In today’s software-driven world, it’s crucial to ensure the security of software during development. Yet many software development life cycle (SDLC) models lack specific emphasis on software security, requiring the addition of secure software development practices or software security frameworks alongside existing SDLC processes to ensure robust security measures.
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) seeks to address this need with a framework to enhance software supply chain security. NIST’s Secure Software Development Framework (SSDF) outlines a core set of high-level practices you can integrate into any SDLC model.
By following the practices outlined in the SSDF, your organization can:
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Reduce vulnerabilities in released software;
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Minimize the impact of exploited vulnerabilities; and
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Eliminate the root causes of exploits to prevent future recurrences.
Additionally, the SSDF offers guidance to help you manage risks associated with your software supply chain and better align with principles of secure software development.
In this blog post, we explore the SSDF, the details of its four groups of core practices, and the intended outcomes and influence on your existing software development processes.
What Is the SSDF?
The SSDF is a guide created by NIST to help organizations develop and maintain secure software systems. NIST describes the SSDF concisely as “a set of fundamental, sound practices for secure software development.”
The SSDF establishes a structured approach to incorporate security measures into existing software development practices, thereby reducing vulnerabilities and improving software quality and reliability. NIST based its development of the SSDF on established industry standards and existing secure software development documentation.
The framework aims to enhance software security through the integration of best practices, processes, and activities into an SDLC. It focuses on proactive security measures, addressing vulnerabilities early, and promoting a culture of security with principles such as Shift Left regardless of the (Read more...)
