Secure Software Development Life Cycle (SSDLC)

Secure Software Development Lifecycle (SSDLC) is a methodology for building software with an emphasis on security elements in each stage of the development lifecycle.

With SSDLC, you’re using the security approach to support the implementation of information security processes into SDLC. Implementation of information security involves identifying specific threats and creating specific controls to handle those threats.

The SSDLC aims to produce high-quality software that is secure and meets customer expectations. This ensures the quality, correctness and security of the software product being built.

Secure SDLC

Secure SDLC Free eBook

Secure Software Development is a complex topic. We break this down into
an easy and digestible guide that’s important for your needs:

⇒  Introduction to Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC)

⇒  The Basics of Secure SDLC

⇒  How to be successful in your Secure Software Development

⇒  Overview of OWASP top 10 software security vulnerabilities


Download today and start learning with our guide.

 

6 Phases of SSDLC

The Secure SDLC unifies this process and makes it a coherent program rather than a series of random, unconnected actions. There are typically six phases for an SSDLC as shown below.

Secure SDLC model

1) Planning

This is the first phase of the SDLC, different stakeholders from management, development teams, design teams or any relevant teams will plan, discuss and define the goals and requirements for the software projects.

Security Analysis

Security Analysis is performed to identify the possible risks connected with developing the software.

Security Training

Security Training is conducted to help a non-tech individual to have a better understanding of information security elements.

2) Design

In this phase, developers and other relevant teams will study the requirements and develop the design blueprints of the software.

 

Architecture Review

The developers will choose and review the right architecture for the software development. Each architecture needs a deep analysis of the technology profile, and the attack surface and ensures it’s not vulnerable by design.

Threat Modelling

 This involves understanding and identifying the specific threats by mapping the assets and protection in place. Then creating specific controls to handle those threats.

3) Development

This is the development phase where developers begin to start building the software.

 

Static Analysis

In Static Code Analysis, you’re using the white box security testing method to examine the source code of the software.

4) Testing

The testing phase is done for quality assurance and to ensure no significant code errors in the software.

Code Inspection

Using automated and manual ways to identify easy-to-spot code errors and critical vulnerabilities.

Penetration Testing

Hack the software like how real hackers will do to identify and fix critical vulnerabilities before releasing the software to the public.

5) Release

In the release phase, the software is launched to the public and can be used by users.

 

Security Assessment

Developers conduct additional evaluation and validation testing on the whole software project during the Security Assessment step to ensure the software is ready for release.

6) Evolution

In this phase, the developers maintain the usability of the software and provide support to fix minor issues.

 

Maintenance and support

The battle for a stable, secure and reliable system is always needed whereas discovering the vulnerabilities and mitigating security threats is a constant effort to maintain security.

Benefits of SSDLC

Benefits of Secure SDLC

1) Software is more secure

Focusing on security throughout the entire software development lifecycle results in software that is more secure than ever.

2) Demonstrating a continuous commitment to security

The goal is to provide all the stakeholders that can influence application security with the training, awareness and resources they need to be successful.

This will enable all interested parties such as project managers, development managers, application developers, server configuration, release management, quality assurance teams and others to become committed and aware of security considerations.

3) Identify vulnerabilities early in the process

SSDLC is a systematic process that will bake security processes into the development lifecycle, rather than bolting them in at the end of the lifecycle. This will help detect security vulnerabilities for each phase ensuring the software will be less prone to errors and security risks which will reduce business risks for the organization.

4) Reduce costs

It’s much easier and more cost-effective to design security from the start than to try and retrofit security into existing applications and APIs. Furthermore, it cost much less to fix security vulnerabilities in the initial stage than in later stages of the SDLC.

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