In a DevSecOps pipeline, security scanning should not be treated as a single step, but rather as a continuous process across multiple stages of the software development lifecycle (SDLC). The goal is to identify vulnerabilities as early as possible and continuously ensure security from code development to production deployment.
Understanding DevSecOps Scanning
DevSecOps integrates security into DevOps by embedding automated scanning tools into the CI/CD pipeline. These scans help detect:
- Code vulnerabilities
- Dependency risks
- Infrastructure misconfigurations
- Container security issues
- Runtime threats
The key principle is “Shift Left Security”, meaning security should start as early as possible in the development process.
When Should Scanning Happen?
Scanning should happen at multiple stages of the pipeline, not just one.
1. Pre-Commit / Developer Machine (Shift Left Start)
This is the earliest stage of scanning.
What is scanned:
- Secrets (API keys, passwords)
- Basic code linting
- Simple static analysis
Why it matters:
- Prevents vulnerabilities before code enters repository
- Reduces cost of fixing issues later
- Improves developer awareness
✔ Example: pre-commit hooks or IDE-based scanning tools
2. Source Code Management (Pull Request Stage)
Scanning should happen every time code is pushed or a PR is created.
What is scanned:
- Static Application Security Testing (SAST)
- Dependency scanning (SCA)
- Secret scanning
Why it matters:
- Catches vulnerabilities before merge
- Ensures secure code review
- Blocks insecure code from entering main branch
✔ This is one of the most important enforcement points in DevSecOps.
3. Build Stage (CI Pipeline)
During the build process, scanning becomes more comprehensive.
What is scanned:
- Application dependencies
- Open-source libraries
- Build artifacts
- Container images (if created during build)
Why it matters:
- Ensures that only secure builds are generated
- Prevents vulnerable packages from being packaged into artifacts
- Enables automated build failure for critical issues
4. Test Stage (Pre-Deployment Security Validation)
At this stage, the application is tested in a controlled environment.
What is scanned:
- Dynamic Application Security Testing (DAST)
- API security testing
- Infrastructure-as-Code (IaC) scanning
Why it matters:
- Detects runtime vulnerabilities
- Validates real-world attack scenarios
- Ensures environment configuration is secure
5. Pre-Deployment / Release Stage (Security Gate)
Before deployment to production, a final security check is performed.
What is scanned:
- Container images
- Infrastructure configuration
- Policy compliance checks
Why it matters:
- Acts as a security approval gate
- Prevents risky deployments
- Ensures compliance requirements are met
6. Post-Deployment / Production (Runtime Scanning)
Security does not stop after deployment.
What is monitored/scanned:
- Runtime behavior
- Network traffic
- Logs and anomalies
- Vulnerability drift in production systems
Why it matters:
- Detects live attacks
- Identifies new vulnerabilities after deployment
- Improves incident response
7. Continuous / Scheduled Scanning
Some scans should run periodically regardless of pipeline activity.
Includes:
- Full vulnerability scans
- Registry scans
- Compliance audits
- Infrastructure security reviews
Why it matters:
- Captures newly discovered CVEs
- Ensures long-term security hygiene
- Maintains compliance standards
Best Practice Approach
A mature DevSecOps pipeline follows this pattern:
- Early scanning (shift left) → catch issues quickly
- Continuous scanning → ensure ongoing protection
- Gate-based scanning → block risky releases
- Runtime scanning → detect real-time threats
Key Principle
👉 The earlier the scan happens, the cheaper and easier it is to fix issues
👉 The later the scan happens, the more critical and expensive the fix becomes
Conclusion
Scanning in a DevSecOps pipeline should happen throughout the entire SDLC, starting from the developer’s machine and continuing into production. A combination of pre-commit, CI/CD, pre-deployment, and runtime scanning ensures maximum security coverage.
A well-designed DevSecOps pipeline does not rely on a single scan stage but instead uses continuous, layered security scanning to minimize risk and improve software reliability.