• Target the senior level executives in your organization. • Provide a paper about one of the three Security Practices in the OWASP SAMM 2.0  Business Function “DESIGN”: o Threat Assessment o Security Requirements o Secure Architecture • Provide the importance of these items and why SAMM assessment needs to be  conducted. Instructions: • Write a summary on the Security Practice that you selected of the three in the DESIGN  OWASP SAMM 2.0 Business Function. o Describe in full detail. o Also answer these two questions in full detail, clearly demonstrating  understanding with no detail missing:  The importance of these items, AND  Why SAMM assessment needs to be conducted Requirements: • 2–3 page APA paper excluding title and reference pages  • Provide at least two references and in-text citations in APA format (these will preferably  be in addition to the main text)  • College level writing  • Should be your own work in your own words Purchase the answer to view it

Title: The Importance of Conducting Security Assessments in the Design Phase

Introduction:

In today’s digital landscape, ensuring the security of software applications is of paramount importance. With the increasing number of cyber threats, it is essential for organizations to adopt effective security practices to protect their assets, customers, and reputation. One recognized framework for evaluating security practices is the Open Web Application Security Project (OWASP) Software Assurance Maturity Model (SAMM) 2.0. In this paper, we will delve into the importance of conducting security assessments in the Design phase of application development, focusing on the three key security practices defined in the OWASP SAMM 2.0 Business Function “DESIGN”: Threat Assessment, Security Requirements, and Secure Architecture.

Threat Assessment in the Design Phase:

Threat assessment involves identifying potential threats and vulnerabilities that could be exploited by malicious actors during the development of an application. It enables organizations to proactively assess the level of risk associated with different design decisions. By conducting a thorough threat assessment, organizations can identify and prioritize potential vulnerabilities early in the software development lifecycle, which, in turn, facilitates the implementation of appropriate security controls to mitigate these risks. Failure to conduct a thorough threat assessment during the design phase may result in the development of insecure software that is susceptible to exploitation, leading to severe consequences such as data breaches, financial loss, and damage to a company’s brand reputation.

Security Requirements in the Design Phase:

Defining security requirements during the design phase is crucial for ensuring that an application meets the necessary security standards. Security requirements capture the necessary security controls, functionalities, and constraints that need to be incorporated into the solution to mitigate identified risks. These requirements serve as the foundation for implementing security controls and help drive the decision-making process throughout the development process. Conducting a comprehensive analysis of security requirements enables organizations to align their application design with industry best practices, regulatory requirements, and organizational policies. By doing so, organizations can build more resilient and secure applications that provide a higher level of protection against potential threats.

Secure Architecture in the Design Phase:

Secure architecture refers to the process of designing and implementing a robust and resilient technical infrastructure for an application. It involves making architectural decisions that minimize risks and enhance the security posture of the application. A well-designed secure architecture ensures the proper separation of application components, implements security controls at critical points, and addresses potential security weaknesses. By considering security as an integral part of the application’s architecture, organizations can mitigate risks and improve the overall security posture of the software. Failure to adequately address secure architecture considerations during the design phase may result in the development of applications with inherent vulnerabilities, creating potential entry points for unauthorized access and exploitation.

Importance of Conducting Security Assessments:

Conducting security assessments in the design phase is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, it helps organizations identify and address security issues at an early stage, reducing the costs and efforts associated with fixing vulnerabilities in later stages of the software development lifecycle. Secondly, it ensures that the necessary security controls and requirements are incorporated into the design, minimizing the potential risk of breaches and unauthorized access. Thirdly, it enables organizations to demonstrate compliance with regulatory requirements and industry standards, enhancing their trustworthiness and credibility. Finally, conducting security assessments during the design phase helps organizations build a culture of security within their development teams, instilling security-conscious practices and behaviors that contribute to the overall resilient software development lifecycle.

In conclusion, conducting security assessments in the design phase plays a vital role in ensuring the development of secure software applications. By proactively identifying and addressing potential threats, defining robust security requirements, and implementing secure architecture, organizations can enhance their security posture, protect critical assets, and maintain customer trust. OWASP SAMM 2.0 provides a valuable framework for organizations to evaluate and improve their security practices while aligning them with industry standards and best practices.