Extra tags: Digital Transformation
The software supply chain must be secured at every step; otherwise, the results can be disastrous or costly (or both). The software supply chain is just like any other supply chain in that it is a process involving multiple resources, activities, vendors and other third-party participants. The end goal is to make a technology-related product or service, like an app or software or operating system, for the customer.
Here is an example:
Unfortunately, the software supply chain is at great risk because these resources, activities, vendors and other third-party participants are also attack vectors. This means each is a potential entry point for malicious actors looking to carry out an infiltration. And in case cybercriminals do succeed in targeting a particular vector, they inevitably gain access to the networks of the other participants—or at least those that share their networks with the first compromised player.
Consider this situation:
In the situation above, the testing tools have been compromised by malware. But that malware can also backdoor its way to the version control system and the deployment tools given how they are likely to be sharing their networks with the testing tools. The likelihood is that initial infection can spread as far back to the software dependencies and all the way to the organisation using the end-product app. Hence, all it takes is one weak link for several others to be hit by a cyber attack.
This problem might persist moving forward, or even worsen, as businesses are under pressure to cut down the time to market for their apps and software if they are to keep up with customer demand. It is, therefore, entirely plausible that speed will take precedence over security, and that will only create more vulnerabilities and problems. This is why it is critical that this software supply chain be secured.
Seamless Application Security, a critical part of the software supply chain (or software lifecycle), can help solve that problem. The overarching idea of Seamless Application Security is to consider security at every stage of this lifecycle. This means incorporating app security best practices and testing at every part of the process. And if executed properly, security will no longer be sacrificed in favour of speed.
Do not expect Seamless Application Security to be easy though. It starts with executive buy-in at every stage, and a willingness from security teams, developers and everyone else involved to collaborate. Next, come these important steps:
-
Keep security in mind right at the app development stage. There are more developers than security specialists—at a ratio of 80:1, in fact—and this is reason enough to put the onus on the former to find and fix defects at the development stage. To be able to do so, developers need to be given some form of security training and, more importantly, the right tools such as Fortify Security Assistant.
-
Test, Test, Test! Testing is critical to spot defects and vulnerabilities. It should be done early (with the help of Fortify Static Code Analyzer and Fortify Security Assistant), often (with Fortify WebInspect) and fast (using Fortify Audit Assistant).
-
Use integrations wisely. Integrations like Micro Focus Fortify, the industry leader in application security solutions, and Micro Focus ALM Octane, a lifecycle management tool, are force multipliers. Together these integrations can expose vulnerabilities and provide information on how to fix them.
-
Automate where possible. Automation enables faster app development and makes testing faster—but without sacrificing quality and consistency. Through automation, security vulnerabilities can be efficiently identified while minimising the labour-intensive nature of security assessments
-
Monitor and protect. Constant monitoring can help in identifying security risks from a rogue app, risk profile changes and zero-day vulnerabilities. It can be done using a tool like Fortify Application Defender.
Securing the software supply chain can be daunting, especially with the different stages in the process and the various players and vendors involved. But it needs to be done, and it is not impossible.
Click here to find out how a trusted partner like Micro Focus can help you secure the software supply chain and ensure that the software your organisation delivers to the market is secure.