Common Questions about SBOM (FAQ)

FAQ: Answers to your most important SBOM questions

Feb 7, 2025

  1. What is an SBOM?
    An SBOM (Software Bill of Materials) is a detailed list of all components included in a software product.

  2. Why is SBOM important?
    SBOM increases transparency, improves security, and facilitates compliance with laws and regulations.

  3. How do you create an SBOM?
    SBOMs are usually created automatically with tools like Syft, Trivy, and SBOM Observer.

  4. Which tools can generate SBOMs?
    Tools like Syft, Trivy, and SBOM Observer can generate SBOMs.

  5. What does an SBOM contain?
    An SBOM contains component names, versions, license information, dependencies, and sometimes also information about potential vulnerabilities.

  6. Is SBOM a legal requirement?
    No, neither NIS2 nor the proposed Cyber Resilience Act explicitly require SBOM. However, SBOM provides a clear overview of the software supply chain and thus facilitates regulatory compliance and vulnerability management in accordance with these and other security regulations.

  7. What's the difference between CycloneDX and SPDX?
    CycloneDX and SPDX are both standardized formats for SBOM, but CycloneDX is specifically adapted for security analysis while SPDX focuses more on license information.

  8. Can all SCA tools create SBOMs?
    Yes, most SCA tools (Software Composition Analysis) can generate SBOMs in standardized formats like CycloneDX and SPDX.

  9. What is an SBOM Management tool?
    An SBOM Management tool, like SBOM Observer, is used for further analysis, archiving, and management of SBOMs.

  10. How do you integrate SBOM into DevOps?
    SBOM is integrated into DevOps through automation of SBOM generation, security scanning, and use of SBOM Management tools.

  11. Can SBOM help identify vulnerabilities?
    Yes, SBOM makes it possible to quickly identify and address vulnerabilities in software components.

  12. Which standards are used for SBOM?
    The most common standards are CycloneDX and SPDX.

  13. What is CycloneDX?
    CycloneDX is a lightweight format for SBOM that is adapted for security analysis and vulnerability management.

  14. What is SPDX?
    SPDX (Software Package Data Exchange) is a format that focuses on license information and component data in SBOM.

  15. How often should SBOMs be updated?
    SBOMs should be updated continuously, i.e., with each new version or change to the software.

  16. Can SBOM be used in both development and operations?
    Yes, SBOM is useful both during development to ensure secure components and in operations to manage vulnerabilities.

  17. What is NIS2 and CRA?
    NIS2 is an EU directive that updates and tightens cybersecurity requirements for businesses in critical sectors. The Cyber Resilience Act (CRA) is a proposed EU regulation that is expected to raise cybersecurity requirements for digital products. Although neither explicitly requires SBOM, an SBOM can facilitate regulatory compliance and vulnerability management in accordance with both.

  18. How can SBOM contribute to a more secure supply chain?
    By clearly mapping which components are included in a product, SBOM provides better oversight of potential risks. This reduces the risk of hidden vulnerabilities and makes it possible to quickly address problems, leading to a more robust and secure supply chain.

  19. How do I know if SBOM is relevant for my software project?
    SBOM is useful regardless of the size and type of software. Even small projects can benefit from discovering vulnerable or license-problematic components in advance, which saves both time and resources in the long run.

  20. How can SBOM Observer help my organization?
    SBOM Observer offers tools to manage, analyze, and visualize SBOMs, which facilitates security management and compliance. Contact us for more information.