CompTIA Secure Software Professional
1 Secure Software Concepts
1-1 Understanding Secure Software Development Lifecycle (SSDLC)
1-2 Identifying Security Requirements
1-3 Secure Coding Principles
1-4 Threat Modeling
1-5 Risk Management
1-6 Security Testing
1-7 Incident Response and Management
1-8 Software Development Models
1-9 Legal and Compliance Considerations
2 Secure Software Design
2-1 Secure Architecture Design
2-2 Data Protection and Privacy
2-3 Secure Authentication and Authorization
2-4 Secure Communication and Data Transmission
2-5 Secure Logging and Monitoring
2-6 Secure API Design
2-7 Secure Mobile Application Design
2-8 Secure Cloud Application Design
2-9 Secure Microservices Design
2-10 Secure IoT Application Design
3 Secure Software Implementation
3-1 Secure Coding Practices
3-2 Input Validation and Output Encoding
3-3 Error Handling and Exception Management
3-4 Secure Use of Cryptography
3-5 Secure Use of Libraries and Frameworks
3-6 Secure Configuration Management
3-7 Secure Database Interaction
3-8 Secure File Handling
3-9 Secure Session Management
3-10 Secure Use of Third-Party Components
4 Secure Software Testing
4-1 Static Application Security Testing (SAST)
4-2 Dynamic Application Security Testing (DAST)
4-3 Interactive Application Security Testing (IAST)
4-4 Penetration Testing
4-5 Fuzz Testing
4-6 Security Code Review
4-7 Security Testing Automation
4-8 Vulnerability Scanning
4-9 Compliance Testing
4-10 Security Testing in Continuous IntegrationContinuous Deployment (CICD)
5 Secure Software Deployment and Operations
5-1 Secure Deployment Practices
5-2 Secure Configuration of Production Environments
5-3 Secure Patch Management
5-4 Secure Backup and Recovery
5-5 Secure Logging and Monitoring in Production
5-6 Incident Response in Production
5-7 Secure Software Updates and Rollbacks
5-8 Secure Software Decommissioning
5-9 Secure Collaboration and Communication
5-10 Secure Software Supply Chain Management
6 Secure Software Maintenance and Evolution
6-1 Secure Software Maintenance Practices
6-2 Secure Software Evolution
6-3 Secure Software Re-engineering
6-4 Secure Software Documentation
6-5 Secure Software Version Control
6-6 Secure Software Change Management
6-7 Secure Software Quality Assurance
6-8 Secure Software User Training and Awareness
6-9 Secure Software Metrics and Reporting
6-10 Secure Software Lifecycle Management
Risk Management

Risk Management

1. Risk Identification

Risk identification is the process of recognizing potential threats or vulnerabilities that could impact the security of a software system. This involves gathering information from various sources, such as historical data, expert opinions, and stakeholder feedback, to identify all possible risks.

For example, during the development of a banking application, risks could include unauthorized access to user accounts, data breaches, and system downtime. Identifying these risks early helps in planning effective mitigation strategies.

2. Risk Assessment

Risk assessment involves evaluating the identified risks to determine their likelihood and potential impact on the system. This process helps in prioritizing risks based on their severity, allowing organizations to focus on the most critical issues first.

Consider a scenario where a vulnerability in the login system is identified. The risk assessment would involve determining how likely it is for an attacker to exploit this vulnerability and the potential consequences, such as financial loss or damage to the company's reputation. Based on this assessment, the risk can be categorized as high, medium, or low.

3. Risk Mitigation

Risk mitigation is the process of implementing measures to reduce the likelihood or impact of identified risks. This can include technical controls, such as encryption and access controls, as well as procedural measures, such as regular security audits and employee training.

For instance, if a risk assessment identifies a high likelihood of SQL injection attacks, mitigation strategies could include using parameterized queries, input validation, and regular code reviews to ensure that the system is protected against such attacks.

4. Risk Monitoring

Risk monitoring involves continuously tracking the status of identified risks and the effectiveness of implemented mitigation strategies. This process ensures that risks are kept under control and that new risks are promptly identified and addressed.

An example of risk monitoring could be the regular review of system logs to detect any unusual activities that might indicate a security breach. Additionally, periodic risk assessments can help in identifying new risks that may have emerged due to changes in the system or its environment.

5. Risk Communication

Risk communication is the process of sharing information about identified risks and the steps taken to mitigate them with all relevant stakeholders. Effective communication ensures that everyone involved is aware of the risks and understands their roles in managing them.

For example, a project manager might communicate the results of a risk assessment to the development team, outlining the identified risks and the mitigation strategies to be implemented. This ensures that all team members are on the same page and can work together to address the risks effectively.