Art Clomera
Vice President, Operations
In response to President Biden’s Executive Order on “Improving the Nation’s Cybersecurity (14028)“, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) designed the Secure Software Development Framework (SSDF). The creation of the SSDF was a strategic move to bolster the cybersecurity posture of Federal agencies.
NIST also developed the Risk Management Framework (RMF), a structured methodology for managing cybersecurity risk. The SSDF serves as a practical set of practices and guidelines, aiding in implementing the RMF within software development.
The practical value of the SSDF, and the reason for this comprehensive guide, is how it helps organizations reduce risks and protect their applications and systems by incorporating security measures into every phase of the software development lifecycle. Our security experts are ready to assist if you have more specific questions.
What is the SSDF (Secure Software Development Framework)?
The Secure Software Development Framework (SSDF) is a core set of high-level secure software development practices and an essential guide for organizations. Much like a GPS, the SSDF provides pathways to fostering a culture of continuous improvement and proactive threat management.
Like the cardinal directions on a compass, the SSDF is grouped into four main parts. Together, they integrate security considerations throughout the software development lifecycle. The six key considerations are waypoints on an organization’s path to developing secure, high-quality software.
The Four Cardinal Points of the SSDF
The SSDF version 1.1, defined in NIST SP 800-218, is vital in embedding robust security practices throughout a software’s lifecycle. Like a military strategist, the SSDF offers a structured method to address potential threats and vulnerabilities and integrates end-to-end security measures into software development.
Prepare the Organization (PO)
PO is the bedrock phase of secure software development since it optimizes the organizational dynamics needed to develop secure software. People, processes, and tools are the heart of this stage. Without the team’s competence, streamlined processes, and the right cybersecurity tools working together, it is impossible to integrate security into software development workflows.
Overview:
Protect the Software (PS)
This stage covers a critical duty of developers – to ensure their software maintains its integrity and is as secure as possible “fresh out of the box.” Integrating these measures into the development process creates a secure environment where your code remains private, tamper-proof, and ready to deliver its intended functionality without compromise.
Overview:
Produce Well-Secured Software (PW)
Code review, design review, and component selection techniques; (PW) focus on developing software resistant to common attack vectors. Regular security testing, including penetration testing and vulnerability scanning, is recommended to help identify and address any weaknesses or vulnerabilities in the software. This stage lowers the risk of injecting vulnerabilities during development.
Overview:
Respond to vulnerabilities (RV)
The last cardinal point of the NIST SSDF framework, Respond to Vulnerabilities (RV), provides a strategic plan for managing potential security threats throughout the software’s lifecycle. The RV point ensures that vulnerabilities are effectively triaged and prioritized based on their severity and potential impact. The SSDF recommends identifying residual vulnerabilities in software releases and responding appropriately to address those vulnerabilities and prevent similar vulnerabilities from occurring.
Overview:
6 Key Considerations of the NIST SSDF Framework And How to Prioritize Security
While no framework can offer 100% security, the SSDF helps developers meet key recommendations for secure software. Adopting the NIST SSDF enables organizations to reduce vulnerabilities in released software, minimize the potential impact of undetected vulnerabilities, and address root causes to prevent recurrences.
1. Continuous code testing and review
The framework puts your software through its paces to catch potential vulnerabilities early on through regular and thorough code testing and review. This preemptive approach ensures that security flaws are identified and rectified promptly, reducing the risk of breaches. Continuous is the keyword here. Just as your vehicle needs regular servicing to catch potential issues early, the SSDF encourages regular testing and review of code to identify and fix vulnerabilities proactively.
2. Secure default settings
A piece of software should be secure right out of the box with secure default settings and a ‘security-first’ development approach to minimize the chance of accidental exposure of sensitive data or system vulnerabilities. However, manufacturers often prioritize usability over optimal security. Organizations and users must review and customize default configurations to compensate for this, particularly for confidential information.
3. Vulnerability Management
This part of the SSDF is similar to a city’s waste management system, where toxic flaws and high-risk vulnerabilities are tackled first, similar to addressing the most pressing city waste problems. Effective vulnerability management involves a systematic process for identifying, categorizing, prioritizing, and resolving software vulnerabilities. This is crucial to ensure that high-risk issues are addressed first and that no known vulnerability is left unattended.
4. Secure Communication Protocols
This part of the SSDF is similar to a city’s waste management system, where toxic flaws and high-risk vulnerabilities are tackled first, similar to addressing the most pressing city waste problems. Effective vulnerability management involves a systematic process for identifying, categorizing, prioritizing, and resolving software vulnerabilities. This is crucial to ensure that high-risk issues are addressed first and that no known vulnerability is left unattended.
5. Security Awareness and Training
The human element is often the weakest link in security, which is why the SSDF emphasizes the importance of regular security awareness and training programs for all personnel involved in the software development process. This helps build a culture of security mindfulness, similar to conducting regular fire drills to ensure everyone knows how to respond in case of an emergency.
6. Incident Response Planning
Even the best defenses can be breached. The SSDF stresses the importance of a well-defined and rehearsed incident response plan. It ensures that when a security incident occurs, the organization can respond swiftly and effectively to minimize damage and restore operations, much like a well-drilled firefighting team able to tackle any emergency.
Wrapping up
After diving into the Secure Software Development Framework, it’s clear there is a greater emphasis on security regarding AI-driven solutions and RMF processes. Loading up with the latest security protocols is no longer enough – understanding how these tools are built from the ground up and testing them often is essential to stay compliant.
Until recently, this was difficult to manage, but the SSDF has made the process more efficient and effective. At IPKeys, we help Federal agencies automate their RMF and cybersecurity program with Cyntinel, the Federal agency cyber leader dashboard, to stay ahead of threats and maintain compliance. Contact us today for questions on how we can help.
SSDF – common FAQs
What is the difference between the SSDF and other security frameworks?
The SSDF is a security framework specifically targeting software development. Unlike other security frameworks that focus on network or system security, the SSDF takes a holistic approach by addressing security concerns from the initial stages of development. This makes it more proactive than other frameworks.
What is secure software design?
Secure software design is a process that ensures that software meets security requirements and does not contain any vulnerabilities that attackers could exploit. This includes ensuring that the software is designed to be secure from the start, as well as incorporating security testing into the development process to identify and fix any vulnerabilities that may be present.
What are the key components of the SSDF?
The key components of the SSDF are:
- Security requirements gathering: This involves identifying the security requirements for the software, such as the types of threats that the software should be protected against.
- Threat modeling: This involves identifying the potential threats to the software and assessing their likelihood and impact.
- Security design: This involves designing the software to mitigate the identified threats.
- Security testing: This involves testing the software to identify and fix any vulnerabilities that may be present.
What are the benefits of the SSDF?
The benefits of the SSDF include:
- Improved security: The SSDF provides a structured approach to manage cybersecurity risk, helping maintain software release integrity.
- Regulatory compliance: Adopting the SSDF can help organizations achieve compliance with regulatory requirements, as it aligns with many existing regulations related to cybersecurity.
- Risk mitigation: The framework guides developers in lessening the chances of introducing vulnerabilities during software creation, thereby reducing potential cyberattack avenues.
- Effective response mechanism: The SSDF outlines a plan for handling potential security threats, enabling a quick response to threats to reduce user impact.
How do I remain compliant with the SSDF?
You can remain compliant with the SSDF by following the guidelines laid out in the standard. Support for the SSDF can be obtained through various channels, including the NIST website, which provides resources and documentation related to the framework. Additionally, organizations can seek assistance from cybersecurity professionals, consultants, or industry forums and communities focusing on secure software development practices.
