Continuous Integration and Continuous Deployment (CI/CD) pipelines are the backbone of modern software delivery—but without integrated security, they become vulnerable entry points. Attackers can exploit misconfigurations, unpatched dependencies, and exposed secrets to compromise applications before they even reach production.

Securing CI/CD pipelines ensures vulnerabilities are addressed early, saving time and costs while preventing breaches. DORA emphasises the importance of embedding resilience throughout the development lifecycle, and integrating Aqua’s tools into CI/CD workflows is a practical way to achieve this.

Why Securing Pipelines Matters

CI/CD pipelines handle critical processes, including code builds, testing, and deployment. Without security measures, they can:

• Introduce vulnerabilities from unchecked dependencies.
• Deploy non-compliant workloads that bypass assurance policies.
• Expose sensitive credentials through poorly managed configurations.

Embedding security directly into the pipeline helps shift left, ensuring issues are caught early.

How to Secure Pipelines with Aqua CNAPP

1. Embed Security Scans at Key Stages:

   • Integrate Aqua into your CI/CD tools (e.g., Jenkins, GitLab, Azure DevOps).
   • Configure scans for vulnerabilities, secrets, and misconfigurations during code commits, builds, and deployments.

2. Enable Policy Enforcement:

   • Use Aqua’s assurance policies to enforce compliance. For instance, block builds with critical vulnerabilities or exposed secrets.
   • Apply different policies based on pipeline stages, such as stricter checks before production.

3. Leverage SBOMs for Transparency:

   • Automatically generate Software Bill of Materials (SBOMs) for each build.
   • Use SBOMs to track dependencies and manage supply chain risks effectively.

4. Provide Developer Feedback:

   • Aqua integrates directly into developer workflows, offering actionable insights. Developers can view scan results and address issues without leaving their CI/CD environment.

Practical Example: Securing a Deployment Pipeline

In a typical pipeline, Aqua can be configured to:

• Scan source code during pull requests.
• Perform container image scans during builds.
• Block deployments of non-compliant workloads while providing detailed reports to developers.

This ensures vulnerabilities are addressed before they reach production.

Summary

Securing the CI/CD pipeline is a critical step in building resilient software delivery processes. Aqua’s integration capabilities enable organisations to embed security at every stage, aligning with DORA’s focus on proactive risk management. With secure pipelines, you’re not just protecting your applications—you’re strengthening the foundation of your entire development lifecycle.