Evolution of DevSecOps and Its Influence on Application Security: A Systematic Literature Review

This systematic literature review (SLR) investigates the current landscape of DevSecOps by analysing peer-reviewed studies published between 2012 and 2025. The review identifies key themes including automation, continuous security integration, toolchain orchestration, and cultural transformation. At the same time, it underscores the persistent challenges of embedding security within fast-paced development cycles, such as the absence of standardised practices, difficulties in achieving tool interoperability, and resistance at the organisational level. By synthesising findings across 36 selected studies, this paper rightly identified the gaps including seamless integration of security tools, lack of comprehensive frameworks for effective deployment, scalability in cloud-native technologies for effective DevSecOps adoption. In response, the study outlines future research directions aimed at bridging these gaps, particularly in areas of empirical validation and scalability. The study contributes to both academia and industry by offering a comprehensive understanding of DevSecOps evolution, its practical implications, and the critical factors influencing its success.