The Importance of a Secure Software Development Lifecycle
Tags: softwaredevelopment, sdlc, cybersecurity, devsecops
Published: 2023-08-16 13:58:42

Many organizations moving towards DevSecOps have begun to implement Secure Software Development Lifecycles (SSDLC), meaning that they enhance their Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC) by integrating security into each step of the process. 

Oftentimes, security tests are run at the end of the SDLC which can allow vulnerabilities to slip through the cracks, forcing development teams to scramble and come up with a solution. With SSDLCs, security is incorporated throughout the process allowing teams to identify and eradicate vulnerabilities early on, mitigating potential risks post-deployment. 

Considering the increased risks with the expansion of the cyber landscape, it is important to look into the benefits of implementing a SSDLC. 

**What is a Software Development Lifecycle?**

A SDLC is a structured process used by development teams to manage software development from start to finish. While the SDLC can vary between organizations, the main steps include: 

•	Planning – The development team defines the purpose of the project and outlines general guidelines including the timelines and necessary resources. 
•	Designing – During the design step, teams will take a more detailed approach to designing the software and might include how the actual software will look to users or the structure of the software. 
•	Building – This is when the team begins the process of coding the software while staying true to the software design. 
•	Testing – Once the software is created, the development team tests the software for any bugs or vulnerabilities that must be fixed before deployment.
•	Deployment – After building, testing, and revising the software it will be deployed.
•	Maintenance – The development team will continue to monitor the [software development KPIs](https://www.clickittech.com/developer/kpis-in-software-development/?utm_source=backlinks&utm_medium=referral) after deployment, so that they can address any issues that may arise. 

**How to Incorporate Security into the Software Development Lifecycle**

Some developers are hesitant to take security measures before the testing phase of the SDLC, due to concerns of delayed deployment. But, when a SSDLC is effectively implemented, development teams will be able to secure their software while simultaneously making seamless progress on their projects. Some of the ways that security can be incorporated into the SDLC steps are: 

•	Planning – During the planning phase, general security questions should be addressed. This could include deciding if two-factor authentication should be used or if data will be encrypted. 
•	Designing – When designing software, developers should have an understanding of potential security risks, and have a plan on how to mitigate them once they start building the software. 
•	Building – Developers must be knowledgeable about current security standards, so that they can securely code upcoming software.
•	Testing – Security tests should be conducted to ensure that all vulnerabilities are eliminated before deployment.
•	Maintenance – Software must be continuously monitored and updated to ensure that security threats do not arise post-deployment. 

**Enhancing a Secure Software Development Lifecycle with an Incident Response Plan**

Securing the SDLC is a strong practice that teams can employ to minimize threats to their software, but the possibility of cyberattacks does not go away. IT teams must have a structured incident response plan in place so that they are prepared in the event of a cyberattack. These are the best practices to follow when creating an incident response plan: 

•	Appoint a Knowledgeable Response Team 
Appointing knowledgeable individuals to take charge during critical security incidents will ensure the smooth execution of the incident response plan. This provides teams with peace of mind, because they will know exactly who to turn to for assistance during cyberthreats. 
•	Deploy Monitoring and Alerting Technologies
By deploying IT monitoring and alerting tools, teams will be able to immediately identify threats and vulnerabilities within their software. Monitoring tools alleviate the responsibility of having to manually monitor unexpected changes in the software, and [IT alerting solutions](https://www.onpage.com/incident-alert-management-for-it/) provide an extra cushion, by immediately delivering notifications about threats right to IT technicians’ smartphones.
•	Train Staff on Incident Response Procedures
When implementing or updating an incident response plan, it is crucial that all team members are equipped with the right tools and knowledge to follow the procedures. So, it is paramount to an incident response plan’s success to adequately train staff on new incident response procedures.
•	Maintain Comprehensive Documentation
In the event of cyberthreats, detected vulnerabilities, or new procedures, there must be comprehensive documentation collected to prevent confusion. Furthermore, maintaining strong documentation enhances efforts for continuous improvement. Teams can look back at past incidents and make sure that future software has security measures in place that will mitigate the possibility of similar instances.
•	Conduct Post-Incident Reviews
Once an incident is resolved, it is imperative for teams to host a post-incident review. These reviews allow teams to examine an incident, find out what went wrong, revise the software, and eliminate vulnerabilities. 

**Conclusion**

With the rise of cybercriminal activity, there is no room for error, IT teams must always be prepared to defend against cyberattacks. Securing each step of the SDLC minimizes the possibility of vulnerabilities slipping through the cracks, ensuring software security.