5 Steps to Creating a Security-Oriented Software Bill of Materials (SBOM)

Creating an SBOM is crucial in today’s environment, as modern software is often composed of various components sourced from different vendors. An SBOM provides a comprehensive overview of all these components, including their versions and dependencies. This allows organizations to better understand and manage their software elements, which is essential not only for quality assurance but also for security. A well-structured SBOM aids in identifying vulnerabilities and assessing security risks that may arise from third-party software.

An SBOM is also essential for complying with regulations and industry standards. Regulatory bodies are increasingly demanding transparency in the software supply chain to ensure companies are taking their product security seriously. With an SBOM, companies can demonstrate they have taken all necessary steps to secure their software. This is particularly important in sectors such as healthcare, finance, and critical infrastructure, where software security can have serious consequences.

Additionally, an SBOM fosters trust among customers and partners. At a time when cyberattacks and data breaches are becoming more frequent, transparency and traceability are key. Customers want assurance that the software they use is secure and reliable. An SBOM can serve as evidence that a company is taking proactive measures to protect its software and minimize potential risks. Ultimately, this strengthens brand trust and can lead to higher customer satisfaction.

Transparency in the software supply chain is a key factor that directly impacts the security and integrity of software applications. When companies have clear visibility into which components are used in their applications, they can take targeted actions to reduce risks. A transparent supply chain allows developers to identify potential vulnerabilities early and implement appropriate security measures. This is especially important because many security incidents stem from vulnerable third-party components.

Transparency also facilitates better collaboration among stakeholders, including developers, security analysts, and management. When all parties are informed about the components in use, they can work more effectively together to develop security strategies tailored to the company’s specific needs. This leads to a proactive security approach where threats are not only detected but actively mitigated.

Another benefit of transparency is its role in supporting regulatory compliance. Many industries are subject to strict regulations that mandate transparency in the software supply chain. An SBOM provides the necessary documentation to demonstrate that all components have been properly reviewed and assessed. This helps reduce legal risks and increases customer trust in a company’s products.

The first step in creating an SBOM is identifying all the software components used in a project. This includes not only the main applications but also all libraries, frameworks, and dependencies integrated into the software. Thorough identification is critical, as even the smallest or seemingly insignificant components can pose security risks. It's also important to capture the exact version number of each component to ensure the data is up to date.

To identify all components, it’s recommended to use automated tools capable of scanning code and listing used libraries and dependencies. These tools can perform detailed software analyses and highlight potential vulnerabilities. Using such technologies not only saves time but also improves the accuracy of the identified components.

After identification, the results should be documented. This can take the form of a table or diagram that includes all identified components, their versions, and other relevant information. A well-organized document facilitates further analysis and risk assessment. The documentation should be updated regularly, especially when new components are added or existing ones are updated.

Once all components have been identified, the next step is to assess the security risks associated with each one. This involves thoroughly analyzing each component to determine if there are any known vulnerabilities or security issues. Many companies use databases and resources such as the CVE database to identify and assess potential risks.

An important part of risk assessment is considering how each component is used. A library that is safe in one application might be vulnerable in another. It’s therefore crucial to analyze the specific context in which each component is used and to evaluate the potential impact of a vulnerability on the entire application. This often requires close collaboration between developers, security analysts, and other stakeholders.

In addition to vulnerability analysis, companies should consider the potential impact of security incidents. They should assess how critical each component is to the overall application and what the consequences of a breach might be. This risk evaluation helps prioritize next steps and allocate resources effectively.

After assessing the security risks, it’s essential to prioritize the identified vulnerabilities. Not all vulnerabilities are equally critical—some pose immediate threats, while others are less severe. Prioritization allows teams to focus their efforts on the most exposed components and address the most serious risks first.

Organizations can use various criteria to prioritize vulnerabilities, such as severity, availability of patches or updates, likelihood of exploitation, and potential business impact. A widely used model for scoring vulnerabilities is the Common Vulnerability Scoring System (CVSS), which offers a standardized method for rating the severity of vulnerabilities.

This prioritization should be reviewed and updated regularly, particularly when new information about vulnerabilities or threats becomes available. A dynamic prioritization approach ensures that companies remain agile and can respond quickly to emerging security challenges. Moreover, the results of the prioritization should be integrated into the SBOM to provide a comprehensive view of the software’s security status.

The next step is to compile the SBOM document by carefully gathering all relevant information. The document should clearly and systematically list all identified software components, their versions, and associated security risks. A well-designed SBOM should be informative and easily understandable by all stakeholders, including developers, security analysts, and management.

When creating the SBOM, specific standards and formats should be followed. There are several specifications that can serve as guides, including SPDX (Software Package Data Exchange) and CycloneDX. These standards help create a uniform format that facilitates interoperability and the exchange of information between various tools and systems.

The SBOM should also be updated regularly to ensure it reflects the current state of the software. Any changes to components, such as new versions or newly integrated libraries, must be documented. A current SBOM is essential for the continuous monitoring and evaluation of security risks throughout the software lifecycle.

The final step is to integrate the SBOM into everyday development practices. It’s important not to view the SBOM as a one-time project, but rather as an integral part of the entire software development lifecycle. Development teams should be encouraged to actively use the SBOM to account for security aspects throughout the development process.

An effective approach is to offer training and workshops for developers. These should highlight the importance of the SBOM and best practices for utilizing the information it provides. By educating developers on the risks and importance of transparency in the software supply chain, they can take a more proactive stance and identify vulnerabilities early.

Furthermore, the SBOM should be integrated into existing CI/CD (Continuous Integration/Continuous Deployment) pipelines. This can be done using automation tools that regularly update the SBOM and ensure that new components and their security status are continuously monitored. Such integration enables teams to respond quickly to new risks and keep the software consistently secure and up to date.