Have you ever worked on a project without a clear direction or guidelines? It can be stressful and pointlessly chaotic. Without structure and task lists, what could have been a basic project turns into a mess of miscommunication. The same principle applies to software development management.

In an age when software development is a core function of most organizations, specific and detailed processes need to be in place to ensure information systems are well developed. What is a secure software development life cycle (SDLC)? What should you include in your SDLC? Let’s talk through these software development life cycle basics.

What is a Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC)?

A software development life cycle (SDLC) is a framework that helps define tasks and work phases that are used by system engineers and developers to plan, design, build, test, and deliver information systems.

Why is software development management important to your organization?

It’s about maintaining a secure environment that supports your business needs. It’s made up of policies, procedures, and standards that guide your organization’s secure software development processes.

What Are Some Secure Software Development Models?

There are many software development models that can be implemented in your organization. These methodologies include:

  • Waterfall
  • Agile
  • Lean Software Development
  • DevOps
  • Iterative Development
  • Spiral Development
  • V-Model Development

Waterfall

The waterfall is a sequential linear approach to development. A development project passes through clearly defined phases, each of which produces a deliverable that passes into the next phase. Phases include requirements, analysis, design, coding, testing, and operations. 

Agile

Agile development is an iterative and incremental approach to development. In contrast to the waterfall method, the process is broken into short sprints that combine aspects of all development phases. After each sprint, the stakeholders assess progress and set goals for the next. 

Lean Software Development

Lean Software Development attempts to reduce waste by eliminating activities that don’t provide direct value to the customer, including repeated work, ineffective communication, and some management activity.

DevOps

DevOps combines the roles of software development and IT operations with the goal of accelerating the software development lifecycle. It is closely related to both agile and iterative development and is facilitated by cloud technologies and continuous integration and deployment software.

Iterative Development

Iterative Development uses short, repeated cycles to move from a minimal software solution to a complete product. Agile is an iterative development process.

Spiral Development

Spiral Development combines elements of iterative software development and the Waterfall model, focusing on risk reduction.

V-Model Development

V-Model Development is a modification of the Waterfall method that adds testing to each phase of the software development lifecycle.

SDLC Best Practices: The 5 Phases of a Secure Software Development Life Cycle

For whichever software development methodology your organization implements, you’ll find a common structure between the various models. These five phases of a software development life cycle can be identified in each methodology:

  1. Planning – Start your secure software development by mapping out a timeline, requirements, and any preliminary details necessary.
  2. Analysis – The organization defines objectives, project goals, and the functions and operations of the application.
  3. Design – Detailed screen layouts, business rules, process diagrams, pseudocode, and other documentation is laid out. Development begins and secure code is written.
  4. Implementation – Testing and integration bring all the pieces together in an environment that checks for errors, bugs, vulnerabilities, gaps, and interoperability.
  5. Maintenance – Once your software is developed, maintaining updates, performance evaluations, and making any changes to the initial software are key maintenance procedures.

How Will Software Development Management Make You More Secure?

The process of developing and building secure software can help your development team understand common security pitfalls to avoid. In the complex world of software development, it’s easy to miss issues in your code when you aren’t implementing a detailed plan of action.

By using the right tools to aid in secure software development, you can cut down on costs, increase efficiency, and implement continuous testing to reduce risk. If information security is your priority, you need to ensure your software development life cycle is up to standards. To learn more about security testing and third-party penetration testing, contact KirkpatrickPrice today. Let’s make sure your security practices are working for you, not against you.

More Dev Compliance Resources

PCI Requirement 6.5 – Address Common Coding Vulnerabilities in Software-Development Processes

Compliance Is Never Enough: Secure Software Development

Think Like a Hacker: How Could Your Mobile Apps Be Compromised?

Independent Audit Verifies ComGraphic’s Internal Controls and Processes

Chicago, IL – ComGraphics (CGI), a leading Chicago-based commercial printer, today announced that it has completed its SOC 2 Type II audit. This attestation provides evidence that CGI has a strong commitment to deliver high quality services to its clients by demonstrating they have the necessary internal controls and processes in place.

SOC 2 engagements are based on the AICPA’s Trust Services Criteria. SOC 2 service auditor reports focus on a service organization’s non-financial reporting controls as they relate to security, availability, processing integrity, confidentiality, and privacy of a system. KirkpatrickPrice’s service auditor report verifies the suitability of the design and operating effectiveness of CGI’s controls to meet the standards for these criteria.

In a statement, CGI says, “CGI is a premier provider of customized paper and web-based document solutions within the various markets that we serve. We achieve this by listening to our clients’ needs, and responding with the highest quality products, establishing well designed efficient processes, and servicing our clients at a level that consistently exceeds their expectations. Our commitment to flexibility, accuracy, security and transparency allow us to become an integral part of the organizations that we serve.”

