Understanding Secure SDLC:
Secure Development Life Cycle (SDLC) is paramount in creating resilient software. Integrating security from the project’s inception, SDLC incorporates risk assessments, secure coding practices, and regular testing. It ensures that security is a fundamental aspect at every phase, from design to deployment. By embedding security measures early, vulnerabilities are identified and addressed proactively, minimizing the risk of cyber threats. SDLC not only enhances the robustness of software but also fosters a security-conscious development culture, ultimately safeguarding sensitive data and providing a foundation for secure, trustworthy applications in the dynamic landscape of software development.
Secure SDLC stages:
1. Prerequisite
Define Clear Security Requirements for Application Development
- Objective: Establish detailed and unambiguous project security requirements specific to application functionalities.
- Action Plan: Conduct collaborative workshops with stakeholders to gather specific security requirements.
- Controls: Measure requirement clarity through stakeholder feedback; aim for a well-defined and comprehensive specification.
- Output: Detailed Secure Software Requirements Specification (SRS) document and SSDLC Kick-off Policy.
2. Prerequisite
Conduct Initial Risk Assessment for Application Security
- Objective: Identify and prioritize potential security risks related to the application development.
- Action Plan: Engage security experts to conduct an initial risk assessment, focusing on application-specific threats.
- Controls: Utilize risk heatmaps and prioritize risk mitigation efforts based on the assessment results.
- Output: Initial Application Risk Assessment Report and Risk Mitigation Policy.
3. Design Phase
Architect Robust System Security for the Application
- Objective: Develop a secure and scalable system architecture.
- Action Plan: Include security experts in the design phase, emphasizing secure coding practices.
- Controls: Track adherence to secure design principles and assess system scalability metrics.
- Output: Secure System Architecture Design document and Secure Design Guidelines.
4. Development Phase
Implement Secure Coding Practices
- Objective: Ensure developers follow secure coding practices during application development.
- Action Plan: Conduct regular training sessions on secure coding and provide code review feedback.
- Controls: Monitor code quality metrics, identifying and addressing security-related issues.
- Output: Secure Coding Guidelines, Regular Code Review Reports, and Secure Development Training Records.
5. Testing Phase
Perform Rigorous Security Testing for the Application
- Objective: Identify and rectify security vulnerabilities in the application.
- Action Plan: Execute comprehensive security testing, including penetration testing and code scanning.
- Controls: Track and remediate security findings, aiming for a low number of unresolved issues.
- Output: Security Test Plan, Security Test Reports, and SSDLC Testing Procedures.
6. Deployment Phase
Execute Controlled Application Rollout
- Objective: Ensure a smooth and secure deployment of the application.
- Action Plan: Implement a phased rollout with continuous monitoring for performance and security.
- Controls: Measure deployment success by monitoring system stability and detecting anomalies.
- Output: Deployment Plan, Post-Deployment Monitoring Reports, and SSDLC Deployment Policy.
7. Maintenance Phase
Establish Continuous Security Monitoring for the Application
- Objective: Monitor the application for ongoing security threats and vulnerabilities.
- Action Plan: Implement continuous monitoring tools and processes, including regular security audits.
- Controls: Define and track key security metrics, such as time to patch vulnerabilities and incident response effectiveness.
- Output: Continuous Monitoring Policy, Security Incident Response Plan, and SSDLC Lessons Learned Report.
Preparation For ISO 27001 Certification ACTION PLAN
Tenendo provides expert guidance on the planning, the definition of the scope, support of the decision-making processes, risk management, project management, the definition of resources and competencies, implementation controls, and support during the certification process.
Related Tenendo Services
Security Awareness Training
Security awareness training equips individuals with knowledge to recognize and counter cyber threats. By fostering a culture of vigilance, it empowers teams to safeguard information, reducing the risk of security breaches.
Security Code Review
By analysing and fortifying weaknesses, organizations safeguard sensitive data and maintain a vigilant defence against evolving security challenges.
Penetration Testing
Penetration testing, integral to security certifications, assesses system vulnerabilities. Rigorous and ethical, it validates security measures, ensuring compliance and fortifying defences against cyber threats in certification processes.
