What does implementing "shift left" mean in a DevSecOps context?

In the context of DevSecOps, implementing "shift left" emphasizes the integration of testing and security practices early in the development lifecycle. This approach allows teams to identify and mitigate vulnerabilities and defects sooner, which not only enhances software quality but also reduces costs associated with late-stage fixes. By involving security experts and adopting testing measures from the outset, organizations foster a culture of proactive security rather than reactive measures, ensuring security is an integrated aspect of the development process rather than an afterthought.

This proactive stance helps in cultivating a mindset where developers consider security implications as part of their everyday coding tasks, leading to more secure and robust applications. Early identification and resolution of issues also streamline the development pipeline, allowing for quicker releases while maintaining high-quality standards.