Kong announced the launch of the latest version of Kong AI Gateway, which introduces new features to provide the AI security and governance guardrails needed to make GenAI and Agentic AI production-ready.
Cyberattacks are becoming much more sophisticated and frequent, leaving organizations constantly pressured to prioritize security at every stage of software development. The rise in cyberattacks can be attributed to several factors, including the growing complexity of IT environments, a surge in cloud-based services, and the increased reliance on third-party vendors. As organizations adopt more advanced technologies, their attack surface expands, creating more opportunities for cybercriminals to exploit vulnerabilities.
With cyberattacks projected to cost companies about $10 trillion annually(link is external) by 2025, the need for better security measures is more critical than ever. Testing and quality assurance (QA) are essential in protecting against these threats, transforming from a supportive function into a strategic imperative within the DevOps pipeline.
The recent CrowdStrike software outage(link is external), while not a cyberattack, serves as an example of the potential disruptions that can occur when issues arise in critical systems. This event, which impacted businesses and consumers globally, highlights the vital need for thorough testing and quality assurance to prevent similar problems in the future. Although it's difficult to predict every possible outcome, some strategies might help mitigate these risks.
To counter these threats, one solution is for DevSecOps to embrace "shift-left" testing — a practice that involves moving testing earlier in the software development lifecycle. Organizations can significantly reduce the risk of breaches post-deployment by identifying and addressing security vulnerabilities early on. Shift-left testing encourages a proactive approach to security, integrating it into the development process rather than treating it as an afterthought. This approach helps detect potential issues sooner and reduces the cost and time associated with fixing bugs and vulnerabilities later in the development cycle.
The CrowdStrike outage may have been avoided if the update had undergone rigorous testing before being deployed on the live system. It's a prime example of how failing to test software updates before going live to identify and address any bugs can have severe consequences post-deployment. Traceability is also essential to the QA process in preventing outages like this and cybersecurity issues like data breaches that can be debilitating for companies.
For example, the SolarWinds hack(link is external) of December 2020 highlighted companies' vulnerability to software and hardware-based supply chain attacks. Nation-state actors exploited an IT performance monitoring system to gain access to more than 30,000 SolarWinds customers and partners. By shifting security testing to the left, organizations can ensure their software is more secure, minimizing the risk of costly disruptions and data breaches.
The Role of QA and DevSecOps: A Security Partnership
The convergence of Security, QA, and DevOps is pivotal in the evolution of software security. These teams, often interdependent, share the common objective of minimizing software defects. While security teams may not possess deep QA expertise and QA professionals might lack cybersecurity specialization, their collaborative efforts are essential for a lock-tight security approach. Together, they are responsible for implementing comprehensive automated and manual testing strategies.
Automated testing tools can quickly identify common vulnerabilities and ensure that security measures are consistently applied across all code changes. Meanwhile, manual testing allows for more nuanced assessments, particularly in identifying complex issues that automated tools might miss. The best QA processes rely on both methods working in concert to ensure consistent and comprehensive testing coverage for all releases.
While QA focuses on identifying and rectifying functional bugs, cybersecurity experts concentrate on vulnerabilities and weaknesses that could be exploited. By incorporating security testing, such as Mobile Application Security Testing (MAST), into the QA process, teams can proactively address security risks, recognize the importance of security, and prioritize threat prevention alongside quality improvements, enhancing the overall quality and reliability of the software.
Industry Evolution and the Future of Cybersecurity
As the importance of QA and testing in cybersecurity continues to grow, the industry is evolving to meet the challenges of this elevated role. Innovative testing platforms that offer end-to-end visibility for transparency and detailed analytics are leading the way by providing QA teams with the tools they need to centralize test management.
These platforms enable QA teams to build scalable, repeatable workflows that integrate seamlessly with the rest of the DevOps pipeline. By centralizing test management, organizations can share testing data and insights across their entire operation, creating a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement. For example, they automatically record test execution data when a test is run to show that all necessary tests have been performed and any software issues have been addressed before deployment. This is critical in preventing outages and breaches, especially in regulated industries where a software mishap or vulnerability can quickly become devastating.
Looking ahead, the role of QA and testing in cybersecurity will only become more prominent. As cyber threats continue to evolve, so must the strategies and tools used to combat them. By embracing shift-left testing, implementing granular security controls, and leveraging innovative testing platforms, organizations can protect their software from vulnerabilities and ensure a smoother, more secure product release.
Industry News
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Zencoder released its next-generation AI coding and unit testing agents, designed to accelerate software development for professional engineers.
Windsurf (formerly Codeium) and Netlify announced a new technology partnership that brings seamless, one-click deployment directly into the developer's integrated development environment (IDE.)
The Cloud Native Computing Foundation® (CNCF®), which builds sustainable ecosystems for cloud native software, is making significant updates to its certification offerings.
The Cloud Native Computing Foundation® (CNCF®), which builds sustainable ecosystems for cloud native software, announced the Golden Kubestronaut program, a distinguished recognition for professionals who have demonstrated the highest level of expertise in Kubernetes, cloud native technologies, and Linux administration.
Red Hat announced new capabilities and enhancements for Red Hat Developer Hub, Red Hat’s enterprise-grade internal developer portal based on the Backstage project.
Platform9 announced that Private Cloud Director Community Edition is generally available.
Sonatype expanded support for software development in Rust via the Cargo registry to the entire Sonatype product suite.
CloudBolt Software announced its acquisition of StormForge, a provider of machine learning-powered Kubernetes resource optimization.
Mirantis announced the k0rdent Application Catalog – with 19 validated infrastructure and software integrations that empower platform engineers to accelerate the delivery of cloud-native and AI workloads wherever the\y need to be deployed.
Traefik Labs announced its Kubernetes-native API Management product suite is now available on the Oracle Cloud Marketplace.
webAI and MacStadium(link is external) announced a strategic partnership that will revolutionize the deployment of large-scale artificial intelligence models using Apple's cutting-edge silicon technology.
Development work on the Linux kernel — the core software that underpins the open source Linux operating system — has a new infrastructure partner in Akamai. The company's cloud computing service and content delivery network (CDN) will support kernel.org, the main distribution system for Linux kernel source code and the primary coordination vehicle for its global developer network.