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Mark Levy

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last updated on November 21, 2023
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Securing the CI/CD process is essential in today’s rapidly evolving digital infrastructure. This blog explores how integrating NIST compliance can bolster security in software delivery and deployment.

NIST CI CD Compliance

DevSecOps and CI/CD: Addressing Emerging Security Concerns

The adoption of DevSecOps has notably shifted the focus to earlier security integration within software development. This critical evolution also created new challenges, especially in bridging the gap between post-build and pre-production environments. Ensuring that security and compliance policies are seamlessly embedded within CI/CD processes is necessary for the modern digital enterprise. However, the question arises: what standards and frameworks can guide and strengthen these embedded policies to be most effective?

NIST 800-53: Strengthening CI/CD Security

In answering this, the role of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) becomes evident. NIST’s 800-53 framework is particularly relevant across IT environments. With its comprehensive set of security controls, the NIST 800-53 framework proves highly effective in enhancing the compliance and security posture of CI/CD environments.

Implementing the NIST 800-53 framework in CI/CD platforms equips organizations with a robust approach to address security and compliance needs. This framework facilitates aligning software development and delivery processes with regulatory requirements and industry best practices, ensuring a high-security standard.

CI/CD Policy Enforcement: Using NIST as a Base for Comprehensive Framework Alignment

The NIST 800-53 framework is known for its flexibility, which enables it to support and enhance a variety of other regulatory frameworks. This makes it an ideal base for a broad spectrum of compliance requirements in diverse IT environments.

For example, when NIST standards are already in place, aligning with other frameworks, such as ISO 27001 or the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) becomes more efficient and effective. This alignment ensures the CI/CD process adheres to U.S. federal standards and aligns with international best practices and data protection laws.

Integrating tools that enforce NIST-aligned security measures significantly enhances the resilience of the software supply chain. This approach goes beyond addressing current security concerns, laying a foundation for preemptive defense against evolving threats. The flexibility and comprehensiveness of this method ensure that software delivery is not just about functionality but also about robust security and adherence to diverse industry standards. Such an approach guarantees holistic security coverage, from development to deployment, aligning with a wide array of regulatory requirements for thorough, end-to-end protection.

OpsMx’s Approach to NIST and CI/CD Security

OpsMx focuses on eight control families outlined by NIST as a control baseline to ensure a comprehensive and secure software delivery process. This approach underscores the intersection of NIST standards and CI/CD tools. By integrating these control families with state-of-the-art tools and methodologies, OpsMx adheres to established security protocols and innovates within the space, setting new benchmarks for security in software delivery.

Unlocking NIST-Compliant DevSecOps Practices: Insights from Our Whitepaper

Our whitepaper provides a practical guide with detailed insights into achieving NIST compliance within secure CI/CD practices and robust policy enforcement. Tailored for DevOps engineers and SREs, it offers actionable steps to enhance CI/CD compliance and security. The whitepaper is a valuable resource for those looking to deepen their understanding of modern security challenges and the strategic role of NIST compliance in addressing them.

NIST Compliance CICD Security whitepaper download banner

In this comprehensive guide, you will discover:

  1. Global Relevance and Impact of Software Supply Chain Security: Gain insights into the current landscape of software supply chain threats and the global impact of these risks, highlighting the necessity of NIST compliance in mitigating these threats​​.
  2. The Critical Eight Control Families: Learn about the eight key NIST control families (AC, SI, AU, CM, IA, SC, SA, and CA) that form a baseline for security and compliance in CI/CD environments​​.
  3. Mapping NIST Controls to DevSecOps Deployment Processes: Understand how these control families align with common deployment processes in DevSecOps, ensuring readiness for live production environments.

Integrating NIST standards within DevSecOps and CI/CD practices is more than a trend; it’s a crucial strategy for securing digital infrastructures in an ever-evolving landscape. Download our whitepaper today, and let us know if you have any questions.

Mark Levy

Mark has a solid background in enterprise software, focusing on Agile and DevOps. He possesses T-shaped skills, blending deep expertise in specific areas with a wide-ranging knowledge base. Dedicated to continuous improvement (Kaizen), Mark applies this principle in all his work. Beyond technology, he keeps active with CrossFit and martial arts, and enjoys unwinding by playing the guitar.

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