Apma: A Cutting-Edge AppSec Maturity Model with Your Progress in Focus
We understand the significance of AppSec for the triumphant operation of your business. Given the increasing and changing potential risks due to the widespread use of open-source code and Application Programming Interfaces (APIs), AppSec is rapidly becoming a non-negotiable aspect for enterprises. In order to tackle these risks, it is crucial to amalgamate the application of suitable AppSec technologies with a solid, yet manageable and simple-to-use AppSec approach, ensuring the entire team is coordinated towards the objectives and procedures required to achieve positive outcomes. Though AppSec strategies have been around for a while, it’s high time to reevaluate their efficiency and introduce a more streamlined, easy-to-incorporate framework that caters to the contemporary, rapidly evolving, and constantly shifting enterprises of today.
The Forrester’s 2023 Application Security Status Report emphasizes the importance of incorporating AppSec throughout the entire Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) to safeguard your business presently and in the time to come. Security isn’t something to be treated in isolation or as an afterthought in the SDLC anymore. The need of the hour is an AppSec Maturity Model that empowers organizations to construct a robust AppSec strategy capable of protecting their applications starting from the initial code line to deployment and runtime in the cloud environment.
Let’s discuss strategizing for this framework and selecting the most suitable method to tackle the constantly evolving and increasingly menacing security terrain.
Understanding the Alphabet Soup of Tech Jargon
Which platform should you opt for to develop and enhance your AppSec initiative? The threats are constantly evolving, and the presence of technical terminologies and abbreviations makes it even more challenging to comprehend the functions of specific security frameworks.
Let’s hit the pause button for a moment and delve into a couple of crucial models that are worth your attention.
The Maturity Model for Software Assurance by OWASP (Open Web Application Security Project)
The Open Worldwide Application Security Project, abbreviated as OWASP, is a not-for-profit organization focused on enhancing the safety measures of software.
The objective of OWASP SAMM is to offer a potent and quantifiable method for scrutinizing a development lifecycle with the intention of enhancing its security. The framework is adaptable throughout the entire Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) and is structured to evolve along with the business. It’s customizable to suit particular organizations and their corresponding risk factors. This is accomplished by:
Constructing Security Incorporation Maturity Model (BSIMM)
This model was among the initial AppSec maturity frameworks, established 15 years ago. The evaluation allows you to juxtapose your software security scheme with more than 100 organizations spanning various industry sectors. The outcome is a fair, data-centric review that provides AppSec supervisors with guidance on decisions concerning resources and priorities.
A Novel Perspective on AppSec Maturity Frameworks
Do these current AppSec maturity models still hold significance in 2023?
A prevalent problem is that they frequently supply an overload of information, making it challenging to determine a starting point. Additionally, the matter of stakeholder management arises – most models are centered around the necessities of developers or CISOs, with AppSec managers and developers often overlooked. This leads to a shortfall of support throughout your establishment.
These models prioritize flexibility and adaptability. Although there’s chatter about existing in a world beyond agility, the ever-changing landscape of AppSec threats underscores the ongoing necessity for swift adaptation and quick feedback loops. Nonetheless, an unadulterated form of agile mentality isn’t fit for AppSec. The setting shifts too rapidly, implying that time invested in meticulously constructing multi-stage strategies can often seem squandered.
An Improved Approach – Evaluating Application Program Methodology Framework
Here at Checkmarx, we’ve crafted a unique approach to elevate the standard of AppSec frameworks and methodologies. We proudly present our creation – the AppSec Program Methodology and Assessment (APMA) Framework.
Our past experiences suggest that the best strategy for advancing your AppSec maturity model involves pinpointing a desired goal and then methodically planning how to achieve it. You need to figure out what steps you must take to transition from your present state to your target state. This can be accomplished by breaking the process down into manageable short phases, or “sprints”, that help you bridge the gap. This will gradually provide a more transparent view of your program’s progress as your goal steadily becomes achievable.
