Core security objectives of confidentiality, integrity  and availability (CIA), as well as privacy,  drive the requirements for  security in software.   Secure design principles define practices that can guide decisions at the architecture level regardless of the platform and regardless of the programming language. These principles lay the foundation for building secure software. 

Organizations follow different approaches to develop software, but security must be integrated throughout the process. This module explores compliance challenges, risk management, secure configuration, and best practices for protecting software across its entire life cycle.

Good software security begins with an organizational structure that defines and addresses requirements. Establishing these expectations upfront helps reduce the need for excessive production security safeguards later in the life cycle. 

The design phase is where critical decisions shape both functionality and security. Strong architecture and thoughtful planning help reduce risks and create a solid foundation for secure software.

The implementation phase is one of the most important phases of the software development life cycle. Organizations that develop software should establish and enforce secure coding standards and ensure robust input validation, output encoding, authentication, session management, access control, and error management.  

Testing ensures software works as intended and can withstand misuse or attacks. Security testing plays a critical role by identifying vulnerabilities early and reducing risk before release.

Deployment and integration are critical moments for security. Strong controls, secure configurations, and ongoing monitoring help protect systems and maintain operational integrity.

Outsourcing and third-party software can speed development but also increase exposure to vulnerabilities. Strong controls and careful oversight help safeguard the supply chain and critical assets.

ISC2 is the world’s leading member organization for cybersecurity professionals, driven by our vision of a safe and secure cyber world. Our certified members and associates are a force for good, safeguarding the way we live. Our certifications enable professionals to demonstrate their knowledge, skills and abilities at every stage of their careers. Becoming a certified secure software life cycle professional through the CSSLP shows employers and peers that you have the advanced technical skills and knowledge necessary to implement best practices, policies, and procedures throughout the SDLC.