As organisations accelerate digital transformation, the need for robust software security becomes more pressing than ever. Two frequently discussed concepts in this space are DevSecOps and Application Security (AppSec). While they are closely linked, the key difference lies in their scope.
Understanding how these two approaches differ—and how they complement each other—can help teams adopt the right strategies to protect their software throughout its lifecycle.
What is Application Security?
Application Security, or AppSec, focuses on identifying, preventing, and resolving vulnerabilities within the application layer itself. This includes securing the codebase, third-party components, and application logic during development and after deployment.
Modern AppSec practices include:
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Secure coding standards
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Static and dynamic testing (SAST, DAST)
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Software Composition Analysis (SCA) for open-source components
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Threat modelling
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Runtime protection mechanisms
Crucially, AppSec has evolved beyond manual testing. According to a 2024 report by Veracode, automated security scans have increased by 49% year-on-year, highlighting the growing adoption of integrated security testing in development pipelines.
However, AppSec largely remains focused on the application layer only—it aims to ensure the application itself is secure, but not necessarily the environment or pipeline around it.
What is DevSecOps?
DevSecOps stands for Development, Security, and Operations. It represents a cultural and technical shift where security is integrated into every phase of the software development lifecycle—not just at the end.
Where AppSec focuses on securing the code, DevSecOps broadens the lens, embedding security into:
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The CI/CD pipeline
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Infrastructure as code (IaC)
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Access and identity management
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Cloud configurations and runtime environments
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Governance, risk, and compliance checks
This integrated approach enables faster, safer software delivery. According to GitLab’s 2023 DevSecOps report, 56% of teams said security is now a shared responsibility, up from 28% in 2021—a clear indicator that DevSecOps is becoming mainstream.
It’s not just about tools—DevSecOps is a mindset shift. It ensures security isn’t just a final gate but a continuous, automated, and collaborative process.
Key Difference: Scope
The core distinction between DevSecOps and AppSec lies in how wide their reach is:
DevSecOps Includes AppSec—But Goes Further
It’s important to note that DevSecOps and AppSec are not competing methodologies—they work best when used together. AppSec provides the techniques and tools to secure the codebase, while DevSecOps ensures these practices are automated, continuous, and scalable within the broader delivery pipeline.
A mature security posture combines both: robust AppSec controls embedded into a DevSecOps workflow.
In simple terms: AppSec secures the app, DevSecOps secures the journey—from the first line of code to production.
Why Is Application Security More Widely Known Than DevSecOps?
Despite DevSecOps being broader in scope, many people are more familiar with Application Security. This is due to a few key reasons:
1. AppSec Has Been Around Longer
Application Security has existed as a practice since the early days of software development. From secure coding to vulnerability scanning, it’s a well-established concept that predates the rise of DevOps and cloud-native development.
2. It’s Easier to Understand
The idea of “securing an app” is intuitive. DevSecOps, on the other hand, involves integrating security across complex systems, automation, infrastructure, and organisational workflows—making it feel more abstract and harder to grasp for those outside the engineering or DevOps space.
3. AppSec Roles Are More Common
Many organisations still hire dedicated AppSec engineers, while DevSecOps is often a practice embedded across multiple teams. As a result, you’ll see more visibility and job titles around AppSec.
4. DevSecOps Is Still Maturing
DevSecOps is a newer and evolving practice. It requires not just new tools, but also a cultural shift in how teams collaborate and prioritise security. This broader change takes time to gain widespread adoption and recognition.
5. Education and Messaging Gaps
While there are plenty of tools and guides around traditional AppSec, the industry is still catching up in terms of educating teams on how to adopt DevSecOps successfully across the entire lifecycle.
In short, Application Security is a familiar, focused discipline, while DevSecOps is an evolving, organisation-wide approach that embeds that discipline throughout the software pipeline.
Final Thoughts
With cyber threats increasing in complexity and frequency, organisations can no longer afford to treat security as an afterthought. By understanding the scope of DevSecOps vs Application Security, teams can ensure that security is not just reactive, but proactively built into every stage of software development.
While AppSec protects the app, DevSecOps protects the process—bringing teams together to build and ship software that is secure by design.
Just Focus on Your Code, We’ll Handle the Security
Start your secure journey with ScoutTwo and integrate security effortlessly into your CI/CD pipeline. Enjoy seamless scans, automated checks, and real-time feedback—all while you stay focused on building great software. Start your free account today!
Written by:
Bernadetta Septarini (Content Marketing). Experienced content marketing and social media in the information technology and services industry.
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