The shift towards the technology revolution has resulted in new and interesting terminologies and methodologies. Just a few years ago, who could have imagined storing their data, sensitive in some instances, on a database miles away? And, most users worldwide now store their data on cloud infrastructure.
DevSecOps is a progressive methodology that has become a standard for integrating Development, Security, and Operations. In this approach, we bake security issues into the software development process from the beginning rather than tackling them at the end. We consider security as a crucial area from the start of the development cycle, not merely an afterthought. But where do QA processes and methodologies fit in, let’s take a look.
Understanding DevSecOps: A Brief Overview
With DevSecOps, organizations recognize that this is a major change from old ways of developing software. It is not just about picking up a new set of ideologies, it’s a transformation in the entire approach. The change touches all aspects: the culture, tools, collaboration, and how each individual thinks about their unified goals. 
In a traditional approach, the developers would often code and push it over the fence to the security teams. But with DevSecOps, every individual and team collaborate from the start of the development process. From day one, the developers and operations teams come together to ensure that security remains an integral part of their software development life cycle (SDLC). This means that security is no longer the responsibility of a single team; instead, everyone has a role to play.
Now, instead of waiting for long, teams can catch and fix security gaps when they are easier and cheaper to address. Security is not something that slows anyone down; rather, it’s a normal part of everyone’s workflow. The entire team moves faster and produces secure software. A win-win situation for both – the customer and the companies.
Evolution of QA Processes and Methodologies in Modern Development
The QA processes and methodologies in modern software development have significantly evolved over a period of time. Now QA is integrated throughout the software development cycle rather than being a final standalone phase. This shift, often seen in DevSecOps practices, means that:
- QA continues to be an integral part of the development from start to end.
- Teams continue to check for quality and fix any issues earlier in the cycle.
- QA ensures that the software is secure from the start
- All hands on deck: Excellent collaboration between developers, operations, and even customers
- The use of new tools and techniques ensures consistent support for this integrated approach.
In summary, the modern approach to QA is more proactive and embedded in every part of the software development process, leading to more reliable and secure software.
Empathy in QA: Why User-Centric Testing Matters
By incorporating empathy into QA and DevSecOps, we do more than just check the boxes; we engage deeply with the user experience. This user-centric approach ensures that testing prioritizes user needs, frustrations, and expectations. In today’s modern development landscape, approaching with empathy is the key to success. How does that work?
Real-World Scenarios: The QA teams work to create real-world scenarios and ensure that the software performs in unpredictable ways in which the users need it to.
Incorporating User Feedback: By incorporating the user’s feedback straight into the QA process, the teams can refine and adjust, ensuring that the end product resonates well with the end-user.
When an organization incorporates empathy in QA, it means that they are on the right track to deliver a product that fits seamlessly into the user’s life and enriches it.
Accountability with QA Processes and Methodologies: Ensuring Software Integrity
When introducing QA processes and methodologies into the SDLC, emphasizing accountability becomes crucial. Every team member takes on the responsibility to maintain the quality and security of a product/project. In this approach, the responsibility for security does not solely fall on the QA specialists. The two best things with this approach are:
- Shared responsibilities: For everyone involved in the product lifecycle, security and quality become integral to the overall development growth.
- Documentation and Compliance: When a meticulous record is kept, it ensures that there is accountability throughout the project and with all the stakeholders.
Accountability in QA is the foundation upon which stakeholders and customers build trust.
Challenges in Merging QA and DevSecOps
We know that change is the only constant when it comes to technology, but that’s not always brought to mind when a new product, service, or approach is introduced. One such example is merging together QA and DevSecOps. But, it’s not all rosy, there’s also a darker side to it with challenges in merging QA processes and methodologies. Let’s have a look at some:
Lack of Security Assurance
How do you know that the security practices implemented for your software development cycle are adequate? Addressing this or getting complete clarity on this can be difficult because every industry, business, or project lacks security assurance. Security requirements differ across every industry and domain. For example, the security requirements in the healthcare domain are different than those of the financial domain.
Organization Barriers
If the entire organization isn’t involved from concept to product, problems may arise due to a lack of clear understanding of the business needs among all teams. Not all teams may understand the customer’s needs or the environment in which the product will operate. To break these barriers, organizations need to rely on transparent communication. Some in the organization may not understand the complete picture of QA processes and methodologies in DevSecOps, and why such an approach is critical. In that case, the best approach would be to give them a complete picture.
Security is an Afterthought
Too often, developers keep security as a secondary and bring it in later during the later stages of software development. However, this results in expensive rework and major disruption if there are any security flaws in the development. Security as an afterthought means that there’s more to be done at the later stages which includes wasted hours, resources, and so on.
Cost
Organizations might view bringing in QA at the initial stage as an expensive affair. They need to invest in a set of tools, technology, procedures, and time to involve QA. Budget constraints often become a major barrier for organizations to get started. These points highlight just a few of the common challenges that prevent organizations from proactively implementing QA processes and methodologies.
The Future of QA in DevSecOps
Looking ahead, organizations will likely view QA processes and methodologies in DevSecOps as an even more compelling option. With the constant shifts in the technology landscape, businesses need to deliver great products at a consistent level. So rather than waiting to identify any security loopholes in the later stage, a company can benefit by taking a proactive approach
“In the future of QA, teams will embed quality and guarantee security, rather than just inspecting quality or treating security as a feature.”
Practical Logix: Providing DevSecOps Solutions
At Practical Logix, we specialize in innovative DevSecOps solutions, combining years of expertise with a deep understanding of the dynamic digital landscape. Our mission transcends beyond creating quality software; we focus on resolving real-world business challenges through strategic and efficient software development practices. Embracing DevSecOps, we integrate Development, Security, and Operations from the very beginning. This approach ensures our software solutions are not just robust and secure, but also aligned with our clients’ business objectives.
Our DevSecOps strategy transforms software development into a comprehensive process that leverages the latest technologies and methodologies, tailored to each organization’s unique needs. Quality Assurance (QA) is a cornerstone of our work. It’s integrated throughout the development lifecycle, ensuring the delivery of superior and reliable software products. This commitment extends beyond compliance, aiming to build trust and dependability in every solution we provide.
Our team’s expertise is not limited to technology. We also offer the essential human insight and resources required for the effective implementation of DevSecOps. This includes guiding organizations through every aspect of their DevSecOps journey, from initial integration to ongoing support and optimization. Practical Logix stands at the forefront of software development innovation. Our approach is not just about meeting technical specifications; it’s about crafting transformative software solutions that drive growth, enhance user experience, and offer real competitive advantages in today’s fast-paced digital world.
