The Secure Software Development Cycle (also known as Secure SDLC or SSDLC) is an approach to software development that integrates security best practices and considerations throughout the entire development process. It aims to minimize vulnerabilities, ensure compliance with security standards, and protect the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of data and systems. The Secure SDLC builds upon the traditional software development lifecycle by incorporating security activities at each stage.
Key phases and activities of the Secure Software Development Cycle include:
Requirements and planning: Define security requirements based on business needs, regulatory requirements, and risk assessments. Identify relevant security standards, guidelines, and best practices for the project.
Design: Incorporate security principles (such as the principle of least privilege, defense in depth, and secure defaults) into the software architecture and design. Conduct threat modeling to identify potential security risks and design appropriate mitigations.
Implementation: Follow secure coding practices and guidelines to prevent common vulnerabilities (such as SQL injection, cross-site scripting, and buffer overflows). Use tools like static and dynamic code analyzers to identify and fix security issues in the codebase.
Testing: Perform security testing, including vulnerability scanning, penetration testing, and fuzz testing, to identify and address security issues in the application. Ensure that security requirements and mitigations are tested and validated.
Deployment: Implement secure deployment practices, such as minimizing the attack surface, using strong access controls, and employing encryption for sensitive data. Continuously monitor and maintain the environment to ensure security and compliance.
Maintenance and updates: Regularly update the software to fix security vulnerabilities and apply patches. Monitor and respond to security incidents, and conduct periodic security reviews and assessments to identify and address new risks and threats.
By adopting the Secure Software Development Cycle, organisations can proactively address security risks and ensure that their applications are resilient against cyber threats. This approach helps to protect sensitive data, maintain customer trust, and comply with regulatory requirements.