Using GitHub Actions for automated security scans

Automating security scans using GitHub Actions is a powerful way to ensure that your codebase remains free of vulnerabilities without manual oversight. GitHub Actions allow you to automate workflows directly from your GitHub repository, providing a seamless integration of security practices into your development process. This guide will cover how to set up GitHub Actions for security scans, integrate them with Graphite Automations, and guarantee continuous security monitoring.

Setting up GitHub Actions for security scans

GitHub Actions make it possible to create custom automation workflows directly in your GitHub repository. To set up an automated security scan:

1. Create a new workflow file: In your repository, create a new file under the .github/workflows/ directory. Name it something descriptive like security-scan.yml.

2. Define the workflow configuration: Start by specifying the name of the workflow and the trigger events. Common triggers for security scans are push events or scheduled events using cron syntax. Here's an example configuration:

   Terminal

   name: Automated Security Scan
   on:
     push:
       branches:
         - main
     schedule:
       - cron: '0 0 * * *' # Runs every day at midnight
   
   

3. Set up the job to run security scans: In the workflow file, define a job that includes steps to checkout the code, set up the required environment, and execute the security scan. Use the GitHub Action for vulnerability scans, such as actions/setup-java for Java projects or other relevant actions depending on your project's technology stack.

   Terminal

   jobs:
     security-scan:
       runs-on: ubuntu-latest
       steps:
         - uses: actions/checkout@v2
         - name: Set up Java
           uses: actions/setup-java@v2
           with:
             java-version: '11'
         - name: Run vulnerability scan
           run: ./gradlew dependencyCheckAnalyze
   
   

Integrating Graphite Automations

With Graphite Automations, you can seamlessly integrate enhanced workflow actions triggered by the results of security scans conducted via GitHub Actions. When vulnerabilities are detected, Graphite can be configured to automatically execute predefined responses, optimizing your project's security management. Here’s how you can leverage Graphite Automations:

1. Automated reviewer assignment: Automatically assign a security expert as a reviewer to the pull request if a vulnerability is detected. This ensures that vulnerabilities are promptly and efficiently addressed by the right personnel.

   Terminal

   Trigger: A PR contains changes to sensitive code paths.
   Action: Add a security team member as a reviewer.
   
   

2. Automatic label addition: Use Graphite to add labels such as "security-check-needed" or "vulnerability-detected" to PRs that fail security scans. Labels can help in quickly identifying PRs that require immediate attention and handling them accordingly.

   Terminal

   Trigger: Security scan identifies a vulnerability.
   Action: Add label "vulnerability-detected".
   
   

3. Post comments for awareness: Configure Graphite to automatically post a comment on the PR advising developers of the specific issues found. This can serve as an immediate alert to developers to revisit the affected code segments.

   Terminal

   Trigger: A PR fails a security scan.
   Action: Leave a comment like "Please address the highlighted security vulnerabilities."
   
   

4. Notification alerts: Set up Graphite to notify relevant team members or groups through integrated channels like Slack whenever critical vulnerabilities are identified. This ensures that all necessary stakeholders are informed and can take prompt action.

   Terminal

   Trigger: Critical vulnerability found.
   Action: Notify via Slack in the #dev-sec channel.
   
   

By leveraging GitHub Actions together with Graphite Automations, you can create a robust, automated security protocol that not only performs regular scans but also ensures that any findings are immediately addressed. This approach minimizes vulnerabilities in your codebase and enhances the security posture of your projects.