DevSecOps vs SSDLC: Which is the best secure development strategy?

Software security has two key approaches that are often confused: DevSecOps and SSDLC. Although both aim to integrate security into development, they have substantial differences in their application and scope.

What is SSDLC?

The Secure Software Development Life Cycle (SSDLC) is a framework that introduces security at every phase of software development. Its main goal is to prevent vulnerabilities from design to deployment.

Key characteristics of SSDLC:

• Security from the start, with reviews in all development phases.
• Includes SAST, SCA, threat modeling, and code audits.
• Defined structure, applicable to agile or traditional methodologies.
• Mitigates risks before deployment, avoiding late fixes.

■ Example: Reviewing source code with static analysis tools before moving it to production.

What is DevSecOps?

DevSecOps (development, security, and operations) is an evolution of DevOps where security is continuously and automatically integrated throughout the software lifecycle.

Key characteristics of DevSecOps:

• Automation of security in the CI/CD pipeline.
• Continuous analysis of code, containers, and infrastructure.
• Collaboration between development, operations, and security.
• Quick remediation of vulnerabilities in real-time.

■ Example: Running automatic scans of dependencies and configurations every time a commit is made.

Key differences and when to apply each

While SSDLC and DevSecOps share the same goal, their approach is different:

SSDLC or DevSecOps? The better option is to combine them

It is not necessary to choose one or the other. SSDLC helps build secure software from design, while DevSecOps keeps it secure throughout its lifecycle.

Companies with rapid and continuous deployments can benefit from DevSecOps flexibility, while more structured environments can integrate SSDLC as a foundation.

Conclusion

SSDLC and DevSecOps are not exclusive but complementary. Implementing both approaches is the most effective strategy to achieve secure and efficient development. The key is to adapt each methodology according to the needs of the team and the business.