“The SOC 2 audit is based on the Trust Services Criteria. CGI has selected the security, availability, and confidentiality categories for the basis of their audit,” said Joseph Kirkpatrick, President of KirkpatrickPrice. “CGI delivers trust-based services to their clients, and by communicating the results of this audit, their clients can be assured of their reliance on CGI’s controls.”

About CGI

CGI has been providing paper and web-based document processing solutions for the past 40+ years, serving various industries that include: financial, insurance, healthcare, legal and utilities. Established in 1980, initially CGI’s core business was providing document archiving/storage alternatives. Throughout its history, powerful and long-standing relationships with its clients, and various data providers were the driving force behind CGI’s transition into the premier document solutions provider that it is today. CGI’s services include: document design and processing, laser printing, inserting/mailing, warehousing/distribution, digital document conversion, and a comprehensive suite of e-document solutions. CGI is headquartered in Chicago, IL, where its 55,000 sq. ft. processing facility houses approximately 100 employees and supports 24/7 operations. It has a second office located in Ann Arbor, MI, which is an integral part of its Disaster Recovery/Business Continuity Plan. CGI is SOC 2 Type II compliant, and recently became an ESOP. The employee ownership culture has only enhanced the level of commitment that CGI has to its clients, and to the success of the processes they outsource and entrust to CGI. CGI looks forward to continuing to innovate, and expand the customized services, and as always, position itself as the true partner by delivering the highest level of product and service.

The Need for a Culture of Cybersecurity at Work

According to IBM Security’s 2019 Cost of a Data Breach report, “The average total cost of a data breach in the U.S. has grown from $3.54 million in 2006 to $8.19 million in 2019, a 130 percent increase over 14 years.” What does this mean for organizations looking to prevent data breaches and security incidents? It means that in order for organizations to adequately prepare to deal with today’s cyber risks, avoid costly fines and penalties for non-compliance, and give clients the peace of mind they deserve, their corporate structure should reinforce a culture of compliance – one that is strongly embedded into the organization, clearly visible in the company’s org chart, and focused on cybersecurity.

Cybersecurity is a Company-Wide Effort

Establishing a culture of cybersecurity at work is no longer just a best practice – it’s absolutely necessary. But for many organizations, initiatives that emphasize both cybersecurity and compliance haven’t been a major focal point for departments outside of IT. Because IT has traditionally been the sole bearer of cybersecurity and compliance initiatives, cybersecurity and compliance best practices are only seen as a small component of the business strategy instead of being a strategic initiative in itself. In order to make this happen, a culture of cybersecurity should be embedded into every aspect of your organization – even in your org chart. While it will depend on factors like your organization’s size, industry, budget, or personnel experience, there are typically three ways to emphasize cybersecurity through your org chart: top-down, bottom-up, and network. Whichever way you structure it, there needs to be clear lines of communication between personnel vertically and horizontally.

3 Ways an Org Chart Reinforces Cybersecurity

Top-Down Org Chart

Perhaps the most common org chart is the top-down structure; it starts with the Board of Directors and ends with entry- or low-level employees. In order to emphasize a culture of cybersecurity at work in this org chart model, the Board of Directors needs to set the tone for compliance initiatives. This means that in the company’s business strategy, cybersecurity and compliance will be strategic initiatives and not merely a responsibility that IT reports on. A basic rendering of a top-down org chart might look something like this:

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Bottom-Up Org Chart

Opposite to the top-down org chart model, bottom-up org charts are less common but empower lower-level employees to take part of the culture of cybersecurity at work. In these models, low-level employees often feel like they have a greater role in creating and maintaining a culture that focuses on cybersecurity and compliance because they understand that their day-to-day tasks play a key role in the company’s overall business strategy. This org chart also opens up more lines of communication between upper management and lower-level employees, as employees are likely to feel more empowered to identify and report on issues when they know that their bosses will listen to their concerns and make corrective actions when necessary. A bottom-up org chart typically looks like an inverted pyramid, like the following:

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Network Org Chart

More and more businesses are relying on third-parties to supply information security services for their organization, especially those companies who don’t have the time, budget, or personnel resources to meet their growing cybersecurity needs. But when major components of the business are outsourced, maintaining a culture of cybersecurity and compliance becomes more difficult. By developing a network org chart, businesses can clearly see where they’ve outsourced components of the business, where they’re located, who is responsible for overseeing those vendors and their compliance efforts – all while showing where in-house departments are, who oversees them, and what tasks they’re responsible for. A network org chart might look something like this:

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Regardless of the org chart model your business uses, ensuring that every employee knows who they need to be communicating with is essential, especially in regard to a culture of cybersecurity at work. If you’re looking to revise your company’s org chart, let’s chat so you can find out how KirkpatrickPrice can help!

