Infrastructure Drift Detection

1. Introduction

Infrastructure Drift Detection is a critical component of the DevSecOps lifecycle, ensuring that the infrastructure remains consistent with the defined configurations. Drift refers to any unintended changes in the infrastructure that occur after it has been provisioned.

2. Key Concepts

• Infrastructure as Code (IaC): Automating infrastructure management using code.
• Drift: Changes made outside of the IaC configuration, leading to discrepancies.
• Drift Detection: The process of identifying differences between the desired and actual state of the infrastructure.

3. Detection Process

To effectively detect drift, follow these steps:

1. Define the desired state of the infrastructure using IaC tools (like Terraform, CloudFormation).
2. Regularly compare the current state of the infrastructure with the desired state.
3. Identify any discrepancies and assess their impact.
4. Notify the relevant stakeholders about the detected drift.
5. Implement remediation strategies to align the infrastructure with the defined state.

Flowchart of Detection Process

graph TD;
    A[Define Desired State] --> B[Current State Comparison];
    B --> C{Discrepancies?};
    C -- Yes --> D[Notify Stakeholders];
    C -- No --> E[End Process];
    D --> F[Implement Remediation];
    F --> E;
            

4. Best Practices

To ensure effective drift detection, consider the following best practices:

• Automate the drift detection process using CI/CD pipelines.
• Regularly audit your infrastructure configurations.
• Utilize tools specifically designed for drift detection, such as Terraform's terraform plan command.
• Maintain version control for your IaC scripts.
• Establish a clear communication channel for reporting detected drifts.

5. FAQ