A New Directive for Software Security
The US federal government has taken a decisive step to bolster cybersecurity by mandating that software developers adhere to stringent security protocols. The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), in partnership with the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), has introduced a new requirement for software creators to complete a secure software development attestation form. This policy is rooted in an executive order from President Joe Biden in 2021 aimed at enhancing the nation’s cyber defense capabilities.The attestation form isn’t merely a bureaucratic hurdle; it’s a concrete strategy to ensure that anyone producing software for the federal government is engaged in best practices throughout the development process. By instituting these measures, the federal government aims to establish a baseline of security that will prevent vulnerabilities at the source, rather than having to contend with them after deployment. This shift places the onus on software makers to prioritize security at every stage of their products’ lifecycle, a philosophy that stands to reshape the industry as a whole.Upgrading Cybersecurity Standards
Chris DeRusha, the federal CISO, and Eric Goldstein of CISA emphasize the critical nature of developing secure software from inception. Their stance advocates for a foundational shift in software development culture, prioritizing principles like transparency, accountability, and proactive security leadership. The push is for security to be a core element rather than an add-on.The detailed attestation form for secure software development stresses essentials for strong security: multi-factor authentication, data encryption, ongoing vulnerability checks, and supply chain integrity. The goal is to bolster security across federal entities and provide a security model for state, local, and private sectors, thus influencing global software practices. The US government leads an effort to embed security into the fabric of software development on an international scale, recognizing the broad impact of these secure practices.
