Every startup dreams of launching innovative software securely and rapidly. However, building a robust DevSecOps pipeline from scratch can be daunting. This guide provides a practical, step-by-step 90-day roadmap to integrate security into your development process using GitLab. Whether you’re new to the concept or need to formalize your workflow, follow along to establish a secure foundation for your startup.

Phase 1: Laying the Foundation (Days 1-30)

In the first 30 days, the focus is on setting up the basics and introducing security into your development lifecycle.

Step 1: Assess Your Current Environment

  • Inventory your tools: List down all development, testing, and deployment tools currently in use.
  • Identify gaps: Look for missing security checks or redundant systems.
  • Engage your team: Hold a kickoff meeting to communicate the importance of DevSecOps and gather initial feedback.

Step 2: Establish Version Control Best Practices

Before diving into automation and security scans, ensure your team adheres to version control best practices using GitLab:

  • Define branching strategies (e.g., Git Flow or trunk-based development).
  • Set up merge request reviews to enforce code quality.

Step 3: Set Up Your GitLab CI/CD Pipeline

Begin integrating automated builds and tests. Create a basic .gitlab-ci.yml file that will be the backbone of your CI/CD process:

stages:
  - build
  - test
  - deploy

build_job:
  stage: build
  script:
    - echo "Building the application..."
    - # Add your build commands here

test_job:
  stage: test
  script:
    - echo "Running tests..."
    - # Add your test commands here

deploy_job:
  stage: deploy
  script:
    - echo "Deploying to staging environment..."
    - # Add your deploy commands here
  only:
    - main

This initial configuration helps ensure that your code is consistently built and tested, laying the groundwork for more advanced security integrations.

Phase 2: Integrating Security (Days 31-60)

With the basics in place, it’s time to infuse security into your pipeline. The goal is to catch vulnerabilities early and automate security checks.

Step 4: Incorporate Static Application Security Testing (SAST)

Integrate SAST tools to analyze your code for vulnerabilities as soon as it is committed. GitLab offers built-in SAST, which you can enable with minimal configuration:

include:
  - template: Security/SAST.gitlab-ci.yml

This snippet includes GitLab's default SAST template into your pipeline, helping to scan your code for potential security issues.

Step 5: Set Up Dynamic Application Security Testing (DAST)

DAST scans your running application to find vulnerabilities that may only be visible during execution. Configure a DAST job in your .gitlab-ci.yml:

dast:
  stage: test
  script:
    - echo "Running DAST..."
  variables:
    DAST_WEBSITE: "http://your-staging-environment.com"
  artifacts:
    reports:
      dast: gl-dast-report.json
  only:
    - main

This DAST configuration points to your staging environment and collects a report on potential vulnerabilities.

Step 6: Implement Dependency Scanning

Third-party libraries can be a security risk. Enable GitLab’s dependency scanning to automatically detect vulnerabilities in your dependencies:

  • Use the pre-configured templates available in GitLab.
  • Monitor the generated reports for any critical issues.

Phase 3: Refinement and Continuous Improvement (Days 61-90)

In the final phase, focus on refining your processes, automating feedback loops, and fostering a security-first culture.

Step 7: Automate Notifications and Incident Response

Set up alerts for failed pipelines, security scan results, and deployment issues. Use GitLab’s integrations with messaging apps (like Slack) to ensure that your team is immediately notified:

  • Configure GitLab notifications in your project settings.
  • Integrate with your team’s communication tools to streamline incident responses.

Step 8: Conduct Regular Security Audits

Schedule bi-weekly reviews of your security reports. These audits help in identifying recurring issues and areas for improvement:

  • Review SAST, DAST, and dependency scanning reports.
  • Hold retrospective meetings to discuss findings and action items.

Step 9: Train Your Team and Iterate

Security is a continuous journey. Invest time in training your team on the latest DevSecOps practices:

  • Organize internal workshops and share best practices.
  • Encourage team members to stay updated with security trends and tool updates.

This is the final step in your 90-day roadmap—embedding a culture of continuous improvement where security is everyone's responsibility.

Wrapping Up Your 90-Day Journey

Over the course of 90 days, you have transitioned from a basic CI/CD pipeline to a secure, robust DevSecOps environment. Here’s a quick recap of the roadmap:

  • Days 1-30: Set up version control, define workflows, and establish your basic GitLab CI/CD pipeline.
  • Days 31-60: Integrate security testing into your pipeline with SAST, DAST, and dependency scanning.
  • Days 61-90: Automate alerts, conduct regular security audits, and build a culture of continuous security improvement.

Remember, no roadmap is set in stone. Adapt the steps to fit your startup’s unique needs, and continually refine your processes as your team grows and technology evolves.

Final Thoughts

Embracing DevSecOps from the ground up is essential for startups looking to scale securely and efficiently. This 90-day roadmap offers a high-level yet practical guide to get you started. By integrating security into every step of your development process, you’ll not only reduce risks but also foster a culture of innovation and collaboration.

Ready to embark on your DevSecOps journey? Start with these steps today, and transform your startup into a secure, agile, and resilient organization.

Happy coding, and here’s to a secure future!