the same goals.

3. Increased productivity Repetitive task automation lowers the risk of human error and frees up engineers' time. They can concentrate on more strategic and creative challenges.

4. Continuous integration and delivery (CI/CD) The implementation of CI/CD pipelines is a cornerstone of DevOps. Pipelines provide a smooth and automated path from code change to its deployment in production. This increases the speed and reliability of software delivery.

5. Improved monitoring and feedback Real-time data from applications and infrastructure helps teams make better decisions based on system performance.

What is DevSecOps? Explained

DevSecOps (or SecDevOps) is an extension of the DevOps approach that goes one step further. It integrates security into every software development lifecycle (SDLC) stage. Instead of treating security as the final stage before deployment, DevSecOps embeds it into the entire process. This means that the main goal is to create secure software without compromising speed and quality of delivery.

The DevSecOps approach lets you spot and fix security flaws before they become a big deal. By adding security testing and risk control early on, DevSecOps teams avoid costly and complicated fixes after launching the product.

Core DevSecOps elements

Successful DevSecOps implementation lies on several pillars that create a robust security culture.

• Collaboration – In DevSecOps, the security team works along with developers and operations teams. Everyone is expected to share their knowledge and is equally responsible for the final product.
• Precisely refined processes – Implementing clear procedures lets you track system access, monitor activities, and document all changes.
• Data access control – In the DevSecOps approach, access control and data protection mechanisms are designed and implemented at the architecture planning stage.
• Building and checking secure basics – Operating systems, databases, and the entire infrastructure must be securely protected, regularly updated and compliant with industry standards.

How does DevSecOps work?

The DevSecOps process mirrors the DevOps cycle but adds a layer of proactive security measures at every stage. What exactly does this mean?

What does DevSecOps bring to companies?

According to Gitlab's 2024 Global DevSecOps Report, DevSecOps platforms ranked third among IT investment priorities. How come? Because DevSecOps brings specific benefits, as described below.

1. Enhanced collaboration DevSecOps breaks down silos by promoting a culture in which everyone feels equally responsible for product quality and security.

2. Reduced development time Automated security testing tools and early error detection reduces unplanned downtime and fixes, speeding up the entire release cycle.

3. Compliance with privacy regulations Building data control and protection mechanisms from the outset simplifies compliance with stringent legal requirements.

4. Built-in security The software is designed and developed to be naturally resistant to common threats.

5. Financial efficiency Early vulnerability prevention is less expensive than responding to costly security breaches and performing complex repairs after product release.

6. Scalability and adaptability The organisation gains robust, automated processes that enable safe and effective scaling of operations in the long term.

DevOps or DevSecOps? Key differences

Although DevOps and DevSecOps are based on similar concepts, their different approach to security and processes will dictate the methodology choice for your project. Go through the points below to understand the key differences between DevOps and DevSecOps.

Main goals

The core focus of DevOps is to speed up software delivery and improve its quality by streamlining collaboration between development and operations teams.

DevSecOps, meanwhile, augments speed with robust security. This means you can release secure digital products in less time.

Security management

In the traditional DevOps lifecycle, security is seen as a separate area managed by a dedicated security team. Most often, security issues are reviewed at the end of the development pipeline.

In DevSecOps, security becomes a shared responsibility for everyone involved. Every team member thinks about protecting the application from the very beginning.

Security integration

DevOps integrates security practices often at the final stage. This often boils down to penetration testing or security audits just before going live.

DevSecOps integrates security from the start of the software lifecycle. This is known as the ‘shift left’ approach, which involves moving security issues ‘left’ on the project timeline, i.e. to the earliest possible stages.

Testing strategy

The testing strategy in DevOps verifies the app's functionality and performance. It focuses on the correct operation of the software, its speed and stability.

DevSecOps introduces security tests at every stage, in addition to functional and performance tests.

Process flow and security tools

In a typical DevOps workflow, security testing is performed at the end of the cycle. This usually happens during the quality assurance (QA) phase or after the application deployment. It can lead to costly project delays if serious vulnerabilities are found.

In DevSecOps, the process strengthens security in real time, tracks potential issues, and maintains regulatory compliance.

DevOps vs DevSecOps: choosing the right approach for your project

DevSecOps doesn’t replace DevOps – it builds on its foundations by integrating security into every stage of the development lifecycle. The two approaches are not mutually exclusive but reflect different levels of maturity and focus within software development practices.

To determine which approach fits your project, consider your business goals, regulatory environment, and risk tolerance:

• If your priority is to streamline delivery, accelerate iteration cycles, and respond quickly to market needs, DevOps provides a solid framework for collaboration and automation.
• If your software handles sensitive data or operates in a highly regulated industry, such as finance, healthcare, or government, then extending DevOps into DevSecOps is essential. It ensures that security is treated as a shared responsibility from the start, not just an afterthought.

In many cases, DevSecOps is the natural next step for organisations already practicing DevOps and looking to embed robust, proactive security into their workflows.

DevOps and DevSecOps best practices

• Promoting a collaborative work culture (you can enlist the help of experienced specialists employed as part of DevOps outsourcing services).
• Training team members in DevOps and DevSecOps principles.
• Utilising automation tools for CI/CD and security testing.
• Embedding security practices at every stage of the development cycle.
• Using a robust version control system.
• Creating continuous feedback mechanisms.
• Continuously monitoring application performance and security after deployment.

Is transition from DevOps to DevSecOps mandatory? Will DevSecOps replace DevOps?

No, DevSecOps won’t replace DevOps. The two are complementary, with DevSecOps acting as a vital bridge to incorporate security into the development lifecycle. This evolution of the DevOps practice helps to ensure that security doesn’t become a bottleneck, thus maintaining an agile workflow. As cyber threats grow, the transition to DevSecOps is a cornerstone of modern, resilient software development.

Wrapping up

DevSecOps has a bright future ahead. However, you do not need to turn your work upside down if you have just introduced DevOps to your company. Instead, treat it as a natural evolution and the next step in process improvement.

Instead of a sudden revolution, focus on gradually implementing security practices. Start with the areas of biggest risk. The secret to your success is a conscious and planned action that will strengthen your organisation without disrupting the established pace.

If you are having trouble choosing between DevOps and DevSecOps, share your doubts at a meeting with HappyTeam's CTO as a service.