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arXiv · 2503.22612

Advancing DevSecOps in SMEs: Challenges and Best Practices for Secure CI/CD Pipelines

Jayaprakashreddy Cheenepalli·John D. Hastings·Khandaker Mamun Ahmed·Chad Fenner
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Abstract

This study evaluates the adoption of DevSecOps among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), identifying key challenges, best practices, and future trends. Through a mixed methods approach backed by the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and Diffusion of Innovations (DOI) theory, we analyzed survey data from 405 SME professionals, revealing that while 68% have implemented DevSecOps, adoption is hindered by technical complexity (41%), resource constraints (35%), and cultural resistance (38%). Despite strong leadership prioritization of security (73%), automation gaps persist, with only 12% of organizations conducting security scans per commit. Our findings highlight a growing integration of security tools, particularly API security (63%) and software composition analysis (62%), although container security adoption remains low (34%). Looking ahead, SMEs anticipate artificial intelligence and machine learning to significantly influence DevSecOps, underscoring the need for proactive adoption of AI-driven security enhancements. Based on our findings, this research proposes strategic best practices to enhance CI/CD pipeline security including automation, leadership-driven security culture, and cross-team collaboration.

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Jayaprakashreddy Cheenepalli, John D. Hastings, Khandaker Mamun Ahmed, Chad Fenner. 2025-03-28. Advancing DevSecOps in SMEs: Challenges and Best Practices for Secure CI/CD Pipelines. https://doi.org/10.1109/isdfs65363.2025.11011960

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