More Cybersecurity Resources

How to Lead a Cybersecurity Initiative

Auditor Insights: Compliance from the Start

Fact or Fiction: Everything You Need to Know About Leading Compliance Initiatives

Independent Audit Verifies Internal Controls and Processes

Durham, NC – Net Friends, a North-Carolina based IT service and solutions provider, today announced that it has completed its voluntary SOC 2 Type II audit. This attestation provides evidence that Net Friends has a strong commitment to deliver high quality services to its clients by demonstrating they have the necessary internal controls and processes in place.

“The SOC 2 Type II audit was a deep dive into our processes and internal controls,” said John Snyder, President of Net Friends. “This voluntary audit allowed us to confirm we have the appropriate policies, standards, and procedures in place and prove it to an independent auditor. We are so pleased that the audit uncovered no issues and shows we have taken the steps necessary to protect our clients.” Audit findings are available for client review on request.

SOC 2 engagements are based on the AICPA’s Trust Services Criteria. SOC 2 audit reports focus on a service organization’s non-financial reporting controls as they relate to security, availability, processing integrity, confidentiality, and privacy of a system. KirkpatrickPrice’s audit report verifies the suitability of the design and operating effectiveness of Net Friends’ controls to meet the standards for these criteria.

“The SOC 2 audit is based on the Trust Services Criteria. Net Friends has selected the security and availability categories for the basis of their audit,” said Joseph Kirkpatrick, President of KirkpatrickPrice. “Net Friends delivers trust-based services to their clients, and by communicating the results of this audit, their clients can be assured of their reliance on Net Friends’ controls.”

About Net Friends

Net Friends provides comprehensive managed IT services, IT security and strategy, and IT staffing to clients in North Carolina and across the US. We are technology partners, delivering fast, flexible, & effective tech expertise and solutions that have fueled our clients’ success for over 20 years. We believe in people, and we love to see our customers and community thrive. Learn more at www.netfriends.com or follow us on LinkedIn.

Fort Lauderdale, FL – Cannabis software firm BioTrack, a wholly owned subsidiary of Helix Technologies, Inc. (OTCQB: HLIX), has completed its SOC 2 Type II audit. BioTrack was the first publicly traded seed-to-sale software company to complete a SOC 2 Type I audit and continues to show its commitment to security by completing the SOC 2Type II audit.

This independent audit of the company’s software system and organizational controls provides assurance that controls relevant to security and confidentiality are suitably designed in accordance with standards established by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA).

“When a company or government municipality wants to outsource functions pertaining to operating, collecting, processing, transmitting, storing, organizing, maintaining, and disposing of information, they are often required to validate that the organization is meeting certain standards. BioTrack can now provide that validation through the work of an independent and qualified auditor,” said David Terrell, Chief Technology Officer of Helix Technologies. “SOC 2 is considered a technical audit, but it goes beyond that by requiring companies to establish and follow strict information security policies and procedures, encompassing the security, availability, processing integrity, confidentiality, and privacy of customer data.”

“Achieving the SOC 2 Type II audit designation is another way we demonstrate our commitment to the safety and security of our government and commercial clients,” said Zachary L. Venegas, CEO and Executive Chairman of Helix Technologies. “As the cannabis landscape continues to grow and evolve at a rapid pace, we remain laser-focused on continuing to provide safe and compliant solutions, mitigating risk and driving real value for all clients.”

The recently issued SOC 2 Type II report from KirkpatrickPrice, a licensed CPA firm, verifies that the controls stated in the description of BioTrack’s system and organizational controls are suitably designed and operating effectively, based on the criteria relevant to security and confidentiality. Joseph Kirkpatrick, President of KirkpatrickPrice, commented, “BioTrack delivers trust-based services to its clients despite the challenges of being in an industry under constant scrutiny. By communicating the results of this SOC 2 Type II audit, BioTrack clients can be assured of their reliance on BioTrack’s controls.”

About Helix Technologies, Inc.

Helix Technologies, Inc. (HLIX) is a leading provider of critical infrastructure services, helping owners and operators of licensed cannabis businesses stay competitive and compliant while mitigating risk. Through its proprietary technology suite and security services, Helix Technologies provides comprehensive supply chain management, compliance tools, and asset protection for any license type in any regulated cannabis market.  While Helix provides services to the Cannabis and Hemp Industries, the Company does not deal directly with the plant or any derivative products. Helix Technologies’ products reach over 2,000 customer locations in 38 states and 6 countries and has processed over $20 billion in cannabis sales. For more information on Helix Technologies and to sign up for investor updates, visit us at www.helixtechnologies.com, www.biotrack.com. and follow Biotrack on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. Sign up for the CannaPulse Newsletter for legislative changes, software updates and more.