How to Deal with the OWASP Top 10
As we kick off Cyber Awareness Month, let’s discuss how you can design your application security program to address the OWASP Top 10 effectively.
I’ve shared some great resource links at the end. Be sure to check them out if you want to explore the topics discussed in this post further😀
More on Cyber Awareness Month in case if you are curious.
Stage 1: Identify Gaps in Your AppSec Program
Start by evaluating your current Application Security (AppSec) program. Use the OWASP Software Assurance Maturity Model (SAMM) to find weaknesses in governance, design, implementation, verification, and operations. Set realistic goals to improve these areas over 1–3 years.
Stage 2: Plan a Secure Development Lifecycle (“Paved Road”)
The “paved road” approach makes secure development easy and aligns security and development teams. Aim to provide secure drop-in alternatives, integrate security into the development process, and ensure that the easiest way to build software is also the most secure.
Stage 3: Implement the Paved Road
Work together with your development and operations teams to align the “paved road” with the company’s goals. This approach should cover your entire application ecosystem and help deliver secure software more efficiently.
Stage 4: Migrate to the Paved Road
Migrate upcoming and existing applications to the “paved road.” Use detection tools that alert teams if insecure components are used, and suggest secure replacements.
Stage 5: Test Against the OWASP Top 10
Use the “paved road” to mitigate OWASP Top 10 risks. Implement tools like static code analysis to prevent issues like injections. Ensure that the security of these components is always up-to-date.
Stage 6: Build a Mature AppSec Program
OWASP Top 10 is just a start. Adopt the Application Security Verification Standard to go beyond these basics. Add components and tests based on the risk level of your applications.
Going Beyond the Basics
- Conceptual Integrity: Have a clear security architecture or threat modeling process.
- Automation and Scale: Use automation to streamline security checks and provide tools directly to developers.
- Culture: Eliminate “us vs. them” mentality between security and development teams. Work together as one unit.
- Continuous Improvement: Constantly evaluate and improve your processes. If something isn’t working or scalable, change it.
Ultimately, building a mature AppSec program requires continual learning, collaboration, and a focus on integrating security into every step of the development process.
Resource Links 👇
https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/what-is-secure-software-development-lifecycle
https://snyk.io/learn/secure-sdlc/
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/securityengineering/sdl/practices
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