Secure Software Development Life Cycle (SSDLC)


The Secure Software Development Life Cycle (SSDLC) is a method of system development that incorporates security controls in every phase of the system’s lifecycle.

  • contrasts with traditional SDLCs that focus on collecting and implementing functional (user) requirements
    • produce software that works well but is not necessarily secure
  • continuous process that parallels typical SDLC practices
  • Each stage includes requirements to ensure that security is continuously monitored and improved
  • focuses on integrating security from the very beginning
    • shift left
  • helps to ensure that software is both functional and secure
  • Rather than treating security as a final step or post-deployment concern,
    • distribute controls from requirements gathering through maintenance
  • goal is to prevent vulnerabilities from forming, not just detect them after the fact

Resources