Introduction:

In today’s digital world, software systems are becoming more complex and more vulnerable. As the number of cyber threats grows, organizations must find new ways to deliver secure software faster. This is where DevSecOps comes in. DevSecOps is a powerful approach that integrates security into every phase of the development and operations lifecycle. It ensures that applications are built and deployed with security in mind, not as an afterthought.

For entry-level engineers, learning DevSecOps is no longer optional. It is a must-have skill for anyone looking to enter modern software development, cybersecurity, or IT operations. This blog post provides a complete DevSecOps training path for beginners, focusing on real-world applications, hands-on practices, and key certifications that can boost your career.

What is DevSecOps?

Understanding DevSecOps Basics

DevSecOps stands for Development, Security, and Operations. It is a methodology that aims to embed security throughout the DevOps pipeline. Instead of checking for vulnerabilities at the end of the development cycle, DevSecOps integrates automated security checks at every stage, from planning to deployment.

Key Goals of DevSecOps

• Shift security left by identifying issues early
  
  

• Automate security processes to save time
  
  

• Promote collaboration between developers, security teams, and operations
  
  

• Deliver secure software quickly and continuously
  
  

DevSecOps is not a single tool or technique. It is a cultural and technical transformation that requires knowledge of development, automation, infrastructure, and security practices.

Why Entry-Level Engineers Should Learn DevSecOps

The demand for professionals with DevSecOps skills is growing fast. Organizations are seeking engineers who can not only write code or manage infrastructure but also secure systems effectively.

Top Reasons to Learn DevSecOps:

• High demand across industries such as finance, healthcare, and government
  
  

• Competitive salaries and rapid career growth
  
  

• Versatility to work in development, operations, or security teams
  
  

• Improved understanding of modern software delivery pipelines
  
  

• Better preparation for roles in cloud computing and container security
  
  

Whether you are a fresh graduate or switching careers, DevSecOps offers a clear and practical learning path that aligns with future job trends.

Skills You Need Before Starting DevSecOps Training

Before diving into DevSecOps, it helps to have a solid understanding of some foundational skills. While not all are mandatory, they will make your learning journey smoother.

Core Prerequisites:

• Basic Programming: Familiarity with languages like Python, Bash, or JavaScript
  
  

• Operating Systems: Understanding Linux commands and file structures
  
  

• Networking: Basic TCP/IP, firewalls, and DNS knowledge
  
  

• Version Control: Experience with Git and GitHub or GitLab
  
  

• CI/CD Pipelines: Understanding continuous integration and continuous delivery
  
  

• Cloud Platforms: Introduction to AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud Platform
  
  

• Containers: Basic knowledge of Docker and containerization concepts
  
  

These skills build the groundwork for more advanced concepts in DevSecOps.

Step-by-Step DevSecOps Training Path

Step 1: Learn DevOps Fundamentals

Before you can implement security, you need to understand how modern development and deployment pipelines work. DevOps training will teach you:

• Agile development methodologies
  
  

• Infrastructure as Code (IaC) using tools like Terraform or Ansible
  
  

• CI/CD tools like Jenkins, GitLab CI, or GitHub Actions
  
  

• Configuration management and monitoring
  
  

Start by building a basic CI/CD pipeline that automatically tests and deploys a simple web app. This exercise provides a good foundation for integrating security in later stages.

Step 2: Understand Security Fundamentals

A key part of DevSecOps is knowing what you are protecting against. Entry-level engineers must grasp core security principles.

Topics to cover:

• Principles of secure coding
  
  

• OWASP Top 10 vulnerabilities
  
  

• Authentication and authorization
  
  

• Encryption and secure communication (SSL/TLS)
  
  

• Web application security basics
  
  

These topics will help you identify weaknesses in applications and infrastructure.

Step 3: Explore DevSecOps Tools

DevSecOps is tool-driven. You must learn how to integrate various security tools into the DevOps workflow. Below are some categories of tools and what they do.

Static Application Security Testing (SAST)

These tools scan source code for vulnerabilities.

• Examples: SonarQube, Checkmarx
  
  

Software Composition Analysis (SCA)

These tools identify vulnerabilities in third-party dependencies.

• Examples: OWASP Dependency-Check, Snyk
  
  

Dynamic Application Security Testing (DAST)

These tools test running applications for flaws.

• Examples: OWASP ZAP, Burp Suite
  
  

Container and Infrastructure Security

• Docker image scanning: Use tools like Trivy or Clair
  
  

• Kubernetes security: Learn about RBAC, Network Policies, and Pod Security Standards
  
  

• Infrastructure as Code scanning: Tools like TFSec or Checkov
  
  

Learn how to automate these tools within a CI/CD pipeline.

Step 4: Build Hands-On Projects

Apply your skills in practical projects to solidify your learning.

Sample Projects:

• Secure Web App Deployment: Create a basic web application and deploy it using a CI/CD pipeline with SAST and DAST tools
  
  

• Container Security Lab: Build a Dockerized app, scan the image for vulnerabilities, and enforce runtime security policies
  
  

• IaC Project: Write Terraform or Ansible scripts to provision cloud infrastructure and run security checks
  
  

Hands-on experience with tools and pipelines is the best way to prepare for real-world DevSecOps tasks.

Step 5: Get Certified

Certifications validate your skills and make your resume stand out. While hands-on experience is vital, having a recognized credential helps employers trust your knowledge.

One popular credential is the Certified DevSecOps Professional certification. It focuses on practical DevSecOps concepts, hands-on lab work, and securing CI/CD pipelines.

Understanding Certified DevSecOps Professional Cost

The Certified DevSecOps Professional cost varies based on the organization offering the certification, but it generally ranges from $250 to $600. The cost may include access to practice labs, study material, and an exam voucher. Entry-level engineers should consider this an investment in career development, especially when comparing it to potential salary increases in the cybersecurity and DevOps job market.

Step 6: Join a DevSecOps Community

While not mandatory, being part of a community can fast-track your learning. Look for open-source DevSecOps projects on GitHub, contribute to them, and learn from other developers. Participate in online forums, security challenges, and open DevSecOps meetups. Community involvement can lead to mentorship, referrals, and job opportunities.

Sample DevSecOps Training Schedule for Beginners

This roadmap helps entry-level engineers build skills steadily while preparing for certification and real-world roles.

Career Roles After DevSecOps Training

Once you complete your DevSecOps course online and gain practical experience, several career paths open up.

Common Job Roles:

• DevSecOps Engineer
  
  

• Cloud Security Engineer
  
  

• Application Security Analyst
  
  

• Site Reliability Engineer (with security focus)
  
  

• Security Automation Engineer
  
  

• Infrastructure Security Specialist
  
  

These roles are often remote-friendly and offer high job satisfaction due to their strategic impact on software security.

Real-World Example: How DevSecOps Saves Time and Money

Imagine a fintech company deploying updates weekly. Without DevSecOps, vulnerabilities might be found after release, leading to costly patches and customer data risks. By implementing security tools in the pipeline, this company catches issues before release, reducing patching time by 60 percent and improving customer trust.

This is not just theory. Many organizations report that DevSecOps reduces breach costs by hundreds of thousands of dollars annually.

Key Benefits of Taking a DevSecOps Course Online

Taking a DevSecOps course online offers flexibility and structure for beginners. You can learn at your own pace while accessing interactive labs, quizzes, and guided exercises. A structured course ensures you learn the right tools in the correct order without wasting time jumping between random tutorials.

Online training helps you prepare for certifications and gives you real-world knowledge, making you job-ready faster.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in DevSecOps Learning

• Skipping the basics: Understand DevOps first before diving into security.
  
  

• Relying only on tools: Tools are important, but knowing the why behind them is essential.
  
  

• Ignoring collaboration: DevSecOps is not a solo activity. Communication across teams matters.
  
  

• Focusing only on theory: Practical, hands-on work is crucial.
  
  

• Overlooking cloud security: Most environments today are cloud-based. Learn to secure AWS or Azure.
  
  

Avoiding these mistakes can speed up your learning and improve your job performance once you enter the field.

Conclusion:

DevSecOps is the future of secure software delivery. With the right DevSecOps training, hands-on projects, and industry certification, entry-level engineers can position themselves as valuable assets in any organization. Whether you aim to become a DevSecOps engineer or simply add security skills to your resume, this learning path provides the foundation for long-term career growth.

Start building your DevSecOps skills today. Take action now and secure your place in tomorrow’s tech landscape.