DevSecOps: Building Resilient Security from the Ground Up in 2024

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In 2024, the pressure on businesses to deliver secure, reliable software has never been higher. Cyber threats are evolving at an alarming pace, and the methods organisations have traditionally relied on to protect their systems are no longer enough. As cyber-attacks become more sophisticated, security can't be an afterthought, and DevSecOps is the answer. But it’s not just a technical solution; it’s a shift in how we think about security in software development—a mindset that every team, not just the security team, is responsible for building secure systems.

From my discussions with leaders across the Five Eyes nations—the UK, US, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand—it's clear that DevSecOps is not just an option anymore; it’s a business-critical strategy. Security must be integrated from the outset, woven into the very fabric of the development lifecycle, and supported by automation, real-time monitoring, and continuous testing. Leaders are realising that this cultural shift towards security-first thinking is necessary to mitigate risk, accelerate innovation, and stay ahead of increasingly sophisticated cybercriminals.

What Exactly Is DevSecOps?

At its core, DevSecOps is about embedding security into every phase of software development—from the planning stages all the way through deployment. Unlike traditional models, where security is bolted on after development is complete, DevSecOps ensures that security is a priority at every step. It’s about shifting security left, meaning it’s introduced earlier in the Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC), so vulnerabilities are identified and addressed before they reach production.

This is critical as cyber-attacks, such as ransomware and supply chain attacks, are becoming more frequent and more sophisticated. According to IBM’s 2023 Cost of a Data Breach report, the average cost of a breach now exceeds $4 million, with 60% of breaches linked to software vulnerabilities. DevSecOps addresses these issues by ensuring that vulnerabilities are addressed from day one, with constant monitoring and testing to reduce the chances of breaches.

Why DevSecOps is Essential: A Business Imperative

For any leader in tech or cyber security, the question isn’t whether to adopt DevSecOps—it’s how quickly can we integrate it? A Gartner report from 2024 found that by 2025, 70% of organisations will be using DevSecOps practices, up from 20% just a few years ago. This shift is driven by the growing complexity of digital environments and the rise of cloud-native architectures and microservices, where traditional security measures simply can’t keep up.

By adopting DevSecOps, organisations can make security part of their day-to-day operations, not something that’s dealt with after the fact. As leaders across industries tell me, this approach doesn’t just reduce the risk of breaches—it accelerates development, builds trust with customers, and allows organisations to scale securely.

5 Essential Strategies for Implementing DevSecOps in Your Organisation

For CTOs, CISOs, and other decision-makers looking to implement DevSecOps, the journey doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Here are five key strategies that can transform your approach to security:

1. Shift Left: By incorporating security from the very beginning, you ensure that vulnerabilities are identified early in the process. This means introducing threat modelling, risk assessments, and secure coding practices during the design phase, reducing risks before they manifest.
2. Automate Security Testing: The faster vulnerabilities are found, the quicker they can be remediated. Automated security tools, such as static and dynamic code analysis, vulnerability scans, and penetration testing, help detect and address issues in real-time without slowing down development.
3. Create a Culture of Security: Security must be everyone’s responsibility. Foster collaboration between development, operations, and security teams to create a unified approach to secure software development. Encourage ongoing security training and awareness across all teams.
4. Seamlessly Integrate Security Tools: Choose tools that fit into your existing DevOps pipeline, enabling real-time vulnerability detection and continuous monitoring. Tools that integrate with your CI/CD pipeline and provide actionable insights can help streamline your security processes.
5. Iterate and Improve: DevSecOps isn’t a one-off initiative. It’s an ongoing process. Regularly assess security metrics—such as vulnerability resolution times—and use those insights to optimise your workflows. Stay agile, and continue adapting your processes as the threat landscape evolves.

The Road to Secure Software Development in 2024 and Beyond

Looking ahead, the role of DevSecOps will continue to grow in importance. As organisations move to cloud-native architectures and rely on third-party vendors for everything from payment processing to identity management, the risk landscape becomes more complex. DevSecOps will be a key enabler for secure, scalable, and resilient software development.

For leaders, this means integrating security as a continuous, automated, and agile process—not just a one-off check. Companies that adopt DevSecOps won’t just be better prepared for evolving threats; they will also be able to move faster, deploy more frequently, and innovate more securely.

DevSecOps as a Competitive Edge

DevSecOps is no longer a luxury for tech organisations; it’s a strategic imperative. For founders, CIOs, CTOs, and cyber security professionals, DevSecOps presents an opportunity to create a culture of security, improve operational efficiency, and accelerate time-to-market—all while protecting against the growing tide of cyber threats. By prioritising security in every stage of software development, organisations can not only secure their systems but position themselves for long-term success in an increasingly complex digital landscape. This shift is not just about implementing tools or processes—it’s about changing how organisations think about security. As I’ve seen in my conversations with leaders across the Five Eyes nations, the real value of DevSecOps lies in its ability to foster a culture of security that empowers teams to build better, more secure software, faster.

At SECURE | CYBER CONNECT, we believe that tackling Cultural, Technological and Talent Acquisition challenges requires collaboration among industry stakeholders. Let’s work together to address these challenges and secure a brighter future for our industry. Connect with us today to explore how we can help you find the talent needed to protect your business and drive innovation for tomorrow.

Introducing Igor Portugal

Jay and Warren have the pleasure of speaking with Igor Portugal , a distinguished figure in New Zealand's tech landscape. As a co-founder and boardmember of multiple successful technology ventures, including Blacklock Security Streamgenius.ai , octovox & Institute of Directors in New Zealand , Igor has demonstrated an exceptional ability to innovate and develop cutting-edge solutions that have garnered international acclaim. His expertise not only spans the creation of high-impact products but also the strategic guidance of companies in navigating the complex cyber security challenges that arise as they scale. Igor’s passion for using technology as a force for societal good and his thought leadership across the tech sector have made him a sought-after voice for executives seeking to drive secure, sustainable growth.

Justin (Jay) Adamson & myself were thrilled to be joined by Igor on the SECURE | CYBER CONNECT Podcast, where Igor provides invaluable perspectives on the critical role of DevSecOps in embedding security throughout the software development lifecycle, emphasising the importance of integrating automated security testing from the earliest stages of development. As the sophistication of cyber threats continues to evolve, particularly with the rise of AI-powered cybercrime, Igor offers actionable insights into how organisations can better prepare for and respond to these emerging risks. The conversation is particularly relevant for tech leaders—CISOs, CTOs, and those steering cyber security strategy—who are looking to future-proof their organisations and stay ahead of increasingly advanced threats while enabling innovation and operational efficiency.

Introducing Blacklock Security

DevSecOps is essential for businesses looking to secure their infrastructure while maintaining agile development cycles. That’s where Blacklock Security steps in. Founded by Nilesh, Blacklock offers an innovative Penetration Testing as a Service (PTaaS), merging automated vulnerability scanning with manual testing to deliver a comprehensive, continuous security solution. With this, businesses can integrate real-time security assessments into their DevOps workflows, ensuring that vulnerabilities are identified and addressed early — all without disrupting development. Blacklock’s approach helps businesses meet key standards such as OWASP, ISO, and SOC2, while staying ahead of emerging cyber threats.

With over 15 years of experience, Nilesh Kapoor is a leading figure in the cyber security field, holding CREST Certified Security Tester, CISSP, and CEH credentials. He has built an extensive track record working with enterprise clients in sectors including banking, telecom, and government. His deep technical expertise, combined with a strong business acumen, enables him to provide actionable, impactful security solutions. Nilesh is also a respected thought leader, with publications like the “Security Testing Handbook for Banking Applications” and speaking engagements at prominent security conferences such as OWASP and BSides Canberra. Founder of Blacklock Security , Security Simplified Limited he is also an recognized winner in the NZ Innovation Awards.

Nilesh’s partnership with Igor Portugal , born out of a serendipitous meeting, highlights his collaborative spirit. Igor provides insight into their shared vision and how their combined expertise is shaping Blacklock’s success in a recent podcast. With Nilesh at the helm, Blacklock Security is committed to helping businesses build stronger, more secure digital infrastructures, ensuring they remain resilient in the face of evolving cyber threats.

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