DevOps and DevSecOps are transformative methodologies that combine development, operations, and security practices to deliver software efficiently, reliably, and securely. While DevOps emphasizes collaboration, automation, and continuous integration/deployment (CI/CD), DevSecOps integrates security at every stage of the development lifecycle, ensuring that applications and infrastructure remain protected against threats.

Comprehensive Guide to DevOps and DevSecOps: Principles, Practices, and Implementation

1. Introduction

In today’s software-driven landscape, businesses must deliver applications quickly while ensuring reliability, scalability, and security. DevOps and DevSecOps methodologies provide frameworks to achieve these goals.

• DevOps focuses on bridging the gap between development and operations, emphasizing collaboration, automation, and continuous integration/deployment (CI/CD).
• DevSecOps extends DevOps by integrating security into every phase of the software development lifecycle, shifting from reactive security to proactive, automated, and continuous protection.

Together, DevOps and DevSecOps enable organizations to accelerate software delivery while maintaining a high level of operational and cybersecurity assurance.

2. DevOps Principles and Practices

2.1 Core Principles

1. Collaboration and Communication:
   Break down silos between development, operations, and security teams. Encourage shared accountability and joint decision-making.
2. Automation:
   Automate repetitive processes, including testing, building, deployment, and monitoring. Automation reduces human error and accelerates release cycles.
3. Continuous Integration and Continuous Deployment (CI/CD):
   • Continuous Integration (CI): Developers frequently merge code into a shared repository. Automated tests run to detect integration errors early.
   • Continuous Deployment (CD): Successful builds are automatically deployed to staging or production environments, enabling faster feature delivery.
4. Monitoring and Feedback:
   Continuous monitoring of application performance and system health ensures rapid detection of issues, facilitating immediate feedback loops.

2.2 Key DevOps Tools

3. DevSecOps Principles and Implementation

3.1 Security Integration

DevSecOps embeds security at every stage of the software lifecycle, following a shift-left approach:

1. Security by Design:
   Integrate security requirements during the design phase rather than as an afterthought.
2. Automated Security Testing:
   Incorporate static and dynamic code analysis in CI/CD pipelines to detect vulnerabilities early.
3. Threat Modeling:
   Identify potential attack vectors and design mitigation strategies for applications and infrastructure.
4. Continuous Compliance:
   Ensure ongoing adherence to industry standards and regulatory requirements (e.g., ISO 27001, GDPR, HIPAA).

3.2 Security Tools and Practices

Best Practices:

• Integrate automated security tests into CI/CD pipelines.
• Enforce least privilege access and secure credentials management.
• Conduct regular security audits and penetration testing.

4. Cleaning and Hardening Linux VPS Servers

Linux VPS servers are often targeted by malware, rootkits, and other exploits. Following a structured approach to cleaning and hardening ensures both operational integrity and security.

4.1 Infection Detection and Initial Isolation

• Detect anomalies: Unusual CPU/memory spikes, unknown processes, unexpected network connections, and unauthorized user accounts.
• Isolate the VPS: Restrict network access to essential services (SSH) or temporarily shut down non-critical services to prevent lateral movement of malware.

4.2 Virus and Rootkit Scanning and Removal

Tools and Steps:

1. ClamAV – Open-source antivirus for Linux.sudo apt update sudo apt install clamav sudo freshclam sudo clamscan -r /home
2. Chkrootkit & Rkhunter – Detect stealthy rootkits.sudo apt install chkrootkit rkhunter sudo chkrootkit sudo rkhunter --check
3. Process:
   • Update all signature databases.
   • Run full-system scans.
   • Manually remove or quarantine infected files.

4.3 Advanced Rootkit Removal Measures

• Boot into rescue mode or live media: Prevent rootkits from hiding during system scans.
• Checksum verification: Compare critical system files with known good versions.
• OS Reinstallation: For deeply embedded rootkits, restore from verified backups.

4.4 Post-Cleanup Hardening

• Change all passwords (root, sudo, control panels).
• Update OS and software to patch vulnerabilities.
• Configure firewalls (ufw or iptables).
• Disable root SSH login; enable key-based authentication.
• Change default SSH port to mitigate automated attacks.
• Schedule regular scans and audits using Lynis.
• Maintain frequent offsite backups.
• Continuously monitor system logs and resource usage.

5. How Keen Computer Systems and IAS Research Can Support DevOps and DevSecOps

5.1 Keen Computer Systems

Services:

• Custom Software Solutions: Tailored applications to streamline DevOps workflows.
• IT Infrastructure Support: Scalable, reliable infrastructure for hosting, CI/CD, and containerized environments.
• Cloud Services: Managed cloud deployments with high availability.
• Cybersecurity Measures: Implementation of robust security protocols and monitoring systems.

Benefits:
Enhanced productivity, operational scalability, proactive security, and reduced downtime.

5.2 IAS Research

Services:

• Interdisciplinary Research: Innovative solutions through collaboration across engineering, cybersecurity, and software domains.
• Creative Collaboratives: Projects combining research, development, and business insights.
• Funding and Resources: Support for experimentation, testing, and implementation.

Benefits:
Accelerated innovation, access to cutting-edge research, and improved security and operational efficiency.

6. Conclusion

DevOps and DevSecOps are no longer optional; they are essential methodologies for organizations seeking fast, reliable, and secure software delivery. By combining automation, collaboration, continuous monitoring, and embedded security, organizations can reduce risks and accelerate innovation.

Cleaning and hardening Linux VPS servers is a foundational step for secure operations. When paired with expert support from Keen Computer Systems and IAS Research, organizations gain access to both operational excellence and innovative research-backed solutions, ensuring a secure, efficient, and scalable technology environment.

7. References

1. NinjaOne: How to Detect and Remove Rootkits
2. Server.ua Linux Security Guide
3. Kaspersky: Rootkit Detection and Removal
4. Chkrootkit Detection Guide
5. ZeroToMastery Linux Rootkit Detection
6. UpCloud: Ubuntu Malware Scan
7. EuroVPS: 20 Ways to Secure Linux VPS
8. ClamAV Official Documentation
9. Lynis Security Auditing Tool
10. SonarQube & Checkmarx Security Testing
11. OWASP ZAP & Burp Suite
12. Aqua Security & Trivy Container Security

This expanded white paper now provides:

• Comprehensive coverage of DevOps and DevSecOps principles, tools, and practices
• Step-by-step guidance for cleaning and hardening Linux VPS servers
• A clear explanation of how Keen Computer Systems and IAS Research can help
• Detailed references and tools for practical implementation