What is Secure SDLC?
Secure SDLC (Software Development Lifecycle) is an approach that integrates security practices into every phase of software development. Instead of treating security as an afterthought, it builds security into the process from the start.
SDLC Phases & Security
Requirements
- Security requirements
- Threat modeling
- Risk assessment
- Compliance requirements
Design
- Secure architecture
- Security design review
- Attack surface analysis
- Security patterns
Implementation
- Secure coding standards
- Code review
- SAST scanning
- Secret management
Testing
- Security testing (DAST)
- Penetration testing
- Vulnerability scanning
- Fuzz testing
Deployment
- Configuration review
- Infrastructure security
- Deployment verification
- Access control
Maintenance
- Patch management
- Monitoring
- Incident response
- Security updates
Security Activities
| Phase | Activities |
|---|---|
| Requirements | Security stories, threat modeling |
| Design | Architecture review, design patterns |
| Code | SAST, code review, secrets scanning |
| Test | DAST, pen testing, SCA |
| Deploy | Config validation, hardening |
| Operate | Monitoring, patching, response |
Benefits
- Reduced vulnerabilities
- Lower remediation costs
- Compliance support
- Faster releases
- Better security culture
Frameworks
- Microsoft SDL
- OWASP SAMM
- NIST SSDF
- BSIMM