Think about you are contemplating a brand new automobile for your loved ones. Earlier than making a purchase order, you consider its security rankings, gasoline effectivity, and reliability. You may even take it for a check drive to make sure it meets your wants. The identical method ought to be utilized to software program and {hardware} merchandise earlier than integrating them into a corporation’s setting. Simply as you would not purchase a automobile with out understanding its security options, you should not deploy software program with out understanding the dangers it introduces.
The Rising Risk of Provide Chain Attacks
Cybercriminals have acknowledged that as a substitute of attacking a corporation head-on, they’ll infiltrate by the software program provide chain—like slipping counterfeit components into an meeting line. Based on the 2024 Sonatype State of the Software program Provide Chain report, attackers are infiltrating open-source ecosystems at an alarming price, with over 512,847 malicious packages detected final yr alone—a 156% improve from the earlier yr. Conventional security instruments and processes typically miss these threats, leaving organizations unprepared.
One main instance in 2024 was a year-long provide chain assault uncovered within the Python Package deal Index (PyPI). Attackers uploaded malicious packages disguised as legit AI chatbot instruments, hoping to trick builders into integrating them into their initiatives. These packages contained dangerous code designed to steal delicate knowledge and execute distant instructions on contaminated programs. As a result of PyPI is broadly used throughout varied industries, this assault had the potential to compromise hundreds of functions earlier than security researchers at Kaspersky detected and reported the malicious exercise. This incident highlights how attackers are more and more exploiting trusted repositories to distribute malware, reinforcing the necessity for added in-depth measures when evaluating software program.
A Arms-On Method to Danger Evaluation: Product Safety Testing
Organizations want a structured and repeatable solution to consider software program and {hardware} dangers earlier than introducing them into their environments. This course of, referred to as Product Safety Testing (PST), is about answering key questions:
- What dangers does this product introduce to my community?
- Ought to we use this product, or is there a safer different?
- If we use it, what mitigations ought to be put in place to attenuate threat?
PST is not nearly scanning for vulnerabilities—it is about understanding how a product behaves in your particular setting and figuring out its total threat influence. Given the huge variety of third-party parts utilized in trendy IT, it is unrealistic to scrutinize each software program bundle equally. As an alternative, security groups ought to prioritize their efforts based mostly on enterprise influence and assault floor publicity. Excessive-privilege functions that regularly talk with exterior providers ought to bear product security testing, whereas lower-risk functions might be assessed by automated or much less resource-intensive strategies. Whether or not performed earlier than deployment or as a retrospective evaluation, a structured method to PST ensures that organizations give attention to securing essentially the most crucial property first whereas sustaining total system integrity.
Studying to Assume Pink, Act Blue
The SANS SEC568 course is designed to construct sensible expertise in PST. It focuses on black-box testing, a technique that simulates real-world circumstances the place the supply code is not out there. This makes it extremely relevant for evaluating third-party merchandise that organizations do not have direct management over. The course follows the precept of Assume Pink, Act Blue—by studying offensive ways, organizations can higher defend towards them.
Whereas Product Safety Testing won’t ever stop a breach of a 3rd social gathering out of your management, it’s obligatory to permit organizations to make knowledgeable choices about their defensive posture and response technique. Many organizations observe a regular means of figuring out a necessity, deciding on a product, and deploying it and not using a deep security analysis. This lack of scrutiny can depart them scrambling to find out the influence when a provide chain assault happens.
By incorporating PST into the decision-making course of, security groups acquire crucial documentation, together with dependency mapping, risk fashions, and particular mitigations tailor-made to the know-how in use. This proactive method reduces uncertainty, permitting for sooner and simpler responses when vulnerabilities emerge. Slightly than relying solely on broad trade mitigations, organizations with PST documentation can implement focused security controls that reduce threat earlier than a breach even occurs.
Who leverages Product Safety Testing?
No matter job title, having a powerful basis in product security testing results in higher security posture and preparedness throughout the total group. Whereas the plain match is product security testing groups can leverage these methodologies to judge third-party software program in addition to their very own in-house merchandise – product security testing is not restricted to at least one particular position. This can be a useful talent set that enhances varied positions inside a corporation. Safety auditors can use PST to tailor evaluations to a corporation’s distinctive dangers and compliance wants, whereas penetration testers can transcend easy vulnerability scans to investigate unknown protocols and proprietary software program. Utility builders profit by understanding how attackers exploit security flaws, serving to them write safer code from the beginning, whereas SOC analysts can use these expertise to detect and mitigate threats launched by new software program and {hardware}. Even decision-makers acquire insights from PST, because it helps them make knowledgeable decisions about threat, security investments, and mitigation methods. It is necessary to keep in mind that it is inconceivable to detect, mitigate, exploit, or develop what we do not perceive.
To realize hands-on expertise in product security testing, contemplate attending SEC568 in Orlando from April 13-18, 2024. This coaching will present the technical basis wanted to evaluate software program and {hardware} security successfully. Similar to taking a automobile for a check drive earlier than buying, making use of a structured method to product security testing permits organizations to completely perceive potential dangers earlier than deployment. By following a repeatable methodology, security groups can cut back dangers and be higher ready for future threats.
Notice: This text was expertly written and contributed by Douglas McKee, the Govt Director of Risk Analysis at SonicWall, in addition to the lead writer and teacher for SANS SEC568.
