Shifting Left: Building Security into Code from Day One

Introduction

The modern software development landscape is more fast-paced than ever before, but speed can come at the cost of security. A 2023 study found that 90% of security breaches could have been prevented if vulnerabilities had been caught earlier in the development cycle. This is where “Shift-Left Security” becomes crucial. By integrating security from the start, businesses can drastically reduce their risk while keeping up with the demands of rapid software delivery.

In this blog, we’ll explore what shifting left means in DevSecOps, how it can be implemented, and the tools that can help development teams create secure code from day one.

What is Shift-Left Security?

“Shifting left” refers to the practice of moving security earlier in the software development lifecycle (SDLC). Traditionally, security measures were handled at the end of development, often just before production. However, this reactive approach results in more costly fixes and longer delays.

With Shift-Left Security, organizations can catch vulnerabilities during the initial stages of development, leading to reduced risk, faster remediation, and more secure code. The earlier you identify potential security threats, the easier and cheaper they are to fix.

How to Implement Shift-Left Security

1. Start with Security Requirements

   Before any code is written, security should be a key part of the project’s requirements. Teams need to work together to identify potential risks and incorporate security controls at the design stage. Using threat modeling techniques, developers and security teams can foresee and mitigate security threats before coding even begins.

2. Secure Coding Practices

   To effectively shift left, developers need to follow secure coding standards. Input validation, secure API usage, and encryption are fundamental practices that must be embedded into everyday coding routines. Integrating tools like GitHub Copilot, Snyk, and SonarQube can provide real-time security feedback, helping developers write secure code from the get-go.

3. Automate Security Testing in CI/CD Pipelines

   Automation is key to making shift-left security seamless. Static Application Security Testing (SAST) tools can scan source code for vulnerabilities early in the CI/CD pipeline, catching issues before they become bigger problems. Tools like Veracode or Checkmarx help detect flaws early in the process.

   For runtime security, Dynamic Application Security Testing (DAST) tools can continuously test your application for vulnerabilities in the staging environment. Using both SAST and DAST together provides comprehensive coverage of your code’s security health.

4. Write Security-Focused Unit Tests

   Security doesn’t end with static checks. By adding security-focused unit tests, developers can test for common vulnerabilities like SQL injection or cross-site scripting (XSS). Integrating these tests into the CI pipeline helps catch issues at the unit level before they evolve into critical security bugs.

5. Use Secure Libraries and Dependencies

   Many security breaches stem from vulnerabilities in third-party libraries. Incorporating dependency scanning tools like OWASP Dependency-Check or Dependabot into your CI/CD pipeline can ensure that all your external libraries are up to date and free from known vulnerabilities.

Building a Culture of Security in Your Team

Shift-left security isn’t just about tools and processes—it’s about people. To truly embrace this approach, organizations need to build a culture of security across all teams.

• Security champions: Appointing security champions within development teams can promote secure coding practices and help bridge the gap between security and development.
• Continuous learning: Provide regular training sessions to keep developers up to date on the latest security threats and best practices.
• Gamification: Organize fun and engaging activities like Capture the Flag (CTF) exercises to make security more interesting and accessible to developers.

Challenges in Shifting Left and How to Overcome Them

While shift-left security has clear benefits, there are challenges associated with its adoption.

1. Resistance to Change: Developers might resist shift-left security, seeing it as an extra burden. To combat this, emphasize the benefits of early detection and the use of automation to reduce manual workloads.
2. Tool Overload: Too many security tools can overwhelm teams. Focus on integrating security tools directly into existing workflows and IDEs, minimizing friction and improving adoption.
3. Balancing Speed with Security: Some teams may feel that focusing on security will slow them down. The key is automation—by automating repetitive security tasks, teams can ensure that security is built in without sacrificing speed.

Tools to Help Shift Left in DevSecOps

Here are some key tools that can help integrate shift-left security into your DevSecOps pipeline:

• SAST Tools: Tools like SonarQube, Checkmarx, and Veracode can identify vulnerabilities in the codebase early in development.
• Security Linters: Linters such as ESLint with security plugins can enforce secure coding standards during development, providing immediate feedback.
• Infrastructure as Code (IaC) Scanning: Tools like Checkov and KICS ensure that your Infrastructure as Code files, such as Terraform or Kubernetes configs, are secure from the start.

Conclusion

Shifting left is no longer just a buzzword—it’s a necessity in today’s fast-paced, threat-filled software development world. By integrating security into every phase of development, businesses can reduce vulnerabilities, cut down on remediation time, and deliver secure software faster. Start small: Incorporate one or two shift-left practices, like adding automated security scans or implementing security-focused unit tests. Over time, this will evolve into a fully secure, proactive DevSecOps pipeline. Call to Action: Take the first step towards shift-left security today by adopting automated testing tools and building a culture of security within your team.