DEVOPSdigest

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 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, 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 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.