There can be many reasons why you don't want unwanted components in your Software Supply Chain. Often it's about unwanted vulnerabilities, but it can just as well be because they are components that are old, too new, from nationalities that conflict with policies, or completely other reasons.
The analogy is ordering food and why you want to know which ingredients are included - intolerances, allergies, religious reasons, or other personal reasons.
Software development works the same way. Your software is often a composition of components from different suppliers (including open source), and you need to know exactly what's included to ensure it's secure.
This is where SBOM comes in as an "ingredient list" for your software. It gives you a complete map of all components included, including their dependencies and origins. This is crucial for understanding and managing risks in the supply chain. For example, if a component you use depends on a library with a known vulnerability, you can quickly see this in the SBOM and take action.
SBOM also plays an important role in building trust with customers and partners. By sharing your SBOM, you show that you know what's included in your software and that you actively work with security. This is especially important in industries where security requirements are high, such as finance, healthcare, or infrastructure (i.e., industries that are often regulated and affected by various regulations and laws).
To maximize the benefit of SBOM in your supply chain, you can:
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Integrate SBOM into your processes: Ensure that SBOM is created automatically with every new version of your software.
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Scan regularly: Use the SBOM to check that no new risks have crept into the supply chain.
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Collaborate with suppliers: Ask your suppliers for SBOMs for their components, so you have full insight into the entire chain.
By using SBOM as part of your software supply chain, you can reduce risks, increase transparency, and build a more reliable end product. It's like knowing exactly what's in your meal – but for your